Edet Ikotidem
Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has launched the ARISE Human Capital Development Strategic Plan in Akwa Ibom State, describing it as a transformative step toward improving the nation’s socio-economic realities.
The program, a key component of the Nigerian Human Capital Development 2.0 initiative, is targeted at deepening development at both state and local government levels across the federation.
The official launch was held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, as part of Senator Shettima’s one-day working visit to Akwa Ibom.
The event drew stakeholders from across the country, including policymakers, development partners, and representatives from various ministries and agencies.
In his address, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering human development as a critical pillar for national progress. He described the ARISE Plan as a vital tool in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at building a healthier, more educated, and economically empowered population.
“The Human Capital Development initiative is not just another government policy,” Shettima said. “It is a people-centered, impact-driven strategy that seeks to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of background or location, has access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.”
He commended the Akwa Ibom State Government, led by Governor Umo Eno, for taking bold steps in adopting and localizing the Human Capital Development framework. Akwa Ibom, he noted, has distinguished itself as the first state to domesticate the program at the grassroots level, implementing it across all 31 local government areas.
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“This level of commitment demonstrates vision and leadership,” Shettima stated. “President Tinubu is proud of what Governor Umo Eno is doing in Akwa Ibom. This is a model worth emulating by other states across the country.”
The Vice President used the occasion to call on governors in other parts of Nigeria to align their development priorities with the Federal Government’s strategic focus on human capital development. He emphasized that such synergy would ensure sustainable growth and improved living standards for Nigerians, particularly those in underserved communities.
Following the launch, Senator Shettima embarked on a facility tour of some key projects tied to the ARISE initiative. He visited the construction site of ARISE Park, a massive redevelopment project where a once-dangerous ravine is being converted into a modern leisure and tourism destination. The park is envisioned to be a hub for economic activity, youth engagement, and environmental regeneration.
The Vice President also toured the Christ the King Model Primary School, a flagship project under the ARISE education model. The school exemplifies the state government’s commitment to providing quality, inclusive, and modern education infrastructure.
While speaking at the school, Shettima expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the Umo Eno-led administration, noting that such investments are already yielding measurable outcomes.
“The progress we have seen today in education and health infrastructure clearly demonstrates what is possible when leaders are intentional,” Shettima observed. “Governor Umo Eno is not only building structures, he is laying the foundation for generational impact. The reduction in out-of-school children in the state is a direct result of this proactive approach.”
Providing a national perspective, the National Coordinator of the Nigerian Human Capital Development program, Mrs. Rukaiya El-Rufai, presented an overview of the HCD 2.0 framework. She highlighted the challenges facing the country’s human capital sector, citing Nigeria’s position as 168th out of 174 countries in the World Bank’s Human Capital Index.
“Our performance in global development metrics calls for urgent and coordinated action,” she said. “The ARISE Human Capital Development Program is designed to reverse these trends by implementing targeted interventions across health, education, and workforce development.”
According to Mrs. El-Rufai, the implementation roadmap includes a detailed strategy for local government involvement, ensuring that development is inclusive and far-reaching. The long-term goal, she said, is to move Nigeria into the top 80 countries in the Human Capital Index by 2030.
She further explained that the ARISE model will focus on six thematic areas: education, health and nutrition, labour force participation, youth development, gender equality, and digital literacy. Each area will receive tailored support and coordinated monitoring to ensure measurable progress.
The launch of the ARISE Human Capital Development Strategic Plan marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable growth. As the country navigates complex economic and social challenges, the renewed focus on investing in its people offers a pathway to lasting prosperity.
