By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
A group, Advocate for Good Governance and Humanity, has described Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom’s initiative to empower 100,000 youths in the state through various schemes as unprecedented.
At a youth rally yesterday in Uyo, Eno announced a multi-billion naira empowerment program for the state’s youths, in recognition of their role in maintaining peace and refraining from participating in the recent anti-government protests.
The Director General of the group, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, commended Eno at a press conference yesterday in Abuja. She noted that although the group is a platform of loyalists and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), they are blind to political party sentiments when it comes to recognizing the unprecedented display of leadership by Eno, who is of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Ibrahim stated that Eno has demonstrated that beyond his aggressive infrastructural renaissance in the state, he cares even more for the people for whom the infrastructure is developed, particularly the youths, who represent the future.
“That is why we are thrilled that, in addition to the record training and empowerment of 800 young entrepreneurs in the state through the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development (Ibom LED), the governor still rolled out impressive packages for the youths yesterday.
“Some of the packages announced at the youth appreciation rally, which was attended by 200 youths from each of the 31 Local Government Areas of the state, include special support for 5,000 youths. Among these, 3,000 youths will be absorbed into the Ibom Community Watch.
“Additionally, the ARISE Entrepreneurial Support Programme will be established, empowering 2,000 entrepreneurs across the 31 Local Government Areas of the state. Furthermore, 150 youths have been trained in the agricultural sector.
“We were even more thrilled to hear from the governor that some Akwa Ibom youths are currently undergoing various trainings at the School of Aviation Technology. He also announced that 200 youths will be trained in various skills, with a monthly transport allowance of ₦20,000 each.
“The governor also announced that student bursaries have been increased from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000. Professional and postgraduate students will now receive ₦30,000 instead of ₦10,000 as bursaries. Additionally, 500 youths will be given a monthly grant of ₦50,000.
“As a governor with an inclusive approach to governance, he pledged his continued support to disabled students and urged the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning to partner with the Senior Special Assistant on ICT to launch an employment portal that will aid in employing youths across political party lines,” the DG said.
She commended Eno for consistently including everyone, regardless of party, race, region, or religion, and urged other governors to learn from his example.
“Advocates for Good Governance and Humanity (Renewed Hope) sees the governor’s gesture as more than just an everyday rally; it’s a deliberate and formidable implementation of empowerment, engagement, employment, and enlightenment.
“Governor Umo Eno has not only made his home state, Akwa Ibom, proud, but he has also become a source of pride for Nigeria. He is a champion of good governance, and we are proud to announce him as Nigeria’s most youth-friendly governor, with his work visible for all to see and learn from.
“That is why Advocates for Good Governance and Humanity (Renewed Hope) will continue to support him, regardless of his political party affiliation. Governor Eno should understand that Nigerians are pleased with his policies and programs, so he will be encouraged to do more. That is the mandate of our group, and we are happy our advocacy is not in vain,” Ibrahim concluded.
