The Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced the verification of Village Youth Presidents from the 2,272 gazetted villages across the state as part of moves to integrate them into the state security architecture.
The exercise, which commenced on Tuesday at the Traditional Council Hall, Uruan Local Government Area, was led by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, in collaboration with the Ministries of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security and Waterways.
The verification followed Governor Umo Eno’s directive to formally integrate Village Youth Presidents into the state’s security framework, leveraging their grassroots presence to strengthen intelligence gathering, community engagement and security at the village level.
Addressing the Village Youth Presidents and members of the traditional institution, Dr. Ekanem described the initiative as a strategic component of the ARISE Agenda, particularly the administration’s commitment to rural development, grassroots participation and inclusive governance.
He commended Governor Eno for the initiative and charged the Village Youth Presidents to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating discipline, loyalty, responsibility and commitment to the peace and security of their communities.
The Commissioner disclosed that under the new arrangement, Village Youth Presidents would serve a three-year tenure, except where a President is found to have serious attitudinal or behavioural issues and such concerns are formally raised by the Village Head.
Furthermore, Dr. Ekanem commended the Executive Chairman of Uruan LGA, Hon. Surv. Iniobong Ekpenyong, for the warm reception accorded the team and his transparent, fair and peaceful disposition towards the exercise.
He also lauded the Paramount Ruler and Village Heads for their cooperation, noting that their participation was critical to the success of the verification exercise.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Uruan LGA, Hon. Surv. Iniobong Ekpenyong while welcoming the verification team thanked the Commissioner for commencing the verification exercise in Uruan and pledged the council’s support for the initiative.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong who was represented by the Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Emmanuel Umontuen, lauded the Governor's initiative and appeal for the corporation of village youth presidents and village heads in order to achieve the purpose of the exercise.
The exercise was conducted peacefully, with Village Heads publicly identifying and confirming their respective Village Youth Presidents with Uruan Local Government Area having a total of 52 gazetted villages.
The exercise had in attendance the Director of Youth Development, Mr. Emmanuel Akpabio who is covering duties for the office of the Permanent Secretary, the State Village Youth President, Mr. Itai James amongst other stakeholders.
In another development, the Commissioner for Youth Development used the opportunity to embark on an unscheduled visit to the Youth Development Centre, Uruan, to access the standard and pace of ongoing work at the centre.
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