Akwa Ibom targets digital economy boom as youth centres begin operations

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has commissioned the Arise Youth Skill Centre in Oron, describing the project as a strategic move to decentralise youth empowerment programmes and bring skills acquisition opportunities closer to young people at the grassroots.

The Governor disclosed that with similar centres expected to become operational across the 31 local government areas of the state, no fewer than 31,000 youths are projected to benefit annually from the initiative.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, Governor Eno said the establishment of Youth Development Centres across the state forms part of his administration’s deliberate policy to ensure that youths no longer have to travel to Uyo before accessing government empowerment programmes.

According to him, the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Youth Development was aimed at giving focused attention to youth-related interventions across all local government areas in the state.

“The creation of a stand alone Ministry of Youth Development was aimed at giving focused attention to youth-related interventions across all local government areas,” the Governor stated.
Governor Eno explained that local government chairmen were directed to provide land within their council headquarters for the construction of the centres, adding that 14 local government areas had already complied with the directive, while Oron completed its facility ahead of others.

He revealed that the initiative is designed to cover all 31 local government areas, with the first phase expected to be completed before further expansion begins in 2027.

The Governor stressed that the centres are strictly meant for training and empowerment activities and should not be converted for social events such as weddings, parties, or ceremonies.

He announced that training programmes would soon commence in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other digital skills aimed at preparing youths for emerging global opportunities.

Governor Eno further disclosed that about 100 youths would be selected during each training cycle, with a target of empowering at least 1,000 youths annually in every local government area.

He added that vocational training would also include fashion design, catering, digital literacy, and other entrepreneurial skills tailored to meet local economic realities.

According to the Governor, the programme will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Ministry of Sports, while additional recreational activities such as chess and scrabble would also be introduced to enhance mental development among young people.
Governor Eno further stated that the centres would be powered by solar energy and equipped with e-libraries to guarantee uninterrupted learning and research access.

He urged youths across the state to take ownership of the initiative and called on local government chairmen to ensure adequate monitoring, maintenance, and protection of the facilities.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerete Ekanem, commended Governor Umo Eno for what he described as a visionary investment in the future of young people in the state.

“The Arise Youth Skill Centre is not just a building but a transformational ecosystem designed to nurture talent, promote innovation, and build capacity among youths,” Dr. Ekanem said.

He explained that the facility features a multipurpose training hall, digital library and ICT hub, creative and media centre, youth enterprise kiosk, networking and relaxation spaces, as well as recreational facilities.

Dr. Ekanem stated that every component of the centre was deliberately designed to transform young people from job seekers into job creators.

He disclosed that the centre has the capacity to train at least 1,000 youths annually, adding that replication of the project across all 31 local government areas could empower over 31,000 youths every year.

The Commissioner noted that the initiative would help reduce unemployment while promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance among youths in the state.
He further revealed that social welfare officers would be deployed to provide counselling services and tackle issues such as drug abuse and other social challenges affecting young people.

Dr. Ekanem reiterated that the facility is strictly meant for training and youth development activities, assuring that the Ministry would work with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective programme implementation and sustainability.

The commissioning of the Arise Youth Skill Centre marks another major milestone in the Akwa Ibom State Government’s efforts to deepen grassroots development, strengthen youth empowerment structures, and prepare young people for opportunities in the evolving global economy.