RismadarVoice Reporters, June 20, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced a strategic statewide engagement involving Youth Presidents from all 2,272 gazetted villages across the state as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots participation in governance, peacebuilding, and community security.
The initiative, convened by Governor Umo Eno, is designed to deepen collaboration between government and community-based youth leadership under the administration’s ARISE Agenda.
According to a statement issued on June 19, 2026, by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, the engagement will bring together Village Youth Presidents from across the state for a Strategic Village Youth Town Square Meeting focused on peace, security, and community development.
The government said the programme, coordinated by the Ministry of Youth Development, aims to strengthen community-based security structures, enhance the protection of public assets and critical infrastructure, and promote collective responsibility among young people in safeguarding peace across Akwa Ibom communities.
The town hall meeting is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Uyo Township Stadium, with proceedings expected to commence at 3:00 p.m. Participants have been advised to arrive and be seated before the official commencement of the event.
According to the state government, the gathering will serve as a structured platform for direct dialogue between Governor Eno and grassroots youth leaders on issues affecting their communities. Discussions are expected to focus on promoting unity, civic responsibility, social cohesion, conflict prevention, and sustainable community development.
The engagement is also intended to encourage young people to play more active roles in protecting public infrastructure, supporting security initiatives, and fostering peaceful coexistence in their respective villages.
The government emphasised that the meeting aligns with its commitment to inclusive governance by ensuring that youths at the grassroots level are actively involved in decision-making processes and development initiatives that affect their communities.
Officials noted that community-driven approaches to security and development have become increasingly important in addressing emerging challenges and sustaining peace across the state.
The Akwa Ibom State Government further urged all stakeholders, particularly youth leaders, to take ownership of peace, stability, and development efforts within their localities, stressing that collective action remains critical to achieving sustainable progress.
The upcoming town square engagement is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of village youth leaders in the state’s history.
