Young Voters Back Umo Eno, Demand Greater Role In Governance
UYO — Young voters in Akwa Ibom State have called for a stronger role for youths in shaping government policies and development decisions, declaring that young people must move beyond merely casting ballots to becoming active stakeholders in governance.
The position was canvassed by the Young Voters Association of Nigeria (YVAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, at a youth-focused engagement in the state, where the association endorsed Governor Umo Eno’s administration, citing its youth-oriented programmes, inclusive governance and efforts to create sustainable economic opportunities.
Delivering the keynote address, Development Economist and Policy Development Consultant, Bernard Titus Ikpai, said the quality of Akwa Ibom’s future would depend largely on the capacity of its young population to understand public policies, assess government performance and participate meaningfully in decision-making.
Ikpai said, “Young voters are not simply the electorate of tomorrow; we are stakeholders in the governance decisions of today,” urging youths to evaluate government policies on the basis of evidence while constructively demanding accountability.
He identified entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, employment creation, grassroots mobilisation and institutional accountability as areas where stronger youth participation could deepen the impact of the ARISE Agenda, stressing that the relationship between government and young people should go beyond periodic political mobilisation.
According to him, the endorsement of the governor should therefore not be interpreted simply as political support, but as an opportunity for sustained engagement between the government and the younger generation to ensure that youth aspirations remain part of the state’s development priorities.
The engagement, which was attended by Hon. Lawrence Udoide, Member representing Ini State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, also featured calls for increased youth involvement in policy formulation, community development, entrepreneurship and democratic institutions.
YVAN said it would sustain voter education, civic responsibility and leadership development initiatives across the state, emphasising that its support for the Eno administration represents its current assessment of the government’s direction, while pledging continued constructive engagement to keep the interests of Akwa Ibom youths at the centre of governance.
