A’Ibom validates 10-year youth policy, devt roadmap

In a landmark step toward youth empowerment and inclusive governance, the Akwa Ibom State Government has reviewed and validated the Akwa Ibom State Youth Policy (2025–2035) alongside a comprehensive Youth Development Roadmap, aimed at guiding state-wide investments and interventions for young people over the next decade.

The event was held in commemoration of International Youth Day at the D’Angelo Hotel, Uyo yesterday. It was convened by AKWA Ibom Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with the Clement Isong Foundation (CIF), ActionAid Nigeria, Youth Pride, and other development partners.

It brought together a cross-section of high-level participants, including senior government officials, donor agencies, civil society leaders, youth advocates, and private sector representatives.

A Policy Shaped by Inclusion and Evidence, The Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, said the validated document was the product of an extensive and inclusive consultation process that captured diverse youth perspectives from across the state’s 31 Local Government Areas.

According to him, “This policy is more than a document, it is a commitment to every young person in Akwa Ibom that their voices matter in shaping the state’s future, because it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopts global best practices, and ensures that no youth is left behind, regardless of gender, disability, or place of origin.”

Technical presentations from the Ministry detailed the six strategic thrusts of the policy, which include: Sustainable financing of youth programmes; Development of a reliable Youth Data Bank for targeted interventions; Capacity building in agriculture, ICT, renewable energy, and creative industries; Strengthening youth participation in governance and peacebuilding; Promoting gender equality and disability inclusion, and Enhancing economic opportunities through access to markets and finance.

Stakeholder Affirmations

The review session featured a clause-by-clause examination of the draft, with participants affirming several key principles: The policy meets recognized international standards and provides a credible framework for government, private sector, and development partner engagement.

Also, the Local Government Councils and relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are critical to its implementation; A SMART framework with measurable indicators will ensure transparency and accountability; Donor partner representation in the Transparency Committee will reinforce public trust in fund management.

Inclusion of non-indigenes resident in the state for more than seven years in community-based youth programmes will promote unity and reduce marginalization; and a comprehensive Disability Law will safeguard the rights and opportunities of youth living with disabilities.

The meeting also recognized the contributions of the state Governor Pastor Dr. Umo Eno, for championing youth-inclusive governance through various empowerment initiatives already underway in the state.

Resolutions for Action

In the communique issued at the end of the roundtable, stakeholders unanimously resolved to: Support the Ministry of Youth Development in implementing the policy and roadmap as the state’s blueprint for inclusive youth advancement.; Facilitate the passage and executive assent of the Akwa Ibom Youth Development Fund (AKYDF) Bill as the main financing mechanism for youth initiatives.

Establish a fully constituted Akwa Ibom State Youth Parliament (ages 15–35) within the Youth Advisory Board to deepen legislative engagement; Extend the youth age limit to 40 years for persons with disabilities to ensure equitable participation; Develop a five-year strategic financing and implementation plan with defined roles for all stakeholders and a robust performance review system.

Institutionalize a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework to track progress and adjust strategies where necessary; Strengthen youth roles in environmental stewardship and peacebuilding in line with the SDGs.

Call for Collective Commitment

Director of the Clement Isong Foundation, Mr. Elkanah Oluyori, emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between the government and development partners. “A policy is only as good as its implementation. We must match this historic validation with action that reaches young people in every community,” he said.

Similarly, Programme Director of Youth Pride, Dr. Caroline Gordian, urged for intentional funding of youth-led innovations, adding: “Young people are not just beneficiaries; they are co-creators of solutions.”

The communique concluded with a pledge from all attending stakeholders to work collectively toward building an economically vibrant, innovative, and inclusive Akwa Ibom where youth are empowered as central drivers of sustainable development.