Investing in the Future: Gov. Umo Eno’s Youth Development Initiatives

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Investing in the Future: Gov. Umo Eno’s Youth Development Initiatives

By Ekemini James
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has in the last eighteen months in Office demonstrated strong commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in line with the policy of his administration.
His administration, though still in its early stages, has introduced initiatives that provide opportunities for the young people across the State, resulting in a quantum leap with far-reaching impact.
In achieving his vision of empowering the youths with the skills they need to succeed, the Governor established Ibom-LED to equip budding and aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to establish and sustain successful businesses.
So far, over 1,200 youths have graduated from the programme and 800 of them have gotten 500,000 naira business grants each as exit strategy to ensure they have a sustainable means of livelihood.
Also, 400 female youths who recently graduated from Ibom-LED would be given 500,000 naira each for business capital plus 250,000 naira for renting of shops as promised by the Governor in the coming month. These will have a multiplier effect thereby reducing unemployment and promoting wealth creation.
At DASAC in Ikot Ada Idem, Ibiono Ibom Local Government, 200 youths selected across the 31 Local Government Areas are undergoing free training with a monthly transport allowance of ₦20,000 per person throughout the training duration in various courses including; Information and communication technology, fashion and design, catering, shoe making, fisheries, livestock, poultry, snail farming, furniture, welding and fabrication and lots more.
Recently, a total of ₦750 million grants was disbursed to 15,000 unemployed youths selected across the State as part of the Governor’s initiatives to support unemployed youths while waiting for other employment opportunities.
At the presentation of the event, the Governor noted that 100,000 youths will benefit from the programme within one year and appreciated the youths for staying off violent tendencies, continuous support for the ARISE Agenda, and contributing to the development of the State.
The Governor, in line with his economic advancement plan to drive business growth, partnered with the Bank of Industry to boost SMEs at a single digit interest.
With the presence of BOI in the State and 2 billion counterpart funds provided by the State Government, entrepreneurs can now have access to low-interest and long-term loans to support and expand their businesses, create more job opportunities thereby contributing to the overall development of the State.
In the area of security, the Governor has employed about 550 youths into Ibom Community Watch and intends to expand the number to over 3,000 to cover the entire state in the coming year.
Also, increase in bursaries for students in public tertiary institutions from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 for undergraduates, and from ₦10,000 to ₦30,000 for professional students (Law, Medicine, Engineering, and Agriculture) for 20,000 as well as educational grants for 1,000 public tertiary institution students living with disabilities at ₦250,000 for undergraduates and ₦300,000 for professional and postgraduate students are initiatives that have helped the young people.
The Governor has created a stand alone Ministry of Youth Development and his youth-friendly initiatives is already fostering socio-economic growth, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating employment opportunities for Akwa Ibom youths
In agriculture, more than 100 young people have been trained by the current administration in Integrated farming. Additionally, the Ibom Model Farm in Nsit Ubium, when completed, will not only serve as a tourism destination and business hub but will also provide jobs for about 1,000 Akwa Ibom youths, excluding value chain
Today, one can make bold to say that all the policies and Initiatives of Governor Umo Eno’s administration are youth-oriented from the one project per Local Government, construction of compassionate homes, construction of Model Primary Schools and other infrastructural development where young people are already working at different sites and serving as resource persons.
Another significant step in youth engagement by the Governor is the appointment of 368 Ward Personal Assistants, comprising young individuals from across all Wards in the state as well as other strategic appointments. These shows the Governor’s commitment to not just empowering the youths but ensuring that they also participate in governance.
Let me end my piece by saying that, all the policies and Initiatives of Governor Umo Eno’s administration in the last eighteen months are youth-oriented from the appointment of 368 Ward Personal Assistants who are all youths, the one project per Local Government, construction of compassionate homes, construction of Model Primary Schools, construction of Model Health Centres and other infrastructural development projects, where young people are already working at different sites and providing expertise.

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