By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
The Akwa Ibom governor has urged the newly elected state leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, to synergise with his administration, and eschew parochial sentiments, to advance the ARISE Agenda.
Pastor Umo Eno, who bared his mind, recently, while receiving the new youth leaders at Government House, Uyo, cautioned them to avoid being used by anyone to foment trouble, as such would not be tolerated.
Eno said he was very particular about youth development, hence, his administration’s decision to create a separate Ministry for Youth Development, advising that, irrespective of anyone who sponsored their elections, their utmost interest and commitment should be to the state.
He urged the youth council chairman to strive to leave positive footprints, saying, “During your tenure as chairman, you should be able to say you pioneered this or that programme with your executive. That is the legacy you should leave behind. Work with the commissioner to train and develop our young people. That is all I expect from you, not to fight yourself or the government.
“There is no point in fighting each other. It is time for you to come together, sit together, work together, bring up programmes for the development of youths of Akwa Ibom.
“From the faces I have seen here, I believe that you are good people and you should be able to collaborate and work with each other. Don’t bring ethnic sentiments here. We should work together. It is not about Ibibio, Annang or Oro. You are all young people and Akwa Ibom is one. Our forebears worked together, that is why we had the Ibibio State College in Annang Land.”
Eno lauded the commissioner for youth development, Dr Ekerette Ekanem, and the electoral board for the successful conduct of the election, and urged the commissioner to recognise them and work with them for the good of the state.
The commissioner for youth development, Ekanem, appreciated the governor for his love for the youths, especially, with the creation of a separate ministry for youth development, and specifically, for his lofty plans and programmes for the youths.
“Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity and platform to get our youths developed. Here before you are the newly elected members of the state’s youth executive council of the NYCN. The election was conducted successfully two days ago, and in line with the constitution of the National Youth Council of Nigeria,” he said.
The State chairman of the NYCN, Emmanuel Ekong, applauded the governor and members of the group for the opportunity given him to serve and assured that the executive under his leadership would collaborate and synergise with all relevant stakeholders to develop the youth and advance the ARISE Agenda of government.
Members of the executive are: Faith Godwin Akpan, deputy chairman; Peter Naphtali Akpan, secretary; Oboho Akaiso Etim, vice chairman, Eket Senatorial District; Sunday Ubong Amanam, vice chairman, Uyo Senatorial District; Johnson Imoh Inyang, vice chairman, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District; Urom Nseobong Mfonobong, legal adviser; and Udom Udokang Utitofon, vice chairman, HQTRS.
Others are: Akpan Friday Udo, deputy programmes officer; David Solomon Ekpa, organising secretary (Uyo); Abigail David Okon, internal auditor; Nsikak Abasi Okon Edet, assistant secretary; Otuwa Ubong Okon, treasurer; John Nse Emmanuel, organising secretary (Ikot Ekpene); Ibara Paul Paul, public relations officer; Sunday Ntiedo Ufot, assistant public relations officer; Katomba Samuel Kingston, organizing secretary (Eket); Mfon Peter Akpan, social secretary; Ubong Effiong, financial secretary; Victor Archibong Etok, programme officer; Anietie Ita Nsikak, organising secretary, HQTRS; and Akpan Anietie Benedict, director of entrepreneurship.
Also in the exco are: Ubon Effiong Nelson, director of transport; Victor Edikpo, director of waterways; Augustine Aniema Bassey, director of education monitoring; Akpan Demas Sunday, director of mobilisation; Idot-eyen Thomas, director of SDG; Brighten Sunday Maxwell, director of oil and gas; Effiong Eyo Tuka, director of communication; and Akan Asukwo Offiong, director of intelligence.
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