Akwa Ibom Begins Youth Skills Development Programme Under ARISE Agenda

The Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced specialised skills development and empowerment programmes for young people across seven newly commissioned Youth-Friendly Centres in the state.

The initiative, approved by Governor Umo Eno, is part of the administration’s drive to strengthen human capital development, create economic opportunities and empower young people under the ARISE Agenda.

Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, who announced the programme in a statement, said it was designed to equip young men and women with practical and marketable skills that could help them become self-reliant, establish businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Training will be conducted at designated Youth-Friendly Centres in Oron, Ikono, Uruan, Etinan, Nsit Atai, Nsit Ubium and Etim Ekpo local government areas, with specific skills assigned to each centre.

The programme is being implemented by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Youth Development and builds on the Cohort 1 Youth Digital Skills Training Programme in Oron.

According to the state government, participants in the first cohort are expected to graduate on October 9, 2026.

To be eligible for the new training programme, applicants must be 45 years old or younger and must hail from and reside in the local government area where their preferred training centre is located.

Applicants are also required to apply only for skills assigned to their respective centres and must demonstrate genuine interest and commitment to completing the intensive three-month training programme.

The state government urged eligible young people to take advantage of the initiative to acquire relevant skills, pursue entrepreneurship and improve their economic prospects.

Applications are to be submitted through the Akwa Ibom State employment portal at employment.akwaibomstate.gov.ng.

The application portal opened on September 28 and will close on October 5, 2026.