The digital transformation scheme of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, gained significant momentum on Wednesday as the state government officially flagged off the ARISE Tech Talent Accelerator Programme in Oron Local Government Area, setting the stage for what is expected to become one of the largest youth-focused digital empowerment initiatives in the state.
The programme was formally launched at the Oron Youth Development Centre by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who represented Governor Umo Eno at the event.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Eyakenyi described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of Akwa Ibom youths and a demonstration of Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to equipping young people with the skills required to compete and thrive in the global digital economy.
She conveyed the Governor’s goodwill to participants and stakeholders, explaining that although he was unable to attend due to official engagements elsewhere in the state, the programme remains a key component of his administration’s youth development and human capital advancement agenda.
The Deputy Governor noted that the Youth Development Centres established across the state are designed not merely as physical structures but as innovation hubs where young people can acquire digital skills, develop entrepreneurial capacity, and prepare for opportunities in the technology-driven economy.
According to her, Oron occupies a special place in the history of the initiative, having become the first local government area to provide land for the project, complete the construction of its Youth Development Centre, and commence training activities.
“The future belongs to those who are prepared for it. Today’s jobs are no longer limited to offices, factories, oil fields, or government establishments.
With the right digital skills, a young person can live in Oron and work for clients across the world, earning a sustainable income and contributing meaningfully to the economy,” she said.
Senator Eyakenyi further disclosed that beneficiaries of the programme would receive not only world-class training in digital and technology-related skills but also laptops and other essential tools to support their transition into the technology ecosystem upon graduation.
She urged participants to approach the training with dedication, discipline, and a commitment to continuous learning, expressing confidence that the pioneer trainees would become success stories capable of inspiring thousands of other youths across the state’s 31 local government areas.
The Deputy Governor stressed that the initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the ARISE Agenda, which seeks to build a sustainable economy driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and human capital development.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerete Ekanem, described the commencement of the programme as the fulfillment of a promise made by Governor Umo Eno during the commissioning of the Oron Youth Development Centre on May 26, 2026.
According to him, the Governor had assured the people of Oron that ICT training would commence at the facility on June 24, a commitment that has now been fulfilled.
“Governor Umo Eno is a leader whose words are backed by action.
What we are witnessing today is another demonstration of his commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development,” he stated.
Dr. Ekanem revealed that while Youth Development Centres are being established in all 31 local government areas, Oron distinguished itself as the first council to complete its facility and begin training activities.
He explained that each centre is expected to train at least 1,000 youths annually, resulting in about 31,000 beneficiaries every year and over 155,000 youths within five years. He added that when combined with other government-owned skills acquisition programmes, the administration is projected to empower more than 200,000 young people across the state.
The commissioner described Governor Umo Eno as a “Digital Governor” who is deliberately decentralizing opportunities by bringing technology and skills development programmes closer to rural communities.
Also speaking, the Rector of the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC), Prof. Enoidem Udosoro, commended the Governor for extending empowerment initiatives to grassroots communities and creating pathways for youth self-reliance.
He noted that the programme is designed to produce innovative, productive, and self-sustaining youths capable of creating jobs, establishing businesses, and contributing positively to society.
Prof. Udosoro emphasized the importance of community ownership in sustaining public projects and expressed satisfaction with the commitment shown by the people of Oron in protecting and maintaining the facility.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Oron Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Asukwo Enweme, described the event as a historic milestone for the local government and the wider Oron nation.
He thanked Governor Umo Eno for selecting Oron as the pioneer beneficiary of the initiative and assured the state government that the facility would be protected and effectively utilized for the benefit of the youth.
The chairman noted that the centre would create opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital skills acquisition while reducing the need for young people to travel to Uyo and other urban centres in search of training opportunities.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the programme, shun cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices, and position themselves for success in the digital age.
The event attracted government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, youth organizations, community stakeholders, and the pioneer batch of trainees who will undergo intensive digital skills training under the ARISE Tech Talent Accelerator Programme.
The flag-off marks a significant milestone in Governor Umo Eno’s digital transformation drive and reinforces the administration’s commitment to building a technology-enabled generation equipped with globally competitive skills and opportunities.
