Engr. Emem Coffie, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Akwa Ibom State, has called for the expansion of industrial training and job creation to foster self-reliance among the state’s youth.
A civil engineer with 35 years of professional experience, Coffie argued that the government must prioritise equipping young people with technical skills to ensure they are prepared for the evolving labour market. The candidate’s proposal aims to move the youth from being job seekers to becoming productive contributors to the state’s economy.
Coffie made these assertions as part of his early policy outlines for the 2027 governorship election, proposing that industrial training is a vital tool for making the younger population economically independent.
The focus on vocational and industrial capacity building comes at a time when youth unemployment remains a pressing concern across Nigeria, including within Akwa Ibom. Despite the state’s economic potential in the oil, gas, and maritime sectors, there is a persistent gap between the technical requirements of these industries and the skill sets of the local workforce.
Coffie’s approach suggests that by bridging this gap, the state can move beyond traditional employment models and create a generation of skilled professionals capable of driving industrial growth. His professional background in engineering is expected to shape a platform that emphasises technical education and practical apprenticeship programmes.
Economic empowerment through technical skills
The emphasis on self-reliance reflects a strategic attempt to address the socio-economic vulnerabilities of Akwa Ibom’s youth. Rather than relying solely on government-led job placements, the candidate’s vision focuses on creating a workforce that can participate in and sustain private sector growth. The state’s strategic location along the Atlantic coast makes it a focal point for maritime activities and offshore oil production. Consequently, a lack of specialised local expertise can lead to a situation where high-paying roles are filled by workers from other regions, leaving the local youth population in low-skilled roles.
By implementing a robust industrial training framework, Coffie intends to ensure that the economic benefits of the state’s natural resources are more directly felt by its citizens. Political analysts note that as the 2027 election cycle approaches, candidates in Akwa Ibom are increasingly expected to present concrete plans for human capital development. The PDP’s ability to address these structural economic issues will be a key factor in its campaign performance.
While the broad strokes of the proposal have been shared, the specific details regarding the funding of these industrial training centres and the potential partnerships with the private sector have not yet been disclosed.
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