Umo Eno Mobilizes 2,277 Youths for Akwa Ibom Security Boost

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has taken a significant step to bolster the state's security apparatus by incorporating 2,277 village youth presidents into his administration's security management framework. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance safety and foster peaceful coexistence across Akwa Ibom.

During a town hall meeting held on Sunday at the Uyo Township Stadium, Governor Eno reiterated his government's unwavering commitment to ensuring a secure environment for all residents. He explained the necessity of this new initiative, stating, “While we have done our utmost to ensure that Akwa Ibom State citizens feel safe and live in a peaceful environment, it has become necessary to take additional measures at the local level to widen, deepen and retool the state’s security architecture.” The governor emphasized the importance of integrating village youth leaders, whom he described as “strong, dynamic and resident in their various villages, into our security mechanism.”

This novel approach, according to Governor Eno, will empower village youth leadership to actively collaborate with security agencies and provide crucial intelligence, leading to more effective operations statewide. He announced, “Henceforth, the village youth presidents will now form part of our security architecture. We will provide you with adequate training after your proper profiling, starting from tomorrow, on a local government basis.” However, he cautioned that this integration does not elevate them above existing village leadership structures, stressing, “By integrating you into the security architecture, we are not elevating you above the village leadership structure; you remain part of the structure.”

Governor Eno pledged to equip these youths to work in tandem with the state Police Command, other security outfits, and local government chairmen. He further directed all council chairmen to promptly appoint security supervisors within their respective local government areas. These supervisors will be responsible for coordinating the youth leadership tasked with community security and supporting the village youth presidents in their duties. The governor revealed that the newly established youth security framework would be overseen by the Ibom Community Watch. He clarified its objective: “This move is geared towards ensuring that any noticeable gaps between the police, security agencies and local communities are eliminated, ensuring the free flow of information and actionable intelligence between the local communities and security agencies.” He urged the youth presidents and all young people across the state to embrace this initiative as a “higher calling” demanding patriotism, integrity, and dedication.

The governor also called upon all security agencies in Akwa Ibom to offer comprehensive assistance and necessary training to transform the village youth presidents into valuable assets for intelligence gathering and neighborhood watch activities. To further enhance state security, he instructed the state Commissioner of Police to expand the Quick Response Squad’s coverage to all 10 federal constituencies and donated 10 brand-new Hilux vehicles to the Police Command for improved operational capabilities.

Several dignitaries commended the governor’s foresight. Martins Esin, representing Oron Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, lauded the governor for including village youth presidents in the state’s governance and security framework, describing it as “historic, unprecedented and evidence of true democracy.” He acknowledged Governor Eno’s efforts in youth development and grassroots empowerment through infrastructure and human capital programs.

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for prioritizing security, highlighting the vital role of community leaders in effective security management. He affirmed that “community participation, intelligence sharing and collective responsibility” represent the most effective global security strategy. Retired Brig.-Gen. Koko Essien, the Commissioner for Internal Security, praised the governor’s strategic security measures, identifying village youth presidents as ideal grassroots agents, as “security remains community-based.” Dr. Ekerete Ekanem, Commissioner for Youth Development, commended the governor’s youth-centric policies, citing initiatives like the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (Ibom-LED) and the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) for empowering the state’s youth.

Speaking on behalf of the Forum of Village Youth Presidents, Itai James Abraham from Ikot Ekpene, joined by leaders from Uyo and Eket senatorial districts, conveyed appreciation for the governor’s recognition and integration of youths into governance, as well as other youth-focused programs. He assured the governor of the youths’ steadfast support for his administration’s success, extending beyond 2027.