06/07/2025
GOVERNOR ENO BOLD MARCH AGAINST UNEMPLOYMENT
By Ekerette John Umanah
The streets of uyo and the entire Akwa Ibom have been filled with joy following the recent announcement by Governor Umo Eno to recruit 3,000 indigenes of Akwa Ibom State into the public service, this bold and strategic policy speaks directly to one of the most pressing issues affecting the youth population which is unemployment. From the onset of his administration, Governor Eno was unequivocal in his commitment to tackling joblessness as a means of restoring dignity to the lives of young people and ensuring sustainable development. This recruitment drive is therefore not only a fulfilment of that promise but also a reflection of the broader economic vision of the governor under the ARISE Agenda.
Employment has long been recognized as one of the core indicators of economic development and the ability of a government to absorb its citizens particularly its youthful population into productive ventures is central to any serious development strategy. By employing 3,000 new workers, the governor is sending a clear signal that his administration is intentional about inclusive growth and youth empowerment. These new employees will no longer be part of the unengaged pool of job seekers but will become contributors to the growth of the State, active participants in governance and channels for implementing government policies in real time.
The breakdown of the recruitment is equally strategic. 1,000 of these new intakes will be absorbed into the health sector while another 1,000 will be absorbed into the teaching workforce and the remaining 1,000 will be in the mainstream civil service. This reflects a deliberate targeting of critical areas of human development, health and education while also strengthening the bureaucratic backbone of the State. Such thoughtful distribution will not only addresses manpower shortages revealed during the recent staff verification exercise but ensures that essential services are better delivered across the State.
What Governor Umo Eno is doing goes beyond numbers. He is laying a framework for long term institutional efficiency that would boost morale within the system and make the civil service more responsive to the evolving needs of the people. The recruitment comes at a time when many young graduates are roaming the streets burdened by a lack of opportunity and growing frustration. For many families, this announcement goes farther than just employment news to being a beacon of hope and signal that their sacrifices in educating their children have not been in vain.
Most importantly, this mass recruitment does not stand in isolation but aligns with the ongoing efforts of the governor to build human capacity through the ARISE Agenda which is a policy framework designed to promote training in ICT, agriculture and artisanship. These programmes have already laid a strong foundation by equipping young people with the skills they need to become employable or self sufficient. Now the government is going a step further by providing direct employment opportunities that will help solidify those gains and give the beneficiaries a chance to apply their training in practical and meaningful ways. It is a seamless connection between policy, training and employment and an integrated approach that is rare in public administration.
What makes this effort even more laudable is that it is not being pursued at the expense of those already in the public service. Governor Eno has shown a rare understanding that real development must be holistic. He has taken active steps to improve the welfare of civil servants from providing accommodation and capacity building workshops to registering over 8,000 workers under the ARISE Health Insurance Scheme, payment of 80,000 naira minimum wage, payment of over 75 billion naira to retirees etc. His recognition and reward of excellence through cash prizes of One Million Naira to outstanding workers, release of 2024 promotions, payment of entitlements, gratuities, wardrobe allowances for teachers and even special promotions all paint a picture of a leadership that values its workforce and sees them as partners in progress.
This level of deliberate attention to the workforce is reshaping public service culture in Akwa Ibom State. For the first time in many years, public servants feel seen, heard and appreciated. They are motivated to give their best knowing that excellence is not only recognized but rewarded. This goes a long way to improve service delivery, boosts productivity and builds institutional loyalty.
The generosity of the governor also extends beyond the regular workforce. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the State have also been carried along in this new wave of support. His announcement of an increase in their monthly allowances from 5,000 Naira to 20,000 Naira beginning from August is a clear demonstration of his belief in their relevance and his commitment to encouraging their continued contributions to sectors such as education, healthcare and rural development. By topping the 77,000 Naira monthly stipend paid by the Federal Government, the State government is showing appreciation and providing motivation for these young Nigerians to give their best while serving in Akwa Ibom.
This significant leap in youth focused policy is a testament to the understanding of the governor that employment is not just an economic activity but is also a social contract. A society that does not empower its youths is sowing seeds of instability, hopelessness and decay. But Governor Umo Eno is charting a different course that prioritizes human capital, economic inclusion and sustainable growth.
All of these initiatives underscore his belief that people are the greatest assets of any government. By focusing on employment and welfare, the governor is building a legacy that will outlast his tenure. He is not just taking young people off the streets but he is also restoring their hope, strengthening public institutions and laying the groundwork for a more robust economy. What he has done in two years is a lesson in purposeful governance and a roadmap that other leaders can emulate if they are truly committed to development.
In a time when many political leaders pay lip service to youth empowerment and economic development, the actions of Governor Umo Emo stands out as a deliberate and measurable steps toward reduction of unemployment, enhancement of productivity and motivation of the workforce which make him a model of pragmatic and compassionate leadership. Akwa Ibom is indeed on a transformative path where every citizen can look to the future with a renewed sense of purpose, dignity and opportunity.
-Ekerette Umanah is a Public Policy Expert.
