By | Essien Ndueso
The completion of the new Senior Citizens Centre in Akwa Ibom has drawn attention not only for its purpose as a welfare facility for older persons, but also for what officials describe as a strong example of youth driven enterprise in the state.
The project, delivered by U and K Integrated Services Limited, has been presented as evidence of the Akwa Ibom State Government’s push to support young entrepreneurs through opportunities in infrastructure and public sector development.
Governor Umo Eno had, during the 2023 election campaign, promised to create economic opportunities for young people and widen access to empowerment programmes across the state. At the time, some critics questioned what that promise would mean in practical terms. Nearly three years later, the administration is pointing to projects such as the Senior Citizens Centre as proof of a broader plan to build capacity, encourage entrepreneurship and create lasting value.
At the centre of that conversation is the Managing Director of U and K, Engineer Ukeme Peter, whose company handled the construction of the facility. The project has been described by government officials as one of the most significant social welfare developments in the state in recent years.
Beyond the new centre, the firm has also been linked with other key projects under the current administration, including the CKS Model School in Uyo, sections of road construction work such as Spring Road in Ikot Ekpene, and the ongoing airport medical facility. These projects have helped raise the profile of the company and, by extension, strengthened the case for supporting homegrown contractors and skilled young professionals.
Government officials say such developments reflect the administration’s effort to move beyond symbolic empowerment and instead create pathways for sustainable economic participation. According to them, the goal is to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills, mentorship and financial discipline needed to build successful careers and businesses.
This approach has been backed by initiatives such as the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre and the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, both of which were set up to support training, mentorship and enterprise development before beneficiaries access government support schemes.
The state government says farmers, traders, small business owners and other entrepreneurs across the 31 local government areas have already benefited from these interventions through various empowerment channels.
Officials argue that the real measure of public support is not in one off cash distribution, but in the ability of beneficiaries to build something lasting. They say the emergence of firms such as U and K in major state projects reflects that shift in policy direction.
The Senior Citizens Centre itself is designed as a daytime recreation and wellness facility for elderly residents, rather than a residential care home. The centre includes a clinic, pharmacy, restaurant, library with internet access, lounges, fitness space, game rooms, chapel, craft exhibition room, multipurpose hall and administrative offices.
The facility is expected to provide a structured environment where senior citizens can meet, access basic services and participate in recreational and social activities before returning to their homes.
During a recent inspection ahead of the inauguration, Governor Eno expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, and commended the contractor for timely delivery. The centre is scheduled for inauguration by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
With the project now ready for use, the state government says the facility stands as both a social investment in elderly welfare and a symbol of what young entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom can achieve when given access to opportunity, mentorship and institutional support.
