September 3, 2025 – Akwa Ibom State Government today continued the third phase of its Free Food Distribution Exercise under the Food Security Programme, reaching out to the poorest and most vulnerable residents of Ewang, Mbo Local Government Area, with truck-loads of palliatives.

Thousands of residents, including people with disabilities, gathered at the Local Government Council Headquarters as early as 8am to await the arrival of the Food Distribution Team. The team, led by the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Princess Emem Ibanga, distributed bags of staple food items across all 11 Wards of the Local Government Area.

While addressing the beneficiaries, Princess Ibanga explained that the programme was designed to offer short-term relief. She stated, “This food distribution is an interventionist programme billed for the short-term, so I urge everyone to return to the farms for sustained food security.” Her message reinforced the importance of agriculture in achieving long-term food stability in the state.

In his remarks, the Council Chairman of Mbo LGA, Hon. Sunday Etim, accompanied by his Vice Chairman and Secretary, expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for delivering on his promise to support vulnerable residents. He said, “We thank the Governor for alleviating the immediate food worries of our people. Mbo LGA assures His Excellency of massive support in his future endeavors.”

On ground to monitor the exercise was the Special Adviser to the Governor on Cooperatives and Rural Development, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, an indigene of the area and two-time member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. She joined other officials to ensure a smooth distribution process.

Also present were the General Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Unyime Etim, alongside Councillors and Ward Personal Assistants to the Governor, who have been instrumental in moving food vouchers from the Agency to the vulnerable across their communities.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the state government, describing the initiative as timely and uplifting. One resident noted that the palliatives were “a thoughtful and soul-lifting gesture” that brought relief to struggling families.

Rivers State Administrator, Vice-Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has restated his administration’s focus on human capital development as a key part of the state’s growth agenda. He said this on Wednesday in Port Harcourt during the opening of a 30-day fully residential Vanguard Initiative on Behavioural Modification Programme for youths in the state.

Ibas, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, explained that real progress must go beyond physical infrastructure.

“As a government, we are not only building bridges, schools, and hospitals; we are also building human capital. Real development is measured in minds that are trained, hearts that are disciplined, and hands that are willing to work,” he stated.

The Administrator noted that the Vanguard Initiative was introduced to prepare young people with resilience, discipline, and practical skills. He stressed that the programme would help participants embrace peace, avoid violence, and position themselves as innovators and future employers of labour.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Ruhuoma Kejeh, said the Behavioural Modification Training (BMT) was founded on the belief that reorientation should come before technical empowerment.

She further explained that the Ministry had designed a new approach tagged Train to Engage (TTE) to ensure participants receive full guidance and mentorship even after the training.

“In the days ahead, the Ministry will engage Skills Masters to deliver trainings in CNG conversion, ICT, fashion design, vocational skills, and agribusiness,” she announced.

The Creative Minds Initiative (CMI), an entrepreneurship promotion organization, has paid a courtesy visit to the Adviser on Youth and Entrepreneurship to the Bauchi State Governor, Hon. Muhammed Atiku Isah, seeking support and collaboration.

During the visit, the group unveiled its plan to launch the first-ever Compendium Magazine, which is aimed at strengthening credibility, recognition, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs across Bauchi State.

The magazine is expected to boost visibility and help young business owners access new growth opportunities in the competitive market.

Leading the delegation, the Chairperson of CMI, Aisha Seyoji, stressed the importance of working with relevant stakeholders to achieve lasting impact. She explained that “strategic partnerships are key to advancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bauchi State,” while noting that the compendium would serve as a platform for both established and emerging entrepreneurs.

Responding, Hon. Muhammed Atiku Isah praised the vision of the initiative, describing it as “a homegrown effort that will add value to ongoing programs promoting entrepreneurship.” He assured the team of his support and pledged to work with CMI in empowering Bauchi youths and entrepreneurs.

The Benue State Government on Wednesday officially unveiled the innovative “One Student, One Computer, One Digital Skill Plus” initiative, a comprehensive programme designed to ensure every student in the state gains access to essential digital devices and skills.

The initiative aims to enhance academic excellence through increased access to e-learning platforms and online resources, positioning Benue as a hub of digital innovation.

His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State, performed the unveiling ceremony during the graduation of the inaugural Benue Summer Tech Training and the induction of the Digital Benue Ambassadors at Nnam Hotel in Makurdi.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mini, the Governor commended the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) for spearheading the state’s digital transformation and praised BDIC’s efforts in deploying critical infrastructure, rolling out innovative platforms, and executing visionary projects such as the Summer Tech Training programme.

“The Digital Benue vision is not just an idea, but a living reality,” the Governor emphasised. “Today, we celebrate our children who have gained foundational skills in digital literacy, software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. They are the trailblazers of a future powered by knowledge, innovation, and opportunity,” he added.

He highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the initiative, including the development of employable skills in ICT fields such as programming, design, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship, stressing that the programme is poised to foster economic diversification through e-commerce, freelancing, and digital startups.

Governor Alia further said the initiative aims to support sectors like agriculture, health, education, and commerce, thereby enabling Benue youth to become globally competitive, attract investments, and create local jobs.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to expand the Summer Tech Training programme across all 23 Local Government Areas, ensuring that every child in Benue has access to the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive in the 21st-century digital economy.

He also recapped significant strides in digital infrastructure development, including the deployment of fiber optic connectivity across 18 ministries, departments, and agencies, noting, “the state has introduced e-governance platforms and digitised workflows across critical sectors, all part of a strategic roadmap to position Benue as a model of digital transformation in Nigeria.”

In a separate address, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), represented by Mr. Ajayi Babajide Ayodimeji, the Zonal Office Coordinator, commended Benue for its forward-thinking approach, and praised the state’s efforts to equip children with skills in software development, cybersecurity, and other digital disciplines, emphasising that such capabilities can generate wealth and employment.

Dada Olusegun, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, represented by Yansa Esetome Garba, also lauded the state government’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of digital innovators.

The event concluded with a presentation of certificates and customised tablets equipped with internet services to the graduates of the Summer Tech Training programme by Governor Hyacinth Alia, symbolising the government’s dedication to fostering digital literacy.

This landmark initiative marks a significant step toward transforming Benue into a digital economy hub, empowering its youth with the tools and skills needed to compete and innovate on a global scale.