Vice President Kashim Shettima has lauded Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for his administration’s deliberate and impactful investment in human capital development, describing the strides made by the state as exemplary and worthy of emulation by other states across the federation.
Speaking on Monday in Uyo during the official launch of the ARISE Human Capital Development (HCD) Strategic Plan held at the Banquet Hall of the Akwa Ibom State Government House, Shettima noted that the initiative represents a bold vision that places people at the centre of governance. He said the commitment shown by the state underscores the essence of sustainable development and is aligned with the Federal Government’s broader human development framework.
The Vice President pointed out that no form of investment compares to the investment in human beings, stating that Akwa Ibom has set a high standard in areas such as healthcare, education, and youth empowerment. He cited key indicators that reflect the state’s progress, including an under-five mortality rate of 80 per 1,000 live births, significantly better than the national average of 110, and a remarkably low rate of 3.5% of primary school-aged children out of school, as against the national figure of 25.6%.
According to him, “Akwa Ibom has not only aligned with our national HCD objectives but has clearly moved ahead of the curve. I commend the Governor and his team not only for their performance but for their ambition to do more. The Federal Government is ready to work hand-in-hand with states like Akwa Ibom that are showing the way.”
Shettima explained that the National Human Capital Development Programme, now in its second phase, has been revamped to ensure deeper impact, stressing that HCD 2.0 builds on the foundation of the initial phase with more integrated and measurable outcomes. He described the ARISE Human Capital Development Strategy as a model worthy of replication across the country.
“Akwa Ibom has shown us that this is more than just a plan—it’s leadership. It is the first state in the country to fully domesticate the HCD initiative across all its local government areas, making it not just a state-level strategy, but a community-level reality,” he said.
He further disclosed that a dedicated HCD Dashboard has been launched to help monitor key metrics across all levels, pointing out that accurate data is vital in understanding the real stories behind every statistic—whether it’s a child missing vaccination, a woman lost during childbirth, or a talented youth without access to opportunities. “These numbers represent real lives and real challenges, and we must approach them with a sense of urgency and compassion,” he added.
The Vice President called on other state governors to take a cue from Governor Eno, stating that no legacy can surpass that of building people through quality health, education, and opportunities. “The most enduring monuments are those built in the hearts and lives of our citizens,” he stated.
In his response, Governor Umo Eno expressed gratitude to Vice President Shettima for his leadership role in developing the national HCD framework and for his presence at the state’s launch of the strategic plan. He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising human capital development in his Renewed Hope Agenda, of which Akwa Ibom is a direct beneficiary.
Governor Eno said that the ARISE HCD Strategic Plan reflects his administration’s people-centred governance philosophy and is already being implemented through various initiatives across the state. He highlighted investments in healthcare infrastructure, provision of quality education at the primary and secondary levels, and comprehensive youth empowerment programmes designed to prepare the population for the challenges of the modern world.
He listed several flagship projects already delivering results, such as the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (IBOM-LED), which has trained over 4,000 individuals and disbursed startup grants ranging from N500,000 to N750,000. The Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) recently graduated more than 400 young people trained in various technical and vocational skills.
The governor also mentioned the sponsorship of 16 youths currently undergoing aviation training with Airbus in Toulouse, France, and the return of 21 engineers from Ethiopia who trained with Ethiopian Airlines and are set to be absorbed by Ibom Air. Additionally, he noted the N4 billion worth of empowerment grants disbursed to traders, small businesses, and farmers through the Town Square Empowerment Meetings.
He concluded by stating that his administration’s ARISE Agenda aligns closely with the Federal Government’s human capital development vision, assuring that Akwa Ibom will remain fully committed to achieving the goals of the HCD initiative for the benefit of all citizens in the state.
