With a popular parlance, “Build The Youth”, resonating from across the mountains and valleys of our dear State, from Urban to Rural areas, Governor Umo Eno has come with an offer for the Youth. The Governor recently disclosed plans to establish Youth-Friendly Innovation Hubs across all 31 Local Government Areas in the State. This initiative is to support continuous training, mentorship, and technology-based Entrepreneurial drive, thereby encouraging youth development across the State. Local Government Chairmen are to partner with the State Government for the realisation of the project, as land will be needed across the 31 Local Government Areas, for the successful execution of the project.
The proposed “ARISE Youth Friendly Hubs” is capable of entrenching youth-driven innovation and advancement in digital solutions. The initiative is also a part of the State’s broader efforts to equip young people with digital skills and provide them with platforms to create and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The tech-hubs aim to identify and nurture raw talent at the local level, encouraging the youth to focus on self-development and innovative solutions. Through the center, young people will have access to resources and the right training to acquire the skills needed to succeed in a digital economy. The State Government will ensure adequate mentorship, resources, and access to a supportive ecosystem, thereby creating opportunities for the youth in the digital world. Through the center, a network of innovation shall be created and expanded to all 31 Local Government Areas. Governor Eno is very passionate about this project as a Youth-Friendly Governor.
The digital economy offers numerous benefits for young people, including increased employment prospects, access to educational resources, and opportunities for entrepreneurship. It fosters the development of valuable digital skills and provides avenues for personal and professional growth. The digital realm allows for the cultivation of social and cultural capital, potentially leading to future economic gains. The digital economy creates new jobs in various sectors, including software development, digital marketing, and data analysis. Young people can leverage digital platforms for freelancing and remote work, thereby reducing the pressure in the labour market.
Digital tools and business solutions reduce barriers for young entrepreneurs, enabling them to start and expand their businesses more easily. Unlimited access to a vast array of educational content and certifications is guaranteed, allowing young people to compliment their formal education and continuous upskilling. As we speak, digital skills are becoming increasingly important for various industries. It offers pathways for young people to acquire these skills, which are in high demand and at the same time in short supply. Through digital skills, social capital is enhanced through online networking and community building.
The benefits and, in fact, the relevance of the project cannot be overemphasized; through the tech-hubs, our youth can cultivate their personal brands and increase their visibility. The digital economy will definitely contribute to financial inclusion, providing young people with access to financial services and opportunities for income generation. For instance, in Nigeria, the digital economy is creating opportunities for young people in agribusiness, leveraging technologies like precision agriculture and smart farming.
Governor Eno is very passionate about youth development. He has executed various Youth-Friendly programmes since his assumption of office as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. These include the training and empowerment of a good number of youths through Ibom leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Center, IBOM-LED, youth training and empowerment at Dakkada Skill Acquisition Centre, DASAC, including several other initiatives aimed at reinvigorating the youths for greater opportunities.
It is hoped that the youth will embrace this opportunity with open arms, not just keying into the programme, but taking ownership of the project, as the digital economy is the new trajectory for economic growth and development.
Arise, that same God.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State
