RismadarVoice Reporters
June 26, 2026
The Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) recorded another milestone on Friday, June 26, 2026, with the graduation of its 3rd Cohort at the main arena of the centre, Ikot Ada Idem, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
A total of 568 graduands completed training across nine faculties and departments.
Another 206 trainees are scheduled to graduate in the next batch, bringing the centre’s current intake to 774 youths.
Speaking at the ceremony, Visitor to the Centre and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, represented by the Deputy Governor Sen. Dr Akon Eyakenyi, described DASAC as a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, enterprise development, and wealth creation.
She said skills acquisition is central to tackling insecurity and promoting peace, adding that Akwa Ibom is positioning itself as a hub for youth enterprise through DASAC, the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre, and Youth Development Centres under construction in all 31 LGAs.
The deputy Governor disclosed that under the ARISE Tech Talent Accelerator Programme which commenced in Oron two days ago, the state is targeting 1.5 million youths with globally relevant digital skills over the next five years, that is, 1,000 youths per local government area annually.
Dr Eyakenyi charged the new graduands to deploy their skills for economic prosperity.
She said the 51 graduates of the School of Agriculture would form the nucleus of the state’s agricultural revolution, while the 245 graduates of Hospitality and Lifestyle Management would be absorbed by facilities such as the ARISE International Convention Centre, Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Arise Palm Resort and the ARISE Shopping City.
Other graduands were from the Schools of Civil & Building Technology, Electrical & Electronics Technology, Automobile Technology, ICT, Metal Technology, and Wood Technology.
She urged all graduates to combine skills with hard work, honesty, and diligence, noting that the exhibition of their work validated the state government’s investment in the Centre.
The Deputy Governor commended the Rector, Prof. Enoidem Usoro, the DASAC team, the University of Lagos, and Local Government Chairmen for their support.
“Today marks the beginning of your journey to economic prosperity,” she told the graduands.
“With the training you have acquired, you can rewrite the story of your families and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of our state.”
The Rector of DASAC described human capital development as “the most valuable investment any society can make.”
She commended Governor Umo Eno for expanding skills training for young people under the human capacity pillar of the ARISE Agenda.
“The Governor has taken the bull by the horns to ensure our youths acquire relevant, market-ready skills. This is how the future of Akwa Ibom is being secured and sustained,” she said.
She urged more youths to apply online, noting that registration for the 4th Cohort will begin in July 2026.
The Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Churchill Udoh commended the Governor for his investment in the growth of the academy, and for sustaining its vision as a foremost talent incubation hub in the country.
