Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has unveiled the ARISE Youth Employment Portal, a one-stop hub for job opportunities, designed to transform the state’s labor market.
Speaking on Monday at the high-profile launch event held at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo, Governor Eno announced plans to inaugurate a State Inter-Labour Committee. The committee will enforce policies requiring companies operating within the state to prioritize hiring locals and ensure transparent employment practices.
Governor Eno emphasized that the portal is a fulfilment of his campaign promise to create job opportunities aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on poverty reduction. He reminded attendees of the Charter with Youths he signed during his campaign, pledging youth empowerment and economic inclusion.
“One of the core themes of my campaign was the urgency to provide meaningful employment for our teeming youths. This employment portal is part of that commitment," Eno declared. "It is a platform where job opportunities will be segmented by skill sets, providing a direct link between employers and job seekers.”
Governor Eno also acknowledged the youths for their loyalty during politically turbulent times, referencing their refusal to engage in protests against his leadership. He explained that the new portal reflects the government's appreciation and determination to uplift them through job creation and empowerment programs.
The ARISE Youth Employment Portal will serve as the central hub for several large-scale empowerment initiatives: 200 Health/Safety Monitors, 3,000 Personnel for Ibom Watch, Youth Business Support Programs, ARISE Entrepreneurial Support Initiative, Bursary and Educational Grants.
Governor Eno commended Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, Senior Special Assistant on ICT, and his team for their dedication in turning the employment vision into reality. He urged government agencies and private-sector employers to fully embrace the platform, leveraging it to recruit local talent.
The Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, described the portal as a "watershed moment" in the state's recruitment process. He emphasized that advanced technology would ensure that qualified Akwa Ibom indigenes now have direct access to civil service jobs.
“The portal will provide a transparent recruitment process, opening up new windows of opportunity for our people,” Essien remarked.
Engr. Uwem Okoko, CEO of Hensek Integrated Services, praised the employment portal as a timely innovation. “This initiative couldn’t have come at a better time, especially during the peak construction season when we need more hands to complete our projects,” Okoko stated.
Dr. Ekpenyong, speaking on the portal’s operation, said it is designed to break down barriers in the labor market, ensuring that Akwa Ibom citizens have unfettered access to employment opportunities.
