Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno on Tuesday commissioned the Arise Youth Skill Centre in Oron, describing the project as a deliberate strategy to decentralise youth empowerment and bring skills development closer to young people at the grassroots.
Accordingly, with the center operational in all the 31 local government areas soon, a total of 31,000 youths are to be trained annually in all the facilities.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Umo Eno said the establishment of Youth Development Centres across the state is part of a clear policy to ensure young people no longer have to travel to Uyo before accessing government empowerment programmes.
He disclosed that local government chairmen were requested to provide land within their headquarters for the centres, noting that 14 local government areas had already complied, with Oron completing its facility ahead of others.
Governor Eno revealed that the programme is designed to cover all 31 local government areas, with the first phase to be completed before further expansion in 2027.
He emphasised that the centres are strictly training and empowerment hubs, warning that they must not be used for weddings, parties, or other social events.
“Training programmes will soon commence in ICT, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other digital skills to prepare our youths for emerging global opportunities,” Governor Eno said.
The Governor added that about 100 youths will be selected per training cycle, with a target of empowering at least 1,000 youths annually in each of the 31 local government area.
Vocational training will also cover fashion design, catering, digital literacy, and other entrepreneurial skills tailored to local needs.
He noted that the initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Ministry of Sports.
Additional recreational activities such as chess and scrabble will be introduced to enhance mental development.
Governor Eno further stated that the centres will be powered by solar energy and equipped with e-libraries to ensure uninterrupted learning and research access.
He urged youths to take ownership of the initiative and called on local government chairmen to ensure proper monitoring and protection of the facilities.
In his appreciation message, Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerete Ekanem, commended Governor Umo Eno for what he described as a visionary investment in the future of young people in the state.
He explained that the facility includes a multipurpose training hall, digital library and ICT hub, creative and media centre, youth enterprise kiosk, networking and relaxation spaces, and recreational facilities.
Dr. Ekanem noted that each component was deliberately designed to transform young people from job seekers into job creators thereby reducing unemployment while promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among young people.
He further revealed that social welfare officers would be deployed to provide counselling services and address issues such as drug abuse and other social challenges affecting youths.
Dr. Ekanem emphasised that the centre is strictly for training and development, not for social or entertainment activities, and assured that the Ministry will work with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective programme delivery.
