- …as NYCN launches transport scheme
By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, on Wednesday, 17th September 2025, held its maiden Cross River Youth Convergence with the theme: “Driving Productivity and Youth Inclusion Through Strategic Partnerships in Cross River State.”
The event, which drew the largest youth gathering in recent years, featured keynote addresses, panel sessions, and the launch of strategic initiatives designed to drive youth empowerment and inclusion across the state.
Commending the initiative, Governor Bassey Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam, described the programme as both “timely and deeply relevant.”
“The theme for this programme is not only timely but deeply relevant in today’s world. In a world where the strength of society is measured by the opportunities it creates for young people, this convergence stands as a rallying point for innovation, collaboration, empowerment and shared progress,” he said.
The Governor, who was the Special Guest of Honour, further commended the NYCN leadership for creating a platform where youths can interact and chart a collective path to progress.
Speaking also, Dr Bong Duke, Vice Chairman and CEO of the State Planning Commission, who served as the Lead Speaker, urged the youths to build strong networks and establish a concrete database for information sharing.
He emphasised the need for a digital portal that would give youths access to government programmes, including opportunities to bid for contracts.
On his part, Mr Great Ogban, Director General of the Market Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA), announced that 50 youths had been successfully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). He added that they had also benefited from a business empowerment pact launched by a United States-based youth advocate.
In his address, Pastor Akomaye Ugar, Lead Pastor of Honey Streams Church and renowned public speaker, called on young people to maximise opportunities and embrace leadership responsibility.
“You cannot make an impact if you’re not resourceful; you have to be resourceful enough to make an impact. When you make an impact, you can influence. When influence is sustained for some time, that is when you build a niche for yourself,” he said.
Earlier, the State Chairman of NYCN, Nurse Emmanuel Olayi, described the convergence as a defining moment for Cross River youths, declaring that it would become an annual event to foster dialogue and partnerships.
“Our theme is not just on fliers; it is a trumpet blast for a new day. For too long, the ideas of our youth have been like a mighty river, rushing restlessly yet left untapped. Today, we have to say no more idleness, no wasted potential. Cross River State upward,” Olayi stated.
He stressed that the youths were not lacking in ideas but in unity, urging them to build bridges rather than dwell on disparities.
The convergence featured interactive and panel sessions with business experts, youth stakeholders and industry leaders, who addressed challenges facing young people and proposed strategies to help them become entrepreneurs.
The high point of the event was the official launch of the Youth Transport Scheme by the APC National Youth Leader, alongside the commencement of a state-wide voters registration advocacy campaign.
