Youth Friendly-Centre: A Sustainable Strides for Youth Development – Successive governments in Nigeria have consistently emphasized youth development and inclusion in governance as a pathway to legitimacy, innovation, and sustainable national progress. This recurring commitment reflects a recognition of the strategic importance of young people in shaping the country’s democratic and economic future.
The popular slogan, “Build the youth, build the nation; destroy the youth, destroy the nation,” is frequently echoed at political gatherings. While it serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the youth, it often raises questions about the depth of their actual inclusion in governance and decision-making processes.
However, the true measure of these commitments lies not in rhetoric but in tangible outcomes—specifically, the extent to which governments translate promises into actionable policies, structured programmes, and sustainable projects that genuinely empower young people.
Over the years, various administrations have introduced youth-focused initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of young Nigerians. During the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, several empowerment programmes were launched to address unemployment and enhance human capital development. These initiatives primarily focused on vocational training and capacity building for graduates.
Between 2010 and 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan introduced notable programmes such as YouWiN (Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria) and SURE-P (Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme). These initiatives sought to stimulate job creation, support entrepreneurship, and provide technical and vocational training, while also investing in infrastructure development.
Similarly, under former President Muhammadu Buhari, programmes such as N-Power and the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) were implemented. These initiatives provided training, stipends, and financial support to young Nigerians, with a focus on enhancing employability and promoting entrepreneurship.
The current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued this trajectory through its “Renewed Hope” agenda, with a strong emphasis on digital skills, education financing, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship. Key initiatives include the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the NiYA digital platform, and various startup support schemes.
Despite these efforts, many youth development programmes in Nigeria have faced persistent structural and operational challenges that limit their long-term impact. A recurring issue is the tendency for such initiatives to provide temporary relief rather than ensuring sustainable economic integration. In many cases, there is insufficient linkage between training programmes and long-term employment opportunities, access to credit, or enterprise development support.
Against this backdrop, the Akwa Ibom State Government, under the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, appears to be adopting a more strategic and sustainable approach to youth development. Through the Ministry of Youth Development, led by an experienced Youth leader, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, the state is implementing policies aligned with global best practices aimed at equipping young people with relevant skills for the modern economy.
A flagship initiative in this regard is the construction of youth-friendly centres across the state, beginning with 10 pilot local government areas. These centres are designed as integrated hubs for youth empowerment, bringing opportunities closer to grassroots communities that have historically been excluded from government programmes—particularly those requiring digital and technical skills.
The youth-friendly centres are envisioned as comprehensive facilities equipped with modern infrastructure, including e-libraries, ICT laboratories, training and meeting rooms, co-working spaces, and creative development units. Additional features such as business support services, employment portals, counselling units, fitness and wellness spaces, and recreational areas are expected to foster holistic development.
Notably, the centres are designed to be secure, solar-powered, and purpose-built to support innovation, learning, and productivity. By decentralizing access to opportunities, the initiative seeks to bridge the urban-rural divide and ensure that young people across the state can benefit from emerging economic trends.
This model represents a shift from short-term interventions to a more sustainable framework that prioritizes skills development, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness. The center has the potential to produce a competitive labour force capable of thriving in both local and global markets.
As the global economy continues to evolve, the era of overdependence on traditional white-collar jobs is gradually giving way to a skills-driven economy. Initiatives such as the youth-friendly centres position Akwa Ibom State to take advantage of this transition by preparing its youth for future opportunities.
This is the right time for Akwa Ibom youth to sharpen their skills for future opportunities. What we spend money to learn outside is coming to our doorsteps. Kudos to our amiable Governor on this great vision. Akwa Ibom Youth arise!