The Akwa Ibom government has launched a skills acquisition training programme for no fewer than 150 repentant militants.

At the inauguration of the programme in Uyo on Thursday, Governor Udom Emmanuel said the essence of the training is to equip the youths for self-reliance.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Ekuwem, Mr Emmanuel explained that the training was undertaken under the state’s disarmament programme.

He added that the Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Initiative aimed to push the youths out of crime and militancy.

The governor noted that the programme would train the ‘repentant’ militants on auto-mechanics, electrical works, computer applications, and plumbing.

“We commend those of you who have listened to the call to lay down your arms, embrace peace and support the development initiatives of our government.

“I really respect your courage and decision. This programme is also part of our campaign promise to engage our youths in meaningful and productive ventures,” said Mr Emmanuel.

Also speaking, Joel Bisina, Executive Director of Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa), said the project was designed to reduce the number of small arms and light weapons in the hands of unauthorised persons.

“We work with state governments to talk to young people who possess weapons. Our mission is to tackle the proliferation of arms,” he said.

Dickson Orji, Coordinator of the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PRESCOM), urged the youths to take the training seriously.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Samuel Akpan thanked the government and other partners for the initiative.

He expressed the beneficiaries’ resolve to take the training seriously to become useful to themselves and the state at large.

LITE-Africa supervises the programme in partnership with PRESCOM.

Tagged, ‘Strengthening Peace Security and Stability in West Africa,’ the programme drew youths mostly from Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo local government areas.

(NAN)