By Darlington Onedibe
In a major strategic shift to combat grassroots crime, the Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to formally integrate village youth presidents into its security architecture across all 2,200 communities in the state. ​
Governor Pastor Umo Eno disclosed this during a security briefing, emphasizing that securing the state requires a bottom-up approach that leverages local intelligence.
By empowering youth leaders who understand the dynamics of their respective domains, the administration aims to create a proactive shield against criminal elements.
​”We are restructuring our security apparatus to ensure it is community-driven,” Governor Eno stated. “The youth presidents are the eyes and ears of their villages. Integrating them into our formal security network ensures that intelligence is gathered in real-time and action is taken swiftly.”
Youth presidents will serve as vital links between rural communities and formal security agencies, providing actionable intelligence to nip crimes in the bud. The program will span all 2,200 recognized villages across the state’s 31 Local Government Areas, ensuring no community is left vulnerable.
The state is designing a structured framework to support, train, and collaborate with these youth leaders to ensure their operations align with the rule of law.
​Governor Eno reiterated his administration’s commitment to the ‘ARISE Agenda,’ noting that sustainable economic development and agricultural revolution cannot thrive in an environment plagued by insecurity.
The formal framework for the integration is expected to be rolled out following consultations with traditional rulers and security chiefs.
