Governor Pastor Umo Eno today officiated the ground-breaking flag-off of the ARISE Youth-Friendly Centre in Itu Local Government Area, marking the launch of the first of ten pilot centres across the state. Represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, the Governor described the project as a cornerstone of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, innovation and enterprise under the ARISE Agenda.
Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner Ekong stated that the Youth-Friendly Centre is designed to equip young people with practical tools for today’s dynamic global economy. He outlined the facility’s multi-sector components: a training hub, accelerator and incubation lab, co-working spaces, a creative development studio, ICT centre, e-library, coffee lounge, and recreational area — all geared toward nurturing enterprise and innovation.
“The difference between a millionaire and a groundnut seller is mentorship and education. That is exactly what this project seeks to bridge,” Ekong said. He praised Governor Eno as a promise-keeper whose leadership has yielded measurable impact across sectors.
Stakeholders from Itu — including the local government chairman, Hon. Ubong Nkut, traditional ruler Edidem (Dr) Edet Akpan Inyang, and area youth leader Ubong Ndayaumoh — hailed the initiative as a milestone for local youth. They pledged their full support to both the Governor and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the centre as a tangible sign of inclusive governance and community investment.
The event drew broad attendance from councillors, supervisors and youth groups, and was highlighted by a vote of confidence in Governor Eno and a motion from youth delegates supporting his second-term ambitions. The ARISE Youth-Friendly Centre initiative reflects the administration’s strategy of making youth development a foundational pillar of the state’s growth agenda.
