CIF Places Trust in Umo Eno’s Administration to Approve Youth Policy, Roadmap
By Ekemini Simon
The Clement Isong Foundation (CIF) has expressed confidence in Governor Umo Eno’s administration to approve the Akwa Ibom State Youth Policy and Roadmap.
The Foundation made their optimism known during a two-day high-level stakeholders’ roundtable held on August 12 through 13, 2025, at D’Angelo Hotel in Uyo, in line with the global commemoration of International Youth Day.
The roundtable, organized by the Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with Clement Isong Foundation, ActionAid Nigeria, and Youth Pride, had senior government officials, development partners, youth leaders, and private sector stakeholders.
According to Elkanah Oluyori, Executive Director of CIF, the assurance that these documents will receive approval from the State Executive Council and be implemented effectively lies in the fact that the Ministry of Youth Development is driving this process.
“We are optimistic that the documents will receive approval from the State Executive Council and be implemented effectively. Our assurance that these documents will get the approval of the State Executive Council and won’t end in the cupboard is that the ministry of youth is driving this process,” Oluyori stated.
The Executive Director said the Youth Policy and Roadmap aligns with the interest of the administration as shown in the ARISE Agenda through provisions on youth inclusion and integration.
He said the fact that the administration responded to the appeal of the young people in the separation of the Ministry of Youth Development from Sports coupled with the fact that the policy will guide the actions of the new Ministry of Youth Development gives his organisation the confidence that the two documents will be implemented.
Oluyori said in the medium term, CIF expects that the State will have all the key provisions of the youth including the establishment of youth parliament and speedy passage and assent of the Akwa Ibom State Youth Development Fund Bill for the Finance mechanism for youth development issues.
He added ” Our interest is the progress and advancement of Young people in Akwa Ibom State. When they gather, there is a possibility for growth and progress because they are the energy of a Nation.
“If you have young people and there is no direction for them, it becomes a problem. If the energy is not utilized, they may use it for different kinds of vices that we see in society. We needed to use this channel to ensure there is a policy because without a policy, there is no direction. What is the provision of the State to ensure that the energy of the youth is channeled in the direction that also brings back development to the State.
“The latest GDP of Nigeria shows that key contributors were trade, ICT, agriculture, financing and real estate. These are areas young people play in. How do you ensure you have a policy that taps the potentials above? It is through a Policy and Roadmap.”
Dr. Ekerette Ekanem making a remark
On his part, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Youth Development, highlighted the state’s recognition of youth potential, saying, “The Akwa Ibom State Government recognizes the enormous potential of its youth population, a demographic that represents not only the future but also the present.”
He emphasized the importance of a holistic and inclusive approach to youth development, stating, “Engaging stakeholders from various sectors will ensure that our approach to youth development is holistic, inclusive, and reflective of the needs and aspirations of our young people.”