Akwa Ibom Targets Grassroots Security as Governor Meets Village Youth Presidents
State Government Expands Grassroots Engagement
IN a move aimed at deepening citizen participation in governance, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has convened a strategic town hall meeting involving Youth Presidents from all 2,272 officially gazetted villages in the state.
The unprecedented gathering underscores the administration’s determination to involve grassroots communities more directly in shaping policies relating to peace, security and development.
Government officials described the engagement as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community institutions and encourage local ownership of development initiatives across the state.
Youths Positioned as Partners in Security
Central to the meeting is the growing recognition of the role young people play in maintaining peace and safeguarding public investments.
The government said discussions would focus on community security, protection of critical infrastructure and strategies for preventing actions capable of undermining social and economic development.
Officials noted that strengthening security at the grassroots level requires cooperation between government agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and youth organisations.
By engaging village youth presidents directly, authorities hope to build stronger networks capable of responding effectively to emerging security and social challenges.
Reinforcing the ARISE Agenda
The engagement is also expected to reinforce the objectives of the ARISE Agenda, which places significant emphasis on inclusive governance, community development and citizen participation.
Government sources said the meeting would create opportunities for youth leaders to share concerns from their communities, offer suggestions and contribute to policy conversations affecting local development.
The administration maintained that sustainable peace and economic progress depend largely on strong community institutions and active civic participation.
As preparations continue for the gathering in Uyo, stakeholders view the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening grassroots governance and fostering a more secure and united Akwa Ibom State.
