The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, has invested ₦10 million in youth empowerment and educational support for students in Ikono Ibom Clan, Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, as stakeholders and residents of the clan endorsed Governor Umo Bassey Eno for a second term in office.
The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, during a Youth Sensitisation and Education Empowerment Programme organised by the Commissioner at Ikono Ibom Civic Centre, where he emphasised the importance of civic responsibility, responsible citizenship and educational advancement among young people.
Dr. Udofia explained that the programme was conceived four days earlier to sensitise youths on their responsibilities to society, stressing that civic education should begin at the grassroots.
According to him, public office holders must lead by example and demonstrate their commitment to community development through practical initiatives that improve the lives of the people.
Describing the gathering as a homecoming, the Commissioner expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for appointing him into the State Executive Council, noting that one of the ways to appreciate the Governor was by investing in the development of young people and expanding their opportunities.
He disclosed that the educational intervention was designed to assist students facing difficulties in paying their school fees, describing it as the beginning of a broader commitment to supporting deserving students in universities, secondary schools, Colleges of Education and other institutions.
Dr. Udofia also urged the people to support the state government, noting that the administration had initiated development programmes which, in his view, deserved recognition and collective support.
He appreciated the APC family, particularly the party’s chapter chairman in Uyo Local Government Area, as well as the management and staff of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, led by Mrs. Christy, for their cooperation and encouragement.
The Commissioner expressed optimism that Christmas Unplugged 4.0 would surpass the success of the previous edition, Christmas Unplugged 3.0, as the state continues to promote cultural activities and youth engagement.
In her remarks, the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Inemesit Uwah, who represented Prince Enobong Uwah, commended Dr. Udofia for directing resources towards the educational needs of young people.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Security, Youth and Sports, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo, assured the Governor of the clan’s support, declaring that Ikono Ibom would deliver a “five-over-five” electoral victory for Governor Eno and other candidates of the party in the forthcoming elections.
Hon. Asuquo thanked the Governor for appointing a Commissioner from the clan, noting that the appointment had helped make the gathering possible.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Dean of Commissioners, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, commended Governor Eno for appointing Dr. Udofia as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, describing the appointment as an opportunity to advance development in Ikono Ibom.
He thanked God for making the occasion possible and acknowledged the traditional rulers, women, students, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, the Secretary to the State Government and the people of Ikono Ibom for their support for the administration.
Mkpisong Archibong expressed pride in Dr. Udofia, observing that the empowerment programme demonstrated that members of the State Executive Council could initiate interventions for their constituents, beyond the efforts of local government chairmen and members of the State House of Assembly.
He added that Governor Eno would be pleased with the initiative and promised to brief him on the event.
According to him Uyo Local Government Area is a major beneficiary of the administration’s development initiatives, noting that Ikono Ibom had produced a Commissioner under the Governor’s tenure.
The Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Umoh, commended Dr Udofia for extending financial support to students and young people, describing the initiative as a meaningful investment in education and human capital development.
Professor Umoh urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the financial assistance, remain focused on their studies and strive for academic excellence.
He stressed the importance of taking advantage of the support to improve their educational prospects and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerette Ekanem, described the programme as a significant step towards empowering young people and equipping them for greater responsibilities.
He said the initiative aligned with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, which prioritises youth development and improved opportunities for young people across the state.
Dr Ekanem cited the establishment of youth development centres in all 31 local government areas, payment of students' examination fees and the increase in bursary allowances from N20,000 to N50,000 as evidence of the administration's commitment to youth welfare. He also noted the upward review of monthly allowances for National Youth Service Corps members from N5,000 to N20,000.
The APC Uyo Senatorial District Chairman, Mr Isua Archibong, called on eligible citizens to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
He stressed that voter registration was an important step towards ensuring active participation in the democratic process.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Clan Head of Ikono Ibom; the President of Ikono Ibom Development Union, Etubom Ikpe George; the women’s representative, Madam Rose Steven; and the President of Ikono Ibom Clan Students’ Association, Mr Celestine Akpan among others.
A major highlight of the event were the presentstion of cheques and the adoption of a motion affirming the clan’s commitment to delivering a “5-over-5” electoral victory in the forthcoming elections.
The event attracted members of the State Executive Council, special advisers, local government chairmen, board chairmen, aides to the Governor, traditional rulers, political stakeholders from Ikono Ibom Clan, youths, women and political officeholders from Uyo Local Government Area.
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Information / PR Unit
MCT