US Trains 30 Youths In Akwa Ibom

The United States (US) Consulate in Nigeria has initiated a youth development project in  Nigeria, offering leadership and entrepreneurial skills to 30 young people in Akwa Ibom State.

The scheme, piloted in the state under the aegis of the US Government Exchange Alumni Association (USGEAN), LEADERSHIP learnt, seeks to imbue the youths with leadership and vocational skills for self-development in order to plough back into society.

At the inauguration of the chapter in Uyo, the state capital, the US Consulate public affairs officer in Nigeria, Ms. Julie McKay, lauded the Exchange Alumni, as among “the most impactful globally.”

The event, which marked the close of the two-day “Skill Up Akwa Ibom” entrepreneurial workshop, featured the swearing-in of the chapter’s pioneer executive team.

Addressing the forum, Ms. McKay expressed high admiration for the new leadership and expressed optimism for greater achievements.

“I must appreciate the executive team for their amazing work to launch this chapter and immediately give back through this training.

In all my years of service, the Exchange Alumni from Nigeria are simply the best I have had the privilege to work with anywhere in the world,” she enthused.

Therefore, the envoy charged the 30 participating young entrepreneurs with fully leveraging the opportunity, urging them to “seize this moment to network, learn crucial new skills, and embrace the spirit of giving back to your communities, your state, and your country.”

Responding, the newly inaugurated state coordinator, Mr. Aniekeme Finbarr, harped on the “Skill Up Akwa Ibom” initiative as the chapter’s practical application of the “Pay It Forward” philosophy.

“We gained invaluable knowledge from the United States, and this is our way of investing that privilege back into the brilliant youths of Akwa Ibom. The workshop was deliberately designed to equip young leaders with the practical skills and innovative mindset needed to thrive,” he explained.

According to him,  the chapter’s launch was a declaration of readiness to collaborate with government and private institutions to drive sustainable growth in education, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership.

“The event, held at the Uyo Window on America, underscores the U.S. Mission’s enduring commitment to nurturing a new generation of Nigerian business leaders and fostering economic development through its powerful exchange alumni network,” he stressed.

The newly sworn-in executive members include Mr. Aniekeme Finbarr (State Coordinator), Mr. Akan James (Secretary), Barr. Uyi Effiom (Project Manager), Dr. Mbomabasi Udofia (PRO), and Mr. Inem Etuk (Financial Secretary).