Ikom, Cross River State – The Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Youths Mobilisation, Comrade Dan Obo Jr., has inaugurated 66 youths who pledged to drive the government’s policies in the Central Senatorial District of the State.
This follows the official launch of the Cross River State Youth Mobilisers Community by the Office of the Special Adviser on Youths Mobilisation to the Governor.
The youths, drawn from the six LGAs in the Central Senatorial District, would also drive government projects and opportunities meant for the youths at the grassroots level.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the inauguration, on Friday at Ikom Council Hall, Obo Jr. said the 66 youths are “To drive government; government policies and project down to our people, and to also share whatever federal government, state government and local government have for young people.
“It is an avenue where young people can have and also assist in facilitating other young people to having access to these state government programmes meant for them.”
Earlier, while addressing the youths in the one-day Town Hall which ushered the 66-member Youth Mobilisers Community in Central, the Special Adviser on Youths Mobilisation said Governor Bassey Otu has done well by placing priority on young people and should be supported to enable him to do more.
“We don’t have a choice but to support His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for he has done so much for the youths, including employment and empowerment,” he said.
He said the launch will continue in the remaining two Senatorial Districts, North and South, adding that the Governor has approved a Youth Summit coming up in January 2025, which will further strengthen the path he’s creating for young people.
“We should be steadfast and remain firm with the present government, believing that going forward, the government have us at heart and certainly the government is already showing that concern for us and so we should expect more,” Obo Jr. said, promising to take the plights of the youths to the Governor at every given time.
In her address, the Executive Chairman of Ikom LGA, Pst (Mrs) Mercy Nsor, said she would do everything within her reach to support the youths as well as the current administration.
According to her, “I am standing here as the mother of the youths – boys and girls – to support you, especially in this season where we are building structures to strengthen the good works of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu.
“I want to thank you all, especially our leader, SA on Youth Mobilisation, Comrade Dan Obo Jr., for gathering here today for a good course, and I want to believe God that as you work with him to build the Central Youths, you will succeed.
“I want to implore us to key into what this Town Hall Meeting would bring, its leadership and visions. On my own, I’ll discuss your visions with Her Excellency and I am sure she’ll give you the needed support.”
The Chairman of the event, Hon. Kasetima Mentui, Councillor representing Ikom Urban Ward II and Deputy Leader of Ikom Legislative Council, and Hon. Markpeace Osim, Councillor representing Ofutop Ward II and Majority Leader of Ikom Legislative Council, also pledged their support for the inaugurated Community, charging other youths to make themselves available so that when opportunities come, they won’t be left behind.
One of the youths, Abiam Douglas Ewa of Abo Ward in Boki LGA, thanked Obo Jr. for organising the Town Hall Meeting, saying that it is the best thing the youths need right now, “An avenue to discuss our needs and help the government in whatsoever way we can.”
Some of the youths also raised some concerns during a panel discussion, one of which was the rehabilitation of roads in the District, as the SA Youth Mobilisation promised to take their messages to the Governor.
The youths were also thrilled by the presentation from the Guest Speaker, Dr Prince Agbor Onyi, who talked on the theme, “Season of Sweetness Reloaded: The Place of the Central Youth.”
