Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, for his bold and strategic investments in human capital development, describing the initiatives as exemplary and worthy of replication across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the ARISE Human Capital Development Strategic Plan held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Uyo, Vice President Shettima highlighted the significance of placing people at the heart of public policy, asserting that no investment yields greater dividends than investment in human capacity.
“Akwa Ibom has not only performed exceptionally but has dared to dream bigger,” Shettima remarked. “With an under-five mortality rate of 80—well below the national average of 110—and just 3.5% of primary school-aged children out of school, compared to the national 25.6%, the state is clearly ahead of the curve. The federal government is ready to work hand in hand with you.”
The Vice President said the administration of President Bola Tinubu holds Governor Eno in high regard, noting that his implementation of the national Human Capital Development (HCD) framework reflects visionary leadership.
He explained that the second phase of the National HCD Programme—referred to as HCD 2.0—is designed to achieve measurable integration and impact, building on the gains of the first phase while incorporating cross-cutting themes.
“What we have witnessed in Uyo today with the launch of the ARISE Human Capital Development Strategy is a model for other states to emulate,” Shettima said. “Akwa Ibom is the first to localise this national vision across all local government areas. While others adapt strategies to fit their state context, Akwa Ibom is setting the pace.”
He added that the newly launched HCD Dashboard will track progress across state and local government levels, using data not merely for reports but to drive tangible results. “We cannot solve what we do not measure,” he said.
Urging other governors to learn from Akwa Ibom’s example, the Vice President stated: “No legacy surpasses that of building our people. Health, education, and opportunity will outlive any monument.”
In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno thanked the Vice President for championing the development of the ARISE HCD roadmap and implementation plan, describing it as a milestone for Akwa Ibom and the nation at large. He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritising human capital development within his Renewed Hope Agenda, of which Akwa Ibom is a beneficiary.
Governor Eno outlined key projects aimed at expanding access to healthcare, quality education, and economic empowerment. These include the construction and equipping of primary healthcare centres, investment in primary and secondary education, and the rollout of training programmes designed to equip citizens with skills for modern economic realities.
Highlighting achievements under his administration, he noted that the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (IBOM-LED) has trained over 4,000 individuals, with startup grants up to ₦750,000. The Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) recently graduated over 400 trainees across various disciplines.
He also mentioned the deployment of 16 youths to Toulouse, France, for pilot training with Airbus, the return of 21 engineers from a technical programme with Ethiopian Airlines, and the allocation of over ₦4 billion in business grants to traders, farmers, and small businesses through the Town Square Empowerment Meetings.
Governor Eno reiterated his administration’s commitment to aligning its People First policy—anchored on the ARISE Agenda—with federal development priorities, promising to deliver fully on the goals of the HCD initiative.
