By Frank Ulom
OGOJA (CONVERSEER) – Cross River State youths have commended Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for what they described as people-centred developmental projects being implemented across the state, particularly in the northern senatorial district.
The commendation came during an enlarged interactive session held with the Deputy Governor in the northern part of the state, which brought together youth leaders from the five local government areas in the zone.
Youth Leaders’ Reactions
Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, lauded the governor’s administration for its youth-centred policies and programmes aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of young people. He emphasised the need for sustained partnership between the government and youth bodies to strengthen peace and development.
Olayi also appreciated the resilience of youths in the north while urging them to remain united despite what he described as attacks from detractors during the youth council’s tour of the region.
The NYCN Vice Chairman (North), Comrade Patrick Wonah, applauded the governor’s “People First” agenda, noting that projects such as road infrastructure, job creation in the civil service, and social welfare initiatives were already visible in the northern part of the state.
Speaker of the Cross River State Youth Parliament, Comrade Comfort Ngeh, added her voice by advocating for increased gender inclusion, praising the administration for empowering young women and promoting female participation in governance.
Government’s Assurances
Responding, Deputy Governor Peter Odey said the administration is deliberate about building structures that will empower young people. He cited ongoing vocational training, job creation schemes, and other youth-focused initiatives as part of the government’s strategic efforts to foster inclusive governance.
“Governor Bassey Otu is intentional about empowering our youth. From training to employment, the government is putting structures in place to ensure young people are not just seen, but heard and included in decision-making,” Odey stated.
During his tour of the north, the Deputy Governor also engaged communities in town hall meetings and donated funds in support of new yam festivals across the five LGAs.
Resolution on Job Racketeering
In a joint resolution, youth leaders warned against job racketeering, stressing that the council would not hesitate to expose and sanction anyone found selling employment opportunities in the state.
Dignitaries Present
The session also featured the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi; Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede; and the Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr Chris Ojikpong.
