Akwa Ibom Youth Development Commissioner rallies Diaspora support for ARISE Agenda

… As AKISAN USA hosts 1st Youth Summit in United States of America

Commissioner for Youth Development, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, has charged Akwa Ibom youth both at home and in the diaspora to take charge of their future, while calling for increased collaboration and investment in the State’s youth development initiatives driven by the ARISE Agenda of Gov. Umo Eno Administration.

The Youth Development Commissioner made the call in his virtual address at the 2025 Youth Summit organized by the Youth Wing of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN), USA held in the United States of America (USA) on Saturday, 31st May 2025. The Summit focused on empowering youth with knowledge, tools, and inspiration for career growth, healthy living, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibility, cultural advancement among others.

Represented by a Media and Public Relations Practitioner, Mr. Peter Saturday, the Youth Development Commissioner commended the AKISAN Youth and the Summit organizers, especially the Speaker, AKISAN Council of Chapter Presidents & Youth/Education Committee Chairman for creating a platform “where ideas are shared, minds are inspired, and actions are set in motion to manifest valid dreams of the youth towards State and National development.”

Dr. Ekanem emphasized that youth empowerment is a necessity, not a luxury.

“Youth development is not a luxury or mere sloganeering – it is a necessity that must be prioritized by government at all levels, development partners, and critical stakeholders,” he stated.

While highlighting the efforts of the Akwa Ibom State Government led by His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno through the ARISE Agenda, the Commissioner noted several youth-focused initiatives including Ibom-LED, skills training at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Business Grants to
SMEs, Donation of Equipment, Empowerment Schemes, Agriculture Development Initiative and the launch of the ARISE Portal – a strategic development and empowerment database for Akwa Ibom citizens (at home and in the diaspora) among others.

“The administration of Governor Umo Eno is committed to raising a generation of productive youth… builders, creators, and problem-solvers in the world of business, agriculture, technology, public/community service, and more,” he said.

Dr. Ekanem warned against social vices including drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, and vandalism of public assets, calling them “distractions from your true purpose.”

Dr Ekanem who is a Medical Doctor challenged youths to embrace innovation, technology, mentorship, directional advocacy, humanitarian services and patriotism.

He also encouraged AKISAN youth to attract global collaborations and investments to Akwa Ibom given their access to global opportunities; assuring them that the Ministry of Youth Development and other related Ministries is ready to facilitate such partnerships and CSR initiatives for mutual benefit of the citizens.

Later in their response, the National President of AKISAN, Engr (Dr) Mbong Ekiko who was a keynote Speaker at the Summit as well as the Speaker, AKISAN Council of Chapter Presidents and Chairman, Youth/Education Committee, Mr Richard Eyo commended the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for his sustainable development including initiatives in the Youth Development component of the ARISE Agenda.

They appreciated the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerette Ekanem for identifying with their Youth Summit.

AKISAN USA promised to attract global partnerships to Akwa Ibom State through the State Ministry of Youth Development especially in the areas of technology transfer, Exchange Programmes, training on Cybersecurity among others.

At the event, other Speakers were selected across the United States of America (USA) and Nigeria to speak on different topics with physical and virtual participants in attendance.

The event held at Home2 Suites by Hilton DFW Airport South Irving, 4340 W Airport Freeway, Irving, Texas, 75062, USA.

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