Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has awarded ₦310 million to youths as a reward for boycotting the #EndBadGovernance protest.
Governor Eno stated this in a meeting at the Uyo Township Stadium on Tuesday, in fulfillment of his promise to reward the youths for heeding his call to avoid participating in the nationwide hardship protest, which was held from August 1 to 10.
The cleric therefore announced a ₦10 million token of appreciation for youths in each of the state’s 31 local government areas.
“The leadership of the youths in each of the LGAs will receive the money and spread it across the party line. We can’t leave you the way we met you. We are inspired that you listened to our plea not to join the protest, not because we don’t believe in protests or don’t feel what is going on in the country.
“We know there are always people that will hijack the most peaceful protest to vent anger on government facilities. Our leaders have worked so hard in the past 37 years of the creation of our state to put this infrastructure in place. And one minute of anger can destroy all of these hard works.
“We are not ashamed. You did well and we are here to give you a pat on the back. Though you didn’t protest, we heard you loud and clear. We know the issues you’re angry about.
“We know those things that should be addressed. Issues of hunger, unemployment, pain, and high price of food. We try within resources available in our state to address them to the benefit of our people,” he stated.
Irrespective of party affiliation, the governor promised that 100 youths from each local government area would be added to the Ibom Community Watch.
He explained that the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with his Senior Special Assistant on ICT would provide a portal for youth employment in the state.
“One thing you must know, our big men when they meet at the club, when they share the money, they don’t know political party. So, no discrimination,” he added.