The Clement Isong Foundation (CIF) has expressed strong confidence in Governor Umo Eno’s administration to approve the recently validated Akwa Ibom State Youth Policy and Roadmap.
The Foundation shared its optimism during the two-day, high-level stakeholders’ roundtable held in Uyo, which CIF co-organized with the Ministry of Youth Development, ActionAid Nigeria, and Youth Pride.
The Assurance for Approval
Elkanah Oluyori, Executive Director of CIF, confirmed the Foundation’s assurance that the documents will receive approval from the State Executive Council and be implemented effectively.
He stated: “Our assurance that these documents will get the approval… and won’t end in the cupboard is that the Ministry of Youth is driving this process.”
Mr Oluyori noted that the Youth Policy and Roadmap align perfectly with the administration’s core principles, as shown in the ARISE Agenda’s provisions for youth inclusion and integration. Furthermore, the policy will guide the actions of the new Ministry of Youth Development, which the administration recently separated from Sports in response to youth appeals.
Channelling Youth Energy for Development
Mr. Oluyori underscored the critical role of the policy in state development, emphasizing the risk of neglecting youth energy.
“If you have young people and there is no direction for them, it becomes a problem,” he said. “If the energy is not utilized, they may use it for different kinds of vices that we see in society.”
Therefore, the policy ensures this energy is channeled toward areas that drive state development. For example, the latest GDP figures show key contributions come from trade, ICT, and agriculture—sectors where young people play a major role.
Medium-Term Expectations
CIF expects that the State will realize all key policy provisions in the medium term. This includes two major goals:
- The establishment of a Youth Parliament.
- The speedy passage and assent of the Akwa Ibom State Youth Development Fund Bill, which will provide the necessary financing mechanism for youth initiatives.
Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Youth Development, highlighted the state’s recognition of youth potential. He said, “The Akwa Ibom State Government recognizes the enormous potential of its youth population, a demographic that represents not only the future but also the present.”
CIF remains committed to working with the administration to see the policy through to full implementation, securing a brighter, more focused future for the youth of Akwa Ibom.
