Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has launched a community focused security initiative that will bring 2,272 Village Youth Presidents into the state’s security network.
The initiative aims to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen vigilance within communities and create a structured role for young people in the protection and development of their villages.
Governor Eno announced the initiative during a strategic meeting with Village Youth Presidents representing communities across the state. He described the engagement as an important step towards achieving a safer, more peaceful and economically stable Akwa Ibom.
The Governor stressed that the responsibility for maintaining security cannot be left to law enforcement agencies alone. He said residents and community leaders must contribute by sharing timely information and identifying threats before they escalate.
According to him, villages form the foundation of an effective community security system because residents understand their environment and can quickly recognise unfamiliar persons, unusual movements and suspicious activities.
He explained that the Village Youth Presidents would provide an important communication channel linking residents, traditional rulers, local government authorities and security agencies.
Through the arrangement, security information from communities will reach the appropriate agencies faster, allowing for early intervention and more effective responses to emerging threats.
Governor Eno, however, warned that appointment as a Village Youth President would not provide protection for anyone involved in criminal activity. He said the position requires discipline, honesty, responsibility and a genuine commitment to the safety of the people.
He made it clear that any youth leader found supporting, concealing or participating in unlawful activities would face the full consequences of the law.
To ensure proper coordination, the Governor directed Local Government Chairmen to appoint Security Supervisors in councils where such officers have yet to be appointed.
The Security Supervisors will coordinate grassroots security operations and maintain communication among the Village Youth Presidents, Community Watch groups, local government authorities and security agencies.
Governor Eno also instructed security agencies to design appropriate training programmes for the youth leaders. The training will prepare them to gather and report intelligence responsibly, recognise security threats and cooperate effectively with authorised agencies.
He further disclosed plans to expand the state’s Quick Response Force across the ten federal constituencies. The expansion is expected to reduce response time and improve the handling of security emergencies in different parts of the state.
The Governor also introduced an incentive programme for residents who provide credible and actionable intelligence.
He said the government was extending its existing public security message from “If you see something, say something” to “If you see something, say something and win something.”
Under the arrangement, individuals whose information helps security agencies prevent crimes, arrest suspects or protect lives and property will receive appropriate rewards.
Governor Eno urged the Village Youth Presidents to approach their responsibilities with patriotism, courage and integrity. He asked them to maintain close working relationships with Village Heads, Clan Heads, Paramount Rulers, Local Government Chairmen and security agencies.
Beyond security, he encouraged the youth leaders to support civic mobilisation and promote participation in government programmes, including the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
The Governor recalled that his administration established the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways after assuming office on May 29, 2023. He said the ministry was created to strengthen coordination and address security concerns across communities and waterways.
He commended security agencies for their contributions towards maintaining peace in Akwa Ibom State and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting security institutions across the country.
The meeting reflected the administration’s resolve to place communities at the centre of its security strategy. It also demonstrated the government’s commitment to youth inclusion, local responsibility and sustainable development under the ARISE Agenda.
At the end of the engagement, the Village Youth Presidents pledged to support the government in protecting communities, preserving public infrastructure, preventing criminal activities and improving intelligence gathering across the state.
