Some students of NYSC Demonstration Secondary School.
By Tina Ezin
Connected Development (CODE), in partnership with Oxfam, has extended its Power of Voices Partnership Project to four secondary schools in Cross River State, equipping students with the skills to become active citizens and responsible leaders.
The initiative took centre stage on Friday during a civic engagement programme at NYSC Demonstration Secondary School, Calabar, where students from participating schools staged panel discussions and presentations on corruption, transparency, and accountability.
The schools currently hosting the civic clubs include NYSC Demonstration Secondary School, West African Peoples Institute (WAPI), and Government Girls Secondary School, Big Qua Town.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Kingsley Agu, CODE’s Director of Programs, explained that the civic clubs were designed to move learning beyond the classroom by instilling values of integrity, leadership, and accountability.
He noted that the project has so far established 20 civic clubs across six states, with Cross River and Delta hosting four schools each, ahead of the three-school average in other states.
“This project is about raising active citizens who can hold leaders accountable, protect the environment, and live out the values of honesty and service,” Agu said, adding that CODE plans to expand the clubs to rural schools in partnership with the state Ministry of Education.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), represented by Mr. Nsa Eniang, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a complement to its nationwide campaign against social vices in schools.
He said the clubs align with the new Federal Ministry of Education curriculum that emphasizes accountability, patriotism, and civic responsibility.
Dr. Evelyn Eyong, Special Assistant to the Odukpani Local Government Chairman on NGOs, also announced plans to roll out civic clubs in schools across her council, stressing the need to “catch them young” to curb corruption.
On his part, Mr. Etim Essien, Principal of NYSC Demonstration Secondary School, lauded the impact of the clubs, stressing that they prepare students to question issues constructively and think beyond what they are told.
The event climaxed with the commissioning of a recycling point established by the civic club at NYSC Demonstration Secondary School. Other schools received tools to set up flower gardens as part of their civic engagement projects.
