Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has enlisted 2,277 village youth presidents into the state’s security framework as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security and sustain peace across communities.
Speaking during a town hall meeting with the youth leaders at the Uyo Township Stadium on Sunday, the governor said the initiative was designed to expand and reinforce the state’s security structure by involving young people who live within the communities and understand local realities.
According to Eno, while his administration has made significant efforts to maintain peace and safety, there is a need to deepen security operations at the community level. He explained that incorporating village youth presidents into the security system would help bridge the gap between residents and security agencies through timely intelligence sharing and collaboration.
The governor announced that the youth leaders would undergo profiling and receive specialised training, beginning with local government-based sessions. He stressed that their new security responsibilities do not place them above existing village leadership structures but rather make them part of a coordinated community security network.
Eno also directed all local government chairmen to appoint supervisors for security matters in their respective councils. The supervisors, he said, would oversee and coordinate the activities of the youth leaders while ensuring effective communication with security agencies.
He revealed that the new security arrangement would operate under the supervision of the Ibom Community Watch, with the aim of improving information flow between local communities and law enforcement agencies.
Urging the youth leaders to approach the assignment with commitment and patriotism, the governor called on security agencies across the state to support the initiative through training and mentorship programmes.
As part of measures to strengthen security operations, Eno instructed the state Commissioner of Police to extend the Quick Response Squad to all 10 federal constituencies in Akwa Ibom. He also donated 10 new Hilux vehicles to the police to enhance their operational capacity.
Commending the initiative, Martins Esin described the inclusion of village youth presidents in governance and security matters as a landmark development that reflects democratic inclusion and grassroots participation.
The state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, praised the governor’s commitment to security, noting that community involvement and intelligence sharing remain critical to effective policing.
Also speaking, retired Brigadier General Koko Essien said the village youth presidents are well-positioned to support security efforts at the grassroots, while Commissioner for Youth Development, Ekerete Ekanem, highlighted the administration’s investments in youth empowerment and skills development.
On behalf of the village youth presidents, Itai James Abraham expressed appreciation to the governor for recognising the role of young people in governance and security, assuring him of their commitment to supporting the state’s development agenda.