EU-ECOWAS, LITE-Africa Begin Training Of 150 Ex- Militants From Akwa Ibom
No fewer than 150 repentant brigands from Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo LGAs of Akwa Ibom State have left the State to undergo skills acquisition and training in various parts of the country.
The movement of the former fraternity members which took place Wednesday, from the Ibom Hall ground, IBB Way, Uyo, was sponsored by the European Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa), with the support of the Akwa Ibom State government.
Addressing the youth before their departure, Governor Udom Emmanuel, lauded them for accepting the pardon the State government granted them and subsequent relinquishing of their arms to the Police.
Recall that the EU-ECOWAS, LITE-Africa in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government and the relevant Security Agencies, after the disarmament, had conducted arms destruction exercise in Uyo from November 11-19, 2019. The exercise witnessed the destruction of about 460 arms and 1000 ammunition recovered under the Civilian Disarmament initiative in the State.
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Governor Emmanuel, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG); Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, lauded the committee for coming to partner him to end youth restiveness, insecurity and other criminal vices in the state and as well provide sustainable means of livelihood through intervention programme for the former illegal arms carriers.
The State Chief Executive, while charging the trainees to accord seriousness to the skills acquisition training, announced massive financial support for their upkeep.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of LITE Africa, Mr Joel Bisina who spoke on behalf of EU-ECOWAS, said in a bid to promote peace, reduce armed conflicts, and small arms proliferation in the country, the Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa) and the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PRESCOM) with support from the European Union (EU) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are working to strengthen efforts aimed at preventing the further proliferation and trafficking of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Nigeria.
He revealed that over 41 training institutions have been engaged across the country waiting to receive the 150 youths from Akwa Ibom and same number from Cross River, bringing the total to 300.
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He highlighted that the training which have various duration of completion will be intensive, appealing to the beneficiaries to show commitment and discipline throughout the period for the sake of their future and families.
He assured them of adequate provision of their needs throughout the period of training and plans to ensure the provisions of starter packs for all successful trainees to become self reliant and employers of labour in due course.
Addressing the group, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Security Matters to the Governor, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (Rtd.), lauded the state governor for making adequate provision for payment of the trainees’ weekly allowance while the training last. He also commended the youths for what he termed ‘choosing life’.
“You chose life, that’s why the government of Akwa Ibom State gave you life. I want to thank you, particularly because it’s not easy to believe in a system you’re not part of.”
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He told them that the training the EU, ECOWAS, LITE-Africa and state government are sending them to, will make them self reliant and employers of labour, urging them to make good use of the opportunity.
On his own, the National Project Coordinator of the Nigerian Component of the ECOWAS-EU Small Arms Project, Dr. Dickson Orji, said the 150 youths, being the first batch, will undergo training on the skills of their choices.
According to him, the programme entails skills acquisition and attitudinal training, vocational training, business development, training career development, agricultural business, greenhouse farming among others.
He said the beneficiaries upon completion would be provided with starter packs and guided to start their own businesses.
Orji, who noted that the Nigerian component of the EU-ECOWAS small arms under the current pilot phase focuses in the seven states of Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
Orji specifically lauded Governor Udom Emmanuel for providing the enabling environment for the implementation of the project.
Speaking on behalf of the group, one of the repentant brigands, Samuel Udo Akpan, an indigene of Ukanafun LGA, expressed gratitude to the State Government, the foreign bodies and their partners in Nigeria for the opportunity given to them to better their lives and enhance their living standard .
He promised that they will do their best to justify the confidence reposed on them by maximizing the opportunities.
