COLUMNIST
Building the Future: Gov Umo Eno’s Youth Skills Initiative
Building the Future: Gov Umo Eno’s Youth Skills Initiative
By Lucy Daniel
When a government decides to invest in its young people, it is not merely launching a programme, it is shaping the destiny of a generation. The recent approval by Governor Umo Eno for yet another batch of trainees from the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) to undergo advanced capacity, building at the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (Ibom-LED) is more than a news item. It is a statement of intent, a blueprint for economic renewal, and a bold step toward securing a prosperous future for Akwa Ibom State.
This gesture, made public during the graduation ceremony of DASAC’s second cohort at Ikot Ada Edem, captures the spirit of the ARISE Agenda, a philosophy anchored on human capital development, job creation, innovation and sustainable growth.
For young people, this initiative signals a new era where skill, creativity and enterprise, not political connection, become the currency of progress. Youths trained under DASAC are not just learning trades; they are being groomed into creators, innovators and business owners. With the transition to Ibom-LED, they will now receive training in branding, business development, digital competence, and the finesse required to compete globally.
In a world where employability increasingly depends on skill rather than certificates, Governor Eno is positioning Akwa Ibom youths at an advantage. They leave these centres not as job seekers, but as job creators. This shift in mindset is perhaps the most powerful transformation of all.
The economic implications of this investment are enormous: A growing SME ecosystem
The graduates will birth hundreds of micro and small businesses across all 31 local government areas. SMEs are the lifeblood of any economy; they stimulate local commerce, expand tax revenue and reduce dependency on government.; Reduction in unemployment and youth restiveness. A skilled youth population is less prone to crime and more inclined to productive ventures. This directly strengthens peace and security, a major enabler of investment.
A pipeline of talent for emerging sectors
Governor Eno’s emphasis on ICT, the blue economy and entrepreneurship aligns with global economic trends. By preparing youths for these sectors, Akwa Ibom gains a competitive edge, attracting investors who want a skilled and ready workforce.
Local content and import substitution
With more youths acquiring practical skills, the state reduces dependence on imported artisans and experts. Money circulates within the state, strengthening local economic resilience.
Many political manifestos glitter on paper but fade after inauguration. The ARISE Agenda is, however, unfolding with practical, measurable interventions. Supporting 200 trainees for advanced learning, alongside the 208 sponsored by ALGON chairmen, demonstrates a collaborative governance model where stakeholders see youth development as a shared responsibility.
From education to agriculture, from rural development to ICT, the Agenda is gradually shaping a self-reliant and future-ready Akwa Ibom.
Eno’s initiative offers critical lessons for political leaders across Nigeria:
Skill is the new oil. States that invest in human capital will outperform those dependent on federal allocation.
Youth empowerment must be structured, not tokenistic. Training centres like DASAC and Ibom-LED provide systems, not handouts.
Collaboration multiplies impact. The involvement of council chairmen shows that development becomes sustainable when multiple stakeholders take ownership.
Monitoring and mentorship matters. It is not enough to train youths; they must be guided through the business environment to avoid failure.
A skilled population attracts investment. Investors go where competent labour exists.
If this pace is sustained, Akwa Ibom will look remarkably different within a decade: A booming entrepreneurial class powering the local economy. ;A technology-driven workforce capable of competing in the digital marketplace. ;A vibrant blue economy ecosystem with youths leading innovation in aquaculture, logistics, marine services and coastal tourism. ;Increased internally generated revenue as SMEs flourish. ; A reputation as one of Nigeria’s most forward-thinking, youth-centred states.
By then, DASAC and Ibom-LED would have produced thousands of trained business owners whose collective impact would rival major industrial estates. This is how economies are rebuilt, not by chance, but by deliberate investment in people.
Governor Umo Eno’s decision to continuously sponsor young people for advanced training is not merely an empowerment programme; it is an economic strategy, a social stabiliser and a generational gift. It is a reminder that when leaders choose to build people, the people will in return build the state.
The exhibitions, goodwill messages and awards presented during the graduation ceremony may fade, but the skills acquired will remain, forming the backbone of a stronger, smarter and more prosperous Akwa Ibom State.
The future is being built. And the youths are holding the tools.
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Daniel, SA to the Governor on Media
Writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
providencemaga@yahoo.com