By Mfon Patrick|Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has been described as a leader whose administration is deliberately and consistently investing in youth development as a foundation for sustainable growth and social stability in the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, made the assertion on Wednesday while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the Atabong Youth Development Forum held in Eket.
Elder Bassey said one of the governor’s earliest and most strategic decisions on assuming office was to prioritise the empowerment of young people through structured programmes aimed at self-realisation, skills development and economic prosperity.
According to him, this commitment informed the creation of two stand-alone ministries, the Ministry of Youth Development and the Ministry of Sports, both designed to serve as institutional drivers for talent discovery, entrepreneurship, capacity building and youth empowerment.
“The Governor has moved beyond rhetoric by putting structures in place that position youths as active contributors to development, not as liabilities,” Bassey said. “This administration understands that the future of Akwa Ibom depends on how well its young population is prepared today.”
He noted that the appointment of a young and highly qualified medical practitioner, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, as Commissioner for Youth Development was a deliberate move to inject energy, innovation and credibility into the youth-focused vision of the administration, as outlined in the ARISE Agenda.
Bassey disclosed that Governor Umo Eno has also flagged off the construction of Youth-Friendly Centres in all 31 local government areas of the state. The centres, he explained, are designed as one-stop hubs for youth engagement, training, mentorship and empowerment.
He commended Dr. Ekanem for recording notable progress since his appointment, including the initiation of programmes that actively engage young people and redirect them from unproductive activities. He cited a recent free medical outreach organised by the Youth Development Commissioner, which involved thousands of youths in both planning and execution.
“Gone are the days when youth was defined only by crime, drugs and social vices,” Bassey declared, adding that the current administration is redefining youthfulness as innovation, productivity and leadership.
The Sports Commissioner also highlighted sports as a major empowerment channel under the Umo Eno administration.
He said Akwa Ibom youths have benefited from increased participation in local, national and international competitions, as well as scholarships awarded to outstanding athletes to study abroad.
According to him, athletes who have distinguished themselves in various tournaments have been celebrated, honoured and rewarded by the governor as part of a deliberate policy to motivate excellence and professionalism in sports.
Speaking further, Elder Bassey reaffirmed his commitment to youth and women empowerment across the state, stressing that meaningful development is impossible without deliberate investment in young people.
“I am here on the occasion of the 2025 Atabong Youth Development Day because this is my community,” he said. “We cannot guarantee a bright future if we fail to invest in and support our youths today.”
He added that Governor Umo Eno has mandated the Ministry of Sports to ensure that youths across the state are meaningfully engaged through organised and rewarding sporting activities that enable them to harness and showcase their talents.
“I am encouraged by the massive turnout of youths here today,” he said. “As one of you, I assure you that we will continue to identify, support and empower youths and women across Akwa Ibom to help them realise their full potential. This is a core pillar of the ARISE Agenda, and we are fully committed to it.”
Elder Bassey further stated that the governor is satisfied with the conduct, discipline and potential of Akwa Ibom youths, noting that the administration remains intentional in addressing their needs through targeted training and empowerment initiatives aimed at securing a brighter future for the state and the nation.
The event featured empowerment schemes alongside colourful displays of the rich cultural heritage of the Atabong people.
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