Esit Eket Communities, CSO Call for Increased Support for Youth Development
By Ekemini Simon
Communities in Esit Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom State together with Civil Society Organisations, Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction (NAPPDRR) have called on State Actors among other stakeholders to prioritise youth empowerment initiatives through education and leadership training.
Community members said when leadership training and education programmes are increased, it will empower young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead effectively.
The call was made during a community-led dialogue on leadership training and youth empowerment organized by the Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction (NAPPDRR) in collaboration with the Member of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Hon. Udobia Friday,
In a communique issued at the end of the dialogue, participants resolved to promote community engagement and active participation in development initiatives, particularly among young people.
They called for strengthened partnerships and collaboration among youth groups and community organisations to support youth empowerment initiatives.
The communique also recommended that NAPPDRR and Hon Udobia Friday continue to support youth empowerment initiatives adding that government agencies and civil society organisations should collaborate to provide resources and support for youth development programmes.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Executive Director of NAPPDRR, Hon. Emem Edoho said collective action is important if communities must achieve a better world.
He cited the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guiding framework for the programme, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
While thanking Hon. Friday for his generous support in organising the event, Edoho called on participants to be bold, innovative, and transformative in their approach to leadership and youth empowerment.
The Executive Director expressed optimism that the dialogue will harness the potential of young people in the communities and equip them with the necessary skills to take on leadership roles.