Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has disclosed plans to train 3,100 youths across the state at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) in the next academic session, in order to position them for sustainability and to tackle life’s challenges.
Speaking while receiving youths during a rally in support of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the governor in Uyo, Governor Eno said the state, under his leadership, was committed to raising a vibrant youth community.
He appreciated the youths for their show of support for his administration, especially for enabling an environment for peace to thrive. The governor also announced a 150 per cent increase in student bursary, saying that from January 2026, each student will receive 50,000 naira, as against the 20,000 naira earlier received.
He said the Ministry of Youth Development is working towards a policy for youth development in the state, adding that under his leadership, the government has been youth-friendly, with many youths serving as the Commissioner for Youths, House of Assembly members, local government chairmen and personal aides to the governor.
Speaking on other areas of youth empowerment, the governor said that through Ibom Air, 40 Akwa Ibomites have been trained in aviation school, 20 as pilots and 20 as engineers, adding that in January 2026, another 10 will also be trained as pilots.
He appreciated President Tinubu for releasing funds to states to enable them run their programmes, and assured that in 2026, the state will continue to empower youths through skills acquisition. Governor Eno therefore appreciated the youths for their endorsement and support.