ARISE Agenda: A'Ibom Councillors Make New Demands

• meet Gov aide on Youths Mobilization 

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Youth Mobilisation, Mr Joe Williams flanked by the 31 House Committee Chairmen on Youths from across the local government councils of Akwa Ibom State, after a meeting in Uyo last Monday. 

House Committee Chairmen on Youths across the 31 local government legislative councils of Akwa Ibom State have made strong advocacy for proper inclusion in government to help interpret the ARISE Agenda of the present administration of Pastor Umo Eno.

This formed the crux of the meeting with the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Youth Mobilisation, Mr Joe Williams, held at Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo last Monday. 

The legislators who stressed the importance of proper sensitisation and inclusivity of youths in government dealings, noted that House Committee Chairmen are the main grassrooters with proper understanding of the needs of the youths at that level, adding that they are the ones living with the youths in communities, wards, and clans of the local government areas. 

Stressing the importance of proper inclusion of the House Committee Chairmen in government programmes, they stated as thus, " the importance of giving us greater sense of belonging can not be overemphasized. Working hand in hand with you and other relevant government agencies will make the interpretation of the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency to the youths very easy. We are the first and closest government our people see in our various wards and villages. We understand their plights, hence, we should not be bereft of government policies and programmes for the youths. We deserve to be given proper sense of belonging."

They thanked the Governor for his youth friendly disposition, peace and unity in the State,  and vowed to support his second term bid in 2027. 

Responding to the request made by the House Committee Chairmen, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation, Mr Joe Williams lauded them for their maturity, and promised to work with them in meeting the needs of the youths at the grassroots. 

He called for continuous support of Pastor Umo Eno beyond 2027, adding that the Governor has a lot of good plans for the youths of Akwa Ibom State. 

"Let me thank you for your thoughtfulness, maturity and support so far. What you are asking for is very necessary for the sustenance of peace and unity as well as proper interpretation and domestication of the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency the Governor for our youths.  I will work with you and other relevant youth groups, and will also see how to incorporate you with other youth-related agencies of government for proper sense of purpose." He stated. 

Meanwhile, the meeting was hosted by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation, with  31 Councillors who are House Committee Chairmen in their respective  legislative councils in Akwa Ibom State.