Fifty repentant militants in Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun Local Government areas of Akwa Ibom State have been given starter packs upon completion of their training.
The packs were donated by the state government in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States and the European Union.
The state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, made the donation at a programme tagged ‘Strengthening peace security and stability in West Africa’ in Uyo, the state capital.
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Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, the governor commended ECOWAS-EU for partnering with the state to rehabilitate and reintegrate the repentant youths by equipping them with requisite skills that will make them contribute meaningfully to the society.
Emmanuel urged the youth to utilise the equipment judiciously, stressing that having received requisite training and vocational skills, they can earn a living and live a life of emulation to encourage others to stay off crime.
“We will like to commend ECOWAS/ EU for partnering the state to help these young men and women to be rehabilitated and reintegrated into the larger society.
The first thing ECOWAS/EU did was to train those youths to acquire various skills and also mentored them to know that it is important to learn how to fish, than be given the fish,” he said.
In his remarks, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Capt. Iniobong Ekong (retd.), thanked Emmanuel and ECOWAS/EU for the decision to partner and take the youth off the street.
