Akwa Ibom Expands Grassroots Empowerment With Arise Youth Skill Centres
Eno Commissions Youth Skill Centre in Oron
AKWA Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has commissioned the Arise Youth Skill Centre in Oron, describing the initiative as a major step toward decentralising youth empowerment and bringing skills acquisition opportunities closer to communities across the state.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the governor said the project was designed to ensure that young people no longer need to travel to Uyo before accessing government-backed training and empowerment programmes.
He disclosed that similar centres are being established across all 31 local government areas of the state, with a target of training over 31,000 youths annually once the facilities become fully operational.
Focus on Digital and Vocational Skills
Governor Eno explained that the centres would provide training in ICT, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other emerging digital skills aimed at preparing young people for opportunities in the global economy.
According to him, each centre is expected to train at least 1,000 youths annually, with about 100 participants selected during each training cycle.
The governor added that vocational programmes would also cover fashion design, catering, entrepreneurship and digital literacy tailored to local economic realities.
He noted that the initiative would be implemented in collaboration with the Ministries of Digital Economy and Sports to broaden opportunities for youth engagement and development.
Facilities Designed for Learning and Innovation
The governor said the centres would operate strictly as training and empowerment hubs and should not be converted into venues for social events such as weddings or parties.
He revealed that the facilities would be powered by solar energy and equipped with e-libraries to support uninterrupted learning and research.
Additional recreational activities, including chess and scrabble, are also expected to form part of the programme to improve critical thinking and mental development among participants.
Governor Eno urged local government chairmen and youths to protect and properly manage the centres to ensure sustainability.
Commissioner Describes Initiative as Transformational
Commissioner for Youth Development Ekerete Ekanem described the Arise Youth Skill Centre as a transformational investment aimed at turning youths from job seekers into job creators.
He said the facility includes a digital library, ICT hub, media and creative centre, enterprise kiosks, networking spaces and recreational facilities carefully designed to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to him, the initiative would help reduce unemployment, address social challenges and strengthen youth participation in economic development across Akwa Ibom State.
