Akwa Ibom Youth Networks Record Advocacy Gains as CIF, ActionAid Convene SPA II Convergence in Ibeno
By Ekemini Simon
The Clement Isong Foundation (CIF), with support from ActionAid Nigeria, has convened a two-day Akwa Ibom State Strategic Partnership Agreement II (SPA II) Youth Network Convergence and Learning Exchange, bringing together youth-led advocacy groups to strengthen collective action on governance accountability, climate justice and inclusive development.
The convergence, held between November 27 and 28, 2025 at the Ibeno Youth Hub in Ibeno Local Government Area, drew youth leaders and representatives from six active advocacy networks across the state: Ibeno, Ikot Ekpene, Etinan and Oron Youth Advocacy Networks, the Activista Akwa Ibom Chapter, and the AMBEGHE Initiative.
Organised by CIF under the SPA II Programme, the gathering provided a platform for participants to review progress made during the project cycle, consolidate learning, and chart pathways for sustaining youth-led movements beyond the lifespan of the programme. Discussions focused on governance accountability, climate justice, feminist principles and the role of young people in driving social change at the community level.
Participants showcased concrete advocacy outcomes achieved through SPA II-supported interventions in their respective communities. These included the facilitation of free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration through community partnerships, the securing of free oil and gas certification trainings in areas such as rope access, bowser operations, offshore safety permits, catering and fashion design, as well as environmental actions ranging from waste management campaigns to tree planting and community clean-up exercises.
Youth networks also reported improvements in local infrastructure and service delivery, including borehole installations, drainage clearing, road construction efforts and health-related interventions. Programmes on sexual and reproductive health education, dignity kit distribution and adolescent empowerment were highlighted as part of efforts to address social vulnerabilities, particularly among young women and girls.
Beyond showcasing results, the convergence placed strong emphasis on capacity building and peer learning. Sessions included youth-led panel discussions on leadership growth and community impact, concept analysis on issues such as austerity, feminism, extractivism, green skills, decent work, human rights-based approaches and just transition, as well as strategic movement-building trainings on budget tracking, community scorecards, documentation and long-term advocacy planning. Reflective exercises enabled participants to assess both personal and organisational growth recorded under SPA II.
Speaking at the opening session, the Executive Director of Clement Isong Foundation, Mr. Elkanah Oluyori, urged participants to anchor their activism in purpose, integrity and empathy, stressing that credible advocacy must be rooted in accountability to the communities they represent.
ActionAid Nigeria, represented by Ms. Blessing Ifemenam, reaffirmed the organisation’s over 20-year commitment to youth empowerment in Akwa Ibom State. She emphasised the need for greater consistency, coordination and strategic vision among youth movements to sustain impact and effectively engage duty-bearers.
Since its inception, the SPA II Programme in Akwa Ibom State has expanded its reach from 581 beneficiaries in 2022 to more than 4,000 direct beneficiaries by 2025. The initiative has contributed to increased youth participation in governance and decision-making spaces, improved recognition of youth networks by community and government institutions, and laid a foundation for youth-led social movement building across multiple local government areas.
Meanwhile, participants identified key lessons and recommendations, including the need to strengthen internal coordination and documentation, deepen understanding of complex governance and climate issues, adopt proactive long-term advocacy planning, and expand collaboration across LGAs and stakeholder groups.