Governor Umo Eno has appealed to the youths of Akwa Ibom State to shun political violence and stay focused on personal growth as the 2027 election approaches.
The governor, in a statement on his X page on Monday, said he spoke during a breakfast meeting with the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter.
The governor emphasised that the state’s current stability must not be sacrificed for political interests.
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He cautioned the youth against being used as tools for disruption, stressing that progress only thrives in a peaceful environment.
Eno highlighted that his administration has moved beyond campaign promises to institutionalise youth development.
Central to this strategy is the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Youth Development, ensuring that young people have a direct seat at the cabinet table.
The first of the “Big Two” empowerment pillars is DASAC (Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre), Nigeria’s largest vocational facility. It is currently training thousands of young Nigerians in high-demand technical and vocational skills.
The second pillar is Ibom-LED (Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre), a hub for leadership training and business mastery.
To date, it has disbursed over ₦600 million in grants to hundreds of young entrepreneurs.
“We continue to invest deliberately in programmes like DASAC and Ibom LED to equip our youths with skills, leadership capacity, and opportunities for the future,” Eno stated.
The governor reminded the youth that while the government provides the “lifeline,” the responsibility of growth lies with the individual.
He urged the NYCN leadership to carry the message of self-development to every local government area.
From January 2026, student bursaries have been increased by 150 per cent to ₦50,000 to better support educational pursuits.
Modern, youth-friendly centres are currently being constructed across all 31 local government areas, each equipped with solar power and high-speed internet.
Additionally, direct grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦750,000 are being disbursed to young women and entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (EAP).
As political activities began to heighten across the country, Eno’s message was clear: Akwa Ibom must remain united.
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“As we approach 2027, I urge our youth to reject violence and refuse to be used to disrupt the peace,” the governor warned.
“Our government remains committed to supporting the dreams, talents, and aspirations of our young people.”
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