Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has announced a financial reward totaling N310 million to the leadership of Akwa Ibom youths across all 31 local government areas for their decision to refrain from participating in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
According to The PUNCH, this protest, which took place nationwide from August 1st to 10th, saw citizens voicing their grievances over governance issues across the country.
However, Akwa Ibom youths, on the governor’s request, chose not to join in the demonstrations.
Governor Eno had previously met with stakeholders on the eve of the protests in Uyo, where he promised that the youths of the state would be recognized and rewarded if they stayed away from the protests.
Keeping true to his word, the governor made the announcement at a “thank-you” rally held at Uyo Township Stadium on Tuesday.
During his speech, he revealed that each of the 31 Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom would receive N10 million, a total of N310 million, which he instructed should be shared across political party lines.
“The leadership of the youths in each LGA will receive the money and distribute it across party lines,” Governor Eno said, emphasizing that the gesture was a fulfillment of the promise he made to show his appreciation for their cooperation.
While expressing his gratitude, the governor stressed the importance of avoiding destructive actions during protests.
“We cannot leave you in the same state we found you,” he said. “We are pleased that you heeded our plea not to join the protest—not because we don’t believe in protests or are indifferent to the current issues. We understand that there are always individuals who hijack peaceful protests to damage government facilities and vent their anger. Our leaders have worked diligently for the past 37 years to build this infrastructure, and a moment of anger can destroy all this hard work.”
The governor went on to assure the youths that their concerns had been noted, even though they did not participate in the protest.
“Although you did not protest, we heard your concerns loud and clear. We are aware of the issues causing you distress,” he said, acknowledging challenges such as hunger, unemployment, and the rising cost of living. “We recognise the challenges such as hunger, unemployment, and the high cost of food. We will endeavour to address these within the resources available in our state.”
As part of his plans to further engage the youths, Governor Eno also announced the expansion of the Ibom Community Watch initiative, revealing that 100 youths from each local government area would be included, and he made it clear that these selections would cut across party affiliations.
“Our prominent figures, when they meet, do not consider political party affiliations. Therefore, there will be no discrimination,” he added.
In a move aimed at supporting students, the governor revealed an increase in the bursary allowances for undergraduates and postgraduates.
“The student bursary has been increased from N10,000 to N20,000 for undergraduates and from N20,000 to N30,000 for those pursuing professional courses and postgraduate studies,” he announced, underscoring his administration’s commitment to improving educational support in the state.
Governor Eno also discussed plans to tackle unemployment, stating that the Ministry of Labour was collaborating with his Senior Special Assistant on ICT to develop a new employment portal.
“The Ministry of Labour is collaborating with my Senior Special Assistant on ICT to open an employment portal for all youths in Akwa Ibom. When you register, it will automatically sort your area of specialisation. When we need to recruit, even for the government, we will use this portal to filter qualifications,” he explained.
He further revealed that his administration would engage oil companies operating in the state to recruit local talent, using the digital platform to streamline the recruitment process, noting, “We will engage with oil companies in Akwa Ibom to gather applicants for interviews. We want to avoid long queues for interviews and instead use a digital platform to manage qualifications and employment opportunities.”
Additionally, Governor Eno announced a new business grant program aimed at empowering 5,000 youths each month with N50,000 to start small businesses or farms.
“We will support 5,000 youths monthly with N50,000 business grants through this portal, to help them start small businesses or farms. We want to ensure you do not remain idle while waiting for employment. Note that this grant is a one-time opportunity,” he said.
During the appreciation rally, several stakeholders urged the governor to revive the long-abandoned Ibom Science Park project, which was initially launched by former Governor Obong Victor Attah.
The project, once seen as key to boosting the state’s technological advancement, has been left dormant by successive administrations despite substantial investments.
Governor Eno’s administration is being called upon to complete the park, which holds great promise for the state’s future in technology and innovation.
