The Essien Udim Chapter of the Coalition of Youth Leaders in Akwa Ibom State has expressed disappointment over the delay in receiving the N6 million contract funds awarded by Governor Umo Eno to the state’s youth.
The youths have also urged Dr. Anthony Luke, the Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Transition Committee, and Prince Ukpong Akpabio, the member representing Essien Udim in the State House of Assembly to ensure the swift distribution of the funds to the intended beneficiaries.
Rising from a meeting at South Hill Hotel, GRA, Ikot Ekpene, on Friday, the group’s Coordinator, Itohowo Amos, said Governor Eno had allocated contracts to youths in the state, specifying that N100,000 should be shared among 60 youths in each LGA from the N6 million set aside from the total contract amount.
Amos mentioned the designated contract representatives for Essien Udim Local Government Area, Kufre Nkorok and Idongesit Malachi Jack, who were allegedly nominated for the job by Dr. Luke and Prince Akpabio, have claimed that the funds are in the possession of the local government’s political leadership, and not in their control.
He emphasized that Essien Udim is the only LGA in the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District where the funds have not been disbursed, unlike neighbouring LGAs like Ikot Ekpene where the funds were distributed three months ago.
Amos called upon political figures such as the Council Chairman, Prince Akpabio, and the Youth Caucus Chairman, Engr.Udim Awa, to assist in releasing the funds promptly to alleviate the challenges faced by the youth during these difficult times.
He commended Governor Eno for his youth-friendly approach and praised his administration’s ARISE Agenda for its development initiatives. Additionally, he appreciated the governor’s commitment to providing monthly stipends to 5,000 youths statewide.
