Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, announced on Tuesday, September 10, a disbursement of N310 million to youths across the state’s 31 local government areas, rewarding them for not participating in the recent nationwide hunger protest. Each local government area is set to receive N10 million, as promised by Governor Eno during a prior stakeholders’ meeting where he pledged compensation if the youths abstained from the protest.
Speaking at the Uyo Township Stadium, Governor Eno reiterated his commitment to honoring this promise and highlighted that the funds are to be distributed inclusively across political lines. He said, “The leadership of the youths in each LGA will receive the money and spread it across party lines. The gesture was a promise I had to keep in appreciation of the youths of the state.”
Governor Eno underscored the importance of maintaining peace, noting the potential for protests to be hijacked and lead to the destruction of public infrastructure that took years to build. He acknowledged the youths’ grievances, stating, “We know those things that should be addressed: issues of hunger, unemployment, pains, and the high price of food. We will try, within the resources available in our state, to address them for the benefit of our people.”
Additionally, the governor approved the integration of 100 youths from each Local Government Area into the Ibom Community Watch, ensuring representation from all political parties. He also announced plans to provide monthly support of N50,000 business grants to 5,000 youths, encouraging them to engage in entrepreneurial activities rather than waiting for employment opportunities.
During the event, stakeholders urged the governor to focus on completing the Ibom Science Park, a project initiated by former Governor Obong Victor Attah. They stressed that revitalizing the park, which has been overlooked by successive administrations despite significant investments, would be crucial for advancing the state’s technological development.
