The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the commencement of the ARISE Youth Skills Week 2025, a groundbreaking initiative focused on artificial intelligence, digital literacy, and youth empowerment. The event will take place from Sunday, July 13 to Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
With the theme “Youth Empowerment Through AI & Digital Skills,” the three-day program aims to provide young people in Akwa Ibom with relevant tech-driven knowledge to succeed in today’s economy. The event kicks off with a church service on Sunday at Victory Chapel, University of Uyo, Town Campus, by 9:00 am.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Uyo, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, said the programme is part of activities marking the United Nations Youth Skills Day. He explained that the initiative is a strategic move to equip youths with artificial intelligence skills and digital tools necessary for economic development.
“This day is more than a calendar observance. It is a clarion call to prepare our youth for a technology-driven future. Through this platform, we are not just creating awareness, we are building a generation that will thrive, lead, and innovate,” Dr. Ekanem stated.
The opening ceremony and a high-level panel discussion will take place on Monday, July 14, at the Ibom E-Library Amphitheatre by 10:00 am. The sub-theme for the session is “Harnessing Youth Skills for Economic Growth and Innovation in Line with the ARISE Agenda.” The closing ceremony, which includes the prize presentation to outstanding young innovators, is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, at the E-Library Auditorium.
The event is expected to draw participation from over 1,000 youth leaders, tech innovators, political leaders, non-governmental organizations, and students from all 31 local government areas of the state. Governor Umo Eno will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, while the Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
Dr. Ekanem acknowledged the unwavering support of Governor Umo Eno, saying, “This event is a clear reflection of the Governor’s commitment to youth development and digital innovation as captured in the ARISE Agenda.” He emphasized the importance of digital skill acquisition in sectors like AgriTech, Tourism, HealthTech, Fin-Tech, AI in Education, Governance, Creative AI, Security and Surveillance, and Finance.
The Commissioner disclosed that winners of the innovation contest will receive cash prizes. The first prize is one million Naira, second prize is seven hundred and fifty thousand Naira, and third prize is five hundred thousand Naira. Additionally, the fourth and fifth place winners will each receive three hundred thousand Naira, with a consolation prize of one hundred thousand Naira.
He also announced plans by the Ministry to set up Youth-Friendly Innovation Hubs across the state. These hubs will serve as centers for mentorship, digital training, and tech incubation for young people interested in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, also spoke at the briefing, highlighting the relevance of the programme to the state’s long-term development plans.
“This is one government that is genuinely interested in youth development. ARISE Youth Skills Week is about enhancing the creativity, innovation, and inclusion of our young people,” Umanah noted.
The initiative was equally praised by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state, Comrade Amos Etuk. He commended Governor Umo Eno for investing in digital growth and praised the Ministry of Youth Development for taking proactive steps in preparing youths for the digital economy.
“This programme is not just timely but also essential for giving the state visibility in the digital space,” Etuk said.
The Ministry is encouraging all young innovators in Akwa Ibom to seize this opportunity and develop their capabilities in digital skills, artificial intelligence, and innovative technologies that can drive economic change.
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