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Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has commended youths in the state for distancing themselves from the nationwide protest.
To reward them for their action, the governor announced plans by his administration to launch a social welfare programme that would provide monthly support for about 5,000 youths in the state.
Governor Eno made the promise at the August edition of the Monthly Covenant Service, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, tagged ‘But They Shall Proceed No Further’.
He said by shunning the protests, Akwa Ibom youths had averted the much anticipated violent outcomes as reported in some other states.
The governor assured them that the planned social programme would be unveiled and possibly launched in October 2024, adding that it would accommodate youths yet to be employed across all local government areas in the state.
He said, “Let me start by thanking Akwa Ibom youths. They have done extremely well. Let these words get to them that I am very proud of them. I am proud of them for keeping Akwa Ibom safe.
“We celebrate all of our youths wherever they are. They did not protest, not because the Police stopped them, but God spoke to them. I am extremely grateful to our youths for understanding that we can have dialogue and get all we want, and that we can work together as a people.
“We will launch a programme that will support about 5,000 youths in Akwa Ibom State monthly. It will go round across the entire local government areas. We should be able to support youths that are not employed to have something that will help them, because they have made us proud.
“This state has always been the home of peace, and you have kept it so. I am proud of you."
Eno also commended the peaceful conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward Congresses across the state.
