The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has pledged a total of N310 million to the youth leadership across the 31 local government areas in the state for their decision to refrain from participating in the recent #EndBadGovernance protest.
Prior to the protest, during a meeting with key stakeholders in Uyo, the governor had expressed his intention to reward the state’s youth if they stayed away from the nationwide protests held from August 1st to 10th.
At a thank-you rally held at Uyo Township Stadium on Tuesday, Governor Eno confirmed the cash reward, stating that each of the 31 local governments would receive N10 million. He instructed that the funds be distributed across political lines.
The governor also announced plans to incorporate 100 youths from each local government area into the Ibom Community Watch, regardless of their political affiliations. Additionally, he revealed an increase in the student bursary, raising it from N10,000 to N20,000 for undergraduates, and from N20,000 to N30,000 for students enrolled in professional courses or postgraduate programs.
During the rally, stakeholders called on the governor to prioritize the completion of the long-abandoned Ibom Science Park, a project initiated by former Governor Obong Victor Attah. Initially designed to boost the state’s technological advancement, the project has remained unfinished despite substantial investments.
