By Uko Etim

UYO—Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced plans to build 30 additional youth development centres across the state to expand skills training and reduce rural-urban migration.

Speaking during the commissioning of projects in Oron Local Government Area, Eno said the newly completed Youth Development Centre in Oron is the first of 31 centres planned for each local government area.

“When completed in the 31 local government areas, a total of 31,000 youths will be trained annually in different skills, including ICT, fashion and design, catering, and others,” the governor said.

He noted that the centres “are designed to give young people access to practical training for personal development and the overall progress of the state.”

Eno added that his administration created a stand-alone Ministry of Youth Development to prioritise youth empowerment.

The governor commissioned the Oron Youth Development Centre alongside four other projects: a Model Primary Health Centre, the 4.2km Effiong Esang and Ukpong Streets with 800The metres of discharge drains, and a new administrative building at the Oron Local Government Council headquarters.

Inaugurating the health centre, Eno urged residents to take advantage of the facility for accessible and affordable healthcare.

Commissioning the roads and drains, Eno said the project had ended years of erosion and hardship for residents. The Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, assured that the work had eliminated the erosion menace in the area.

Eno also commended the Chairman of Oron LGA, Hon. Okon Asukwo Enmewe, for his commitment to service, and praised other council chairmen for impactful leadership.

The Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, thanked the governor for his development strides in Oro Nation and confirmed she would again be his running mate in 2027. Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, said the ARISE Agenda would continue to impact the state.

Traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders praised the projects as historic and people-oriented, pledging support for the governor till 2031.