_…urges children to be proud of their cultural identity
Governor Umo Eno’s belief in a sound and secure future for Akwa Ibom children accounts for the deliberate steps he is taking in prioritizing youth development through model schools, skills development programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, among others.
Speaking during the grand finale of the 2026 Children’s Arts and Culture Summit in Uyo, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, commended organizers for providing a platform that promotes creativity, cultural consciousness, and leadership development among children.
Dr. Ndueso described the event as a strategic investment in the future of Akwa Ibom State, noting that the talents, intelligence, and creativity displayed by the participating children were clear indications of a promising future for the state and the nation.
He lauded the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture, alongside other stakeholders and partners, for successfully organizing the summit, which brought together children from different backgrounds to celebrate culture, learning, and innovation.
According to him, the summit aligns with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Pastor Umo Eno, whose administration has continued to prioritize education, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and human capital development.
Dr. Ndueso noted that the state government’s sustained investments in education and child development are helping to create opportunities for young people to develop their talents and prepare for future leadership responsibilities.
He urged the children to remain proud ambassadors of their cultural heritage while pursuing academic excellence and personal development, stressing that culture remains a vital tool for identity, unity, and sustainable development.
Stressing the importance of identity in a globalized world, he added: “The number one enabler of who you are is your culture, and once you are unable to identify with your culture, then you are nobody.”
The governor’s aide also called on parents, teachers, and guardians to continue supporting and guiding children, emphasizing that building a responsible and productive generation requires collective effort from all segments of society.
“Governor Eno is building a secure future for the children and, in the process, is also building the children to take their respectable place in that beautiful future,” Dr. Ndueso stated.
“The model schools, the youth skill hubs across the entire state, the ARISE Theme Park, the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Center, as well as the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center, are among the enablers the Governor is using to harness the mental and educational capacity of our youth,” he added.
Dr. Ndueso commended the Head of the State’s Council for Arts and Culture, Dr. Unwana Joshua, and the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, for the programme.
He congratulated all participants, award recipients, and organizers of the summit, expressing confidence that the annual event would continue to grow and serve as a catalyst for cultural education, creativity, and youth development in Akwa Ibom State.
The summit, organised by the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture, provided a platform for primary and secondary school students to interact with the state’s traditional languages, arts, crafts, and cuisine while promoting cultural awareness among young people.
Speaking on the theme, “Integration: A Torchbearer to My Heritage,” organisers emphasized the need to balance technological advancement with cultural preservation, urging participants to remain rooted in their heritage despite the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence and other digital innovations.
Participants also highlighted the role of culture in tourism and economic development, noting that recent investments such as the ARISE Park and Recreation Centre reflect the state’s commitment to leveraging its cultural assets for sustainable growth.
The Children’s Arts and Culture Summit featured cultural exhibitions, talent showcases, educational activities, and mentorship sessions aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders and cultural ambassadors.