Ministry of Youth Development, Akwa Ibom State

13/08/2026

67 VILLAGES CLEARED AS IKA YOUTH VERIFICATION ENDS PEACEFULLY
..Dr. Ekanem commends Executive Chairman's objectiveness

The ongoing verification of Village Youth Presidents in Akwa Ibom State has ended peacefully in Ika Local Government Area, with all 67 gazetted villages cleared in a well-coordinated exercise.

The verification team, led by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, was warmly received by the Ika traditional institution, village youth leaders and other stakeholders, who turned out in large numbers to support the exercise.

Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Chairman of Ika LGA, Hon. Barr. Utibe Nwoko, disclosed that the council has 67 gazetted villages, stressing that the youth and stakeholders in the area remained disciplined and committed to peace.

He maintained that youth leadership at the village level must enjoy the recognition and authority of the traditional institution, noting that no youth president should emerge without being duly chosen by the village head, in the interest of respect, order and peaceful coexistence.

Nwoko commended the youth groups, traditional rulers, stakeholders, members of his executive council and his administrative team for their cooperation, which he said contributed to the smooth conduct of the exercise.

He also applauded the grassroots-focused approach of the administration of the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, saying the government's bottom-to-top development strategy had continued to bring the government closer to the people.

Representing the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, the Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Emmanuel Umontuen, reiterated the criteria guiding the verification exercise.

He explained that a Village Youth President must be a resident of the village, must not be a blood relative of the village head and must be duly appointed by the village head to ensure credibility, transparency and peaceful succession.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, commended the Executive Chairman for the peaceful conduct of the exercise and for what he described as the ongoing transformation in Ika LGA.

Ekanem said the autonomy granted to local government areas by the Governor had encouraged healthy competition among council leaders and promoted greater attention to grassroots development.

The Commissioner explained that the Village Youth Verification Exercise is being conducted in stages, beginning with the maiden meeting of Village Youth Presidents with the Governor at the Uyo Township Stadium, followed by completion of verification forms, physical verification, drug testing, security screening and eventual integration into the State Security Architecture.

According to him, the initiative reflects Governor Umo Eno's genuine commitment to rural development under the ARISE Agenda, with the potential to create employment opportunities, strengthen community security, reduce drug abuse and criminality, and promote peaceful coexistence across the state.

He further commended the Ika council leadership for its collaboration with the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ika Chapter, and other relevant stakeholders in advancing youth development in the area.

The exercise in Ika LGA was conducted in a peaceful, hitch-free and coordinated atmosphere, culminating in the clearance of all 67 gazetted villages.

Information & Public Relations Unit
Ministry of Youth Development, Akwa Ibom State
August 12, 2026

13/08/2026

VILLAGE YOUTH VERIFICATION: IKOT EKPENE RECORDS SEAMLESS EXERCISE, CLEARS 42 VILLAGES

The ongoing verification of Village Youth Presidents in Akwa Ibom State recorded a seamless exercise in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area on Wednesday, August 12, with 42 of the 44 gazette villages cleared in the process.

The exercise was conducted by the State Verification Committee chaired by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem.

Speaking during the exercise, the Dean of Commissioners and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, commended the youth presidents and traditional institution in Ikot Ekpene for their responsiveness and cooperation with the State Government.

Represented by the Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Emmanuel Umontuen, the Commissioner explained that the exercise was initiated by Governor Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D., to authenticate the names and persons earlier presented by communities as Village Youth Presidents.

He noted that among the criteria for verification is that a Village Youth President must be an appointee endorsed by the Village Head, must reside in the village and must not be a biological child or close relative of the Village Head.

The Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Okuku Okon Udo Ukut, described the exercise as a welcome development capable of promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect within communities.

The traditional ruler expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for the initiative and pledged the support of the traditional institution towards ensuring a smooth and successful exercise.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Ikot Ekpene LGA, Hon. Nkom, commended the Governor for his grassroots-oriented development initiatives and pledged the council’s continued support for Umo Eno's led administration.

At the end of the exercise, 42 forms were cleared, while two were referred to the Ministry of Youth Development for further clarification and clearance.

The verification exercise is part of the State Government’s broader effort to strengthen grassroots youth leadership, promote accountability and ensure effective integration of young people into community development and governance.

Information & Public Relations Unit
Ministry of Youth Development, Akwa Ibom State
August 12, 2026

13/08/2026

ETIM EKPO LGA COMMENCES VERIFICATION OF VILLAGE YOUTH PRESIDENTS

The State Government’s ongoing verification exercise for Village Youth Presidents took place in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with the State Verification Team received by the Executive Chairman of the Local Government Area, Hon. Gideon Uwa.

Receiving the delegation in his office, Hon. Uwa expressed appreciation for the exercise and assured the team of the peaceful and law-abiding disposition of the youth in the area. He further pledged the cooperation of the council towards a smooth and successful verification process.

Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Emmanuel Umontuen, explained that the exercise was a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Ministry of Youth Development.

Dr. Umontuen commended the turnout and appealed to all participants for their cooperation to ensure a credible and orderly exercise.

The exercise commenced smoothly but was later disrupted by an uproar involving some youth at the council premises, leading to its suspension.

Consequently, persons who could not complete the exercise have been directed to report to the Ministry of Youth Development on Friday, August 14, 2026, for the verification exercise.

The team had in attendance the Director of Youth Development, Mr. Emmanuel Akpabio who is covering duties for the office of the Permanent Secretary as a representative of the Commissioner for Youth Development, State Village Youth President, Mr. Itai James among team members.

Information & Public Relations Unit
Akwa Ibom Ministry of Youth Development, Akwa Ibom State
August 12, 2026

12/08/2026

11/08/2026

AKWA IBOM BEGINS VERIFICATION OF 2,272 VILLAGE YOUTH PRESIDENTS
..Dr. Ekanem says Presidents to Serve Three-Year Tenure

The Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced the verification of Village Youth Presidents from the 2,272 gazetted villages across the state as part of moves to integrate them into the state security architecture.

The exercise, which commenced on Tuesday at the Traditional Council Hall, Uruan Local Government Area, was led by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, in collaboration with the Ministries of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security and Waterways.

The verification followed Governor Umo Eno’s directive to formally integrate Village Youth Presidents into the state’s security framework, leveraging their grassroots presence to strengthen intelligence gathering, community engagement and security at the village level.

Addressing the Village Youth Presidents and members of the traditional institution, Dr. Ekanem described the initiative as a strategic component of the ARISE Agenda, particularly the administration’s commitment to rural development, grassroots participation and inclusive governance.

He commended Governor Eno for the initiative and charged the Village Youth Presidents to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating discipline, loyalty, responsibility and commitment to the peace and security of their communities.

The Commissioner disclosed that under the new arrangement, Village Youth Presidents would serve a three-year tenure, except where a President is found to have serious attitudinal or behavioural issues and such concerns are formally raised by the Village Head.

Furthermore, Dr. Ekanem commended the Executive Chairman of Uruan LGA, Hon. Surv. Iniobong Ekpenyong, for the warm reception accorded the team and his transparent, fair and peaceful disposition towards the exercise.
He also lauded the Paramount Ruler and Village Heads for their cooperation, noting that their participation was critical to the success of the verification exercise.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Uruan LGA, Hon. Surv. Iniobong Ekpenyong while welcoming the verification team thanked the Commissioner for commencing the verification exercise in Uruan and pledged the council’s support for the initiative.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong who was represented by the Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Emmanuel Umontuen, lauded the Governor's initiative and appeal for the corporation of village youth presidents and village heads in order to achieve the purpose of the exercise.

The exercise was conducted peacefully, with Village Heads publicly identifying and confirming their respective Village Youth Presidents with Uruan Local Government Area having a total of 52 gazetted villages.

The exercise had in attendance the Director of Youth Development, Mr. Emmanuel Akpabio who is covering duties for the office of the Permanent Secretary, the State Village Youth President, Mr. Itai James amongst other stakeholders.

In another development, the Commissioner for Youth Development used the opportunity to embark on an unscheduled visit to the Youth Development Centre, Uruan, to access the standard and pace of ongoing work at the centre.

Information & Public Relations Unit
Ministry of Youth Development, Akwa Ibom State
July 11, 2026

07/08/2026

Governor Eno Assures Corps Members of Safety, Welfare
..as 1,579 NYSC Members Take Oath of Allegiance

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno PhD., has assured members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state of the government’s commitment to their welfare, safety and security throughout their service year.

The Governor gave the assurance on Friday while declaring open the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course during the swearing-in ceremony of the corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

A total of 1,579 corps members, comprising 713 males and 866 females, were registered for the orientation exercise and subsequently took the Oath of Allegiance, formally becoming members of the NYSC.

Addressing the corps members, Governor Eno described them as strategic stakeholders and future builders of Nigeria, urging them to deploy their intellect, energy, creativity and skills towards the collective development of the country.

He charged the young Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious, linguistic and socio-cultural differences, stressing that the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria depend partly on their ability to work together and embrace diversity.

Represented by the Director of Youth Development, Mr. Emmanuel Akpabio who is covering duties for the office of the Permanent Secretary, the Governor further encouraged the corps members to use the orientation programme to build lasting friendships across ethnic and regional lines, noting that the relationships forged during the service year could contribute to the future unity and development of the country.

He urged them to remain disciplined, respect camp officials and strictly adhere to the rules and regulations guiding the orientation exercise, while demonstrating through their conduct that peaceful coexistence is achievable in Nigeria.

Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Akuagbaogu Ngozi Rosemary, commended the corps members for their discipline since arriving at the camp and urged them to participate actively in all aspects of the three-week orientation programme.

She disclosed that the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme remained one of the flagship initiatives of the NYSC for addressing youth unemployment, encouraging the corps members to acquire skills that could enhance their self-reliance and entrepreneurial capacity.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, welcomed the corps members to Akwa Ibom and congratulated them on successfully completing their academic pursuits and embarking on national service.

He described the orientation course as an important platform for preparing the corps members physically, mentally, intellectually and socially for the responsibilities of national service, urging them to actively participate in the programme.

Represented by the Head of Enterprise Development, Mr. Essien Essien, the Commissioner expressed appreciation to the NYSC State Coordinator, camp officials, collaborating agencies and security personnel for their dedication and sacrifices towards the successful conduct of the orientation exercise.

The Honourable Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette F. F. Obot on a representative capacity administered the Oath of Allegiance to the corps members.

Information & Public Relations Unit
August 7, 2026
Ministry of Youth Development, Akwa Ibom State

04/08/2026

EKANEM REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE

Urges youth to obtain PVCs ahead of 2027 polls

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, has reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to youth empowerment through innovative programmes, inclusive governance, and strategic initiatives aimed at equipping young people for self-reliance and sustainable development.

Dr. Ekanem gave the assurance on Monday while receiving a delegation of the Arise Grassroot Movement (A.G.M.) Youth Wing during a courtesy visit at the Ministry's Conference Room.

The Commissioner applauded Governor Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D., for establishing the Ministry of Youth Development as a standalone ministry, describing the move as a landmark decision that has strengthened youth-focused governance and accelerated the implementation of the ARISE Agenda in the State.

He noted that the administration has continued to prioritize youth development through entrepreneurship programmes, skills acquisition initiatives, and the construction of Youth Development Centres across Akwa Ibom.

Dr. Ekanem stressed that Governor Umo Eno's youth-friendly policies have created greater opportunities for young people to participate actively in governance while contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic advancement of the State.

The Commissioner also called on members of the Arise Grassroot Movement to intensify grassroots sensitization on the need for eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), emphasizing that active civic participation remains essential to deepening democracy ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of the Arise Grassroot Movement, Hon. Udosen Monday, commended Governor Umo Eno for appointing Dr. Ekerette Ekanem as the pioneer Commissioner for Youth Development and pledged the Movement's support for the administration's development agenda.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Emmanuel Ekong, praised the leadership of the Arise Grassroot Movement for fostering unity and peaceful coexistence among youth across the State.

He emphasized the organized youth body's commitment to supporting the Governor's vision for a prosperous and inclusive Akwa Ibom.

The meeting which featured the decoration of the Commissioner as a Patron and presentation of a portrait to him was attended by the Ministry's management staff as well as Coordinators of the Arise Grassroot Movement from Eket, Ikot Ekpene, and Uyo Senatorial Districts.

Information and Public Relations Unit
August 3, 2026
Ministry of Youth Development, Akwa Ibom State

04/08/2026

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

He came in khaki, a young man answering the nation's call,
and Akwa Ibom became the soil where purpose met passion.

Posted to the Ministry of Youth Development,
to the Information and Public Relations Unit,
he was more than a corps member. He
became a dependable hand, a cheerful spirit, and a valued brother.

With humility as his garment and respect as his language,
he served with diligence and grace.

Even under pressure, he wore a smile,
turning every challenge into an opportunity to give his best.

Now the service year has drawn its curtain,
and though the khaki may be folded away,
the memories of your dedication remain stitched in our hearts.

FAVOUR AYOMIDE, your footprints will linger in the corridors you walked,
and your absence will be felt by those privileged to work beside you.

As you step into a new season, may every
opportunity open before you.
May your dreams find wings, your efforts find reward,
and may you rise from height to greater heights.

Thank you for serving.
Thank you for the smiles.
Thank you for leaving a legacy of excellence.
The journey continues, and the best is yet to come.

The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem congratulates Favour.

Information & Public Relations Unit
Ministry of Youth Development, Akwa Ibom State

01/08/2026

AKSACA PAYS ADVOCACY VISIT TO THE HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, DR. EKERETTE EKANEM.

01/08/2026

AKSACA LAUDS UMO ENO'S YOUTH DEVELOPMENT DRIVE, SEEKS PARTNERSHIP TO TACKLE HIV AMONG YOUTH

The Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA) has applauded the administration of the state Governor Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D., for its transformative youth development initiatives, particularly the ongoing construction of Youth Development Centres across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State.

The commendation came on Friday during an advocacy visit led by the Agency's Executive Secretary, Dr. Enobong Akpan, to the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, at his office.

Dr. Akpan also hailed the visionary leadership of the Commissioner, describing his achievements and commitment as pivotal to repositioning the Ministry and advancing the State's youth development agenda.

Furthermore, he congratulated Dr. Ekanem for successfully chairing the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), an event he said has been widely regarded as one of the Association's best-organised meetings.

Stating the essence of the visit, he said the advocacy visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Ministry and AKSACA in tackling HIV/AIDS and other health-related challenges affecting young people across the State.

He highlighted the Agency's key interventions to include the 2025 HIV Summit, Annual HIV Prevention Sensitization at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp, Promotion of HIV self-testing among students in tertiary institutions, mental health support services, and the distribution of condoms to youth in higher institutions.

The Executive Secretary disclosed that young people remain the most vulnerable to new HIV infections, with prevalence among young females estimated to be three times higher than their male counterparts. He noted that closer collaboration with the Ministry would significantly strengthen prevention efforts across the State.

Dr. Akpan further revealed that the latest survey recorded an HIV prevalence rate of 4.0 per cent among persons aged 15 to 49 years in Akwa Ibom State. He expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno and development partners for their sustained commitment, which has continued to improve the State's HIV response.

To deepen the partnership, he requested dedicated spaces for HIV counselling and testing in the Youth Development Centres.

He also proposed the implementation of female-led programmes in collaboration with Female Youth Groups, the recruitment and training of Female Youth Ambassadors, partnership on the 2026 HIV Prevention Summit, and youth-focused webinar series.

Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, commended AKSACA and its development partners for their consistent efforts in combating HIV/AIDS and promoting healthier lifestyles among young people.

The Commissioner, who described HIV as a major public health concern, pledged the Ministry's full support for the Agency's programmes, including the provision of spaces for HIV counselling and testing at the Youth Development Centres.

He noted that the initiative would not only expand access to preventive services but also provide valuable data to guide interventions across the Local Government Areas.

Ekanem reiterated that the ministry is poised to a robust partnership with AKSACA, stressing that safeguarding the health of young people remains essential to building a productive, resilient and prosperous Akwa Ibom State.

Information & Public Relations Unit
Akwa Ibom State Ministry for Youth Development
July 31st, 2026