Akwa Ibom Commissions ARISE Youth Development Centre In Etim Ekpo

The Akwa Ibom State Government has commissioned the ARISE Youth Development Centre in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area as part of activities marking the state’s 39th anniversary.

The centre was commissioned on Monday, September 28, 2026, with the initiative aimed at equipping young people with relevant skills and knowledge to improve their economic opportunities.

Representing Governor Umo Eno at the commissioning, The Chairman, Board of governors of the Tower of Ivory Schools, DIG Udom Ekpoudom (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the governor for establishing the centre and for other development projects being implemented in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.

Ekpoudom urged young Akwa Ibomites to take advantage of the facility by acquiring practical skills that could enable them to become self-employed, economically independent and create employment opportunities for others.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, described the centre as an important intervention aimed at addressing the skills gap among young people in the state.

Ekanem said the government had provided similar facilities across the 31 local government areas to give youths access to skills development opportunities.

“You have come to bridge the skills gap. You have provided these facilities in Etim Ekpo and across the 31 Local Government Areas for our youths to acquire skills and become self-reliant,” he said.

Residents of Etim Ekpo expressed excitement over the commissioning of the centre and pledged their continued support for Governor Umo Eno’s administration.