RismadarVoice Reporters
June 21, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled a major grassroots security initiative with the integration of 2,272 Village Youth Presidents into the State’s security architecture as part of efforts to strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance community-based security across the state.
The Governor announced the initiative on Sunday during an engagement with Village Youth Presidents at the Uyo Township Stadium, attended by youth leaders from the 31 local government areas of the state.
Speaking at the event, which coincided with the celebration of Father’s Day, Governor Eno said the move was a proactive response to prevailing security challenges in the country and a deliberate strategy to reinforce internal security mechanisms at the grassroots level.
He explained that the youth leaders would undergo comprehensive profiling and specialised training before being formally deployed as community security focal persons working alongside traditional rulers, village heads and security agencies.
“Henceforth, Village Youth Presidents will form an integral part of our security architecture. Following proper profiling and training, they will support intelligence gathering and grassroots security management in their respective communities,” the Governor stated.
According to him, the initiative is designed to ensure that every community becomes actively involved in safeguarding lives and property while providing timely intelligence to security agencies.
Governor Eno also directed all local government chairmen to appoint dedicated Supervisors for Security in their respective councils to coordinate and support the implementation of the new security framework.
In a further boost to security operations, the Governor instructed the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, to provide an additional 10 Hilux patrol vehicles to the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen operational coordination and rapid response capabilities across the state.
The initiative received widespread commendation from stakeholders at the event.
Among those who praised the move were the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs, His Majesty Akuku Sylvester, Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Brig. Gen. Koko Essien (Rtd.), Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerette Ekanem, Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, and Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Security, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo.
They described the initiative as a strategic intervention that would strengthen community policing, improve intelligence gathering and contribute significantly to sustaining peace and security across Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking on behalf of the Village Youth Presidents, forum leaders Itai James Abraham and Williams Williams expressed appreciation to the Governor for recognising the role of youths in governance and security management.
They pledged the commitment of youth leaders across the state to support government efforts aimed at maintaining peace, promoting social cohesion and safeguarding communities.
