By Ekemini James
Unemployment has long been a pressing issue in Nigeria, with Akwa Ibom State being no exception. However, since his assumption of Office, Governor Umo Eno has taken bold steps to address this challenge, in line with his commitment to empowering the youth and stimulating economic growth.
One of such initiatives is the Ibom-LED programme, which empowers budding entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to establish and sustain businesses. So far, over 1,200 youths have been trained and about 800 have been provided with ₦500,000 financial support each as an exit strategy to enhance their businesses.
The impact of this programme is enormous and has received widespread commendations, with beneficiaries describing it as amazing, great, impactful, and profitable, considering the fact that the programme comes with a grant of 500,000 naira per participant.
The programme’s multiplier effect is also being felt across the State, as new businesses are emerging and existing ones expanding.
In addition to Ibom-LED, Governor Eno has also launched the Ibom Community Watch, a neighbourhood security outfit that enhances security in rural communities and strengthen community policing liaison with security agencies.
This Initiative aside providing security at the grassroot level, provides intelligence for mainstream security and ensures that government facilities are not vandalized. It has created jobs for 550 personnel with plans to expand to 5,000 youths in the State.
While launching the first phase of the Security Outfit in Uyo Township Stadium, the Governor affirmed that all body and foot wears used by the security outfit must be produced locally.
He said, “I would like to also say that not only are we creating jobs for these five thousand people, we are creating jobs for small business enterprises. The uniforms you see here are made by Akwa Ibomites. All of the boots that these men are wearing are made by Akwa Ibomites and that is part of stimulating the economy, so that our people who have handwork will continue to do more things”.
The Governor’s commitment to job creation is also evident through his approval for recruitment of 200 Health Workers in addition to the initial 200 health workers he approved for recruitment in public Hospitals in the State which he promised will follow a fair, transparent process, based on merit.
Furthermore, the Governor has appointed a Senior Special Assistant on Safety, Environment and Health and also approved the recruitment of 100 safety officers into the State Civil Service to help implement safety measures in the different government facilities.
The Governor has also undertaken extensive work on the airport’s infrastructure, including the airside perimeter fencing, airside patrol road, parallel taxiway rapid exit, apron construction, international terminal building, and maintenance facilities.
He understands that the Aviation sector is a critical driver of economic growth and development, the Governor has shown commitment to sustaining and growing the State-owned airline, Ibom Air, developing the aviation sector and creating uncountable job opportunities including value chain for the people of Akwa Ibom State.
Through the AK-Cares Initiative, the Governor provides training for youths, support for businesses, and entrepreneurial development, lifting thousands of young people from poverty with an enormous impact.
The Governor’s plans to launch a social welfare programme, providing monthly support for 5,000 youths in the State further demonstrates his commitment to job creation and poverty alleviation.
His Arise Compassionate Homes create direct jobs for rural dwellers, from resource persons to suppliers and youths working at the sites. Additionally, his appointment of personal aides in all the 368 wards, construction of the Ibom Model Farm, and several road construction projects, have engaged numerous youths.
The Governor is not only creating jobs, he is also protecting jobs. Already, he is boosting maritime security in view of ensuring that the State’s waterways are safe, and riverine communities positioned for enhanced economic growth.
He has inaugurated 14 patrol gunboats procured to protect the State’s waterways which is a significant milestone that is demonstrative of the administration’s commitment to protecting critical economic assets and means of livelihood.
The launch of these gunboats by the Governor holds great significance for the riverine and coastline communities in the State as legitimate businesses such as fishing, transportation, and tourism in these areas are set to thrive, leading to improved livelihoods for the people living within these communities.
Truth is, the Governor’s commitment to exploring the blue economy potentials of the State and transforming the coastal communities into tourism havens align with his vision to create jobs and improve the living conditions of the youths.
The Governor’s emphasis on local production is creating jobs and stimulating economic growth, as seen in the production of uniforms for public primary school students and sandals, all of which are made locally. This deliberate focus on local content is not only boosting the state’s economy but also providing employment oppourtunities for young people, thereby ensuring that the ARISE Agenda is truly a youth-centered development strategy.
