CALABAR – De-Caucus, a socio-political group made of youths, has inaugurated its 18 Local Government Coordinators in Cross River State.
Converseer reports that the inauguration was carried out by High Chief Godwin Nyiam, MD/CEO of Cross River State Water Board Limited and Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT) of De-Caucus during the official launching of the group on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Calabar.
Also inaugurated were the Coordinators of Cross Riverians in Diaspora and Non-indigenes in Cross River State.
The names of the 18 Local Government Coordinators are, Comr. Friday Awade (Obanliku), Mbeh Awunansere (Sagas) Etta (Ikom), Princess Magdalene Ekpe (Akamkpa), Onoh Bobby Ulafor (Yala), Valentine Otu Okoh (Boki), Owan Major Ntima (Etung), Comr. Ofem Okoi (Yakurr), Isaac Imoke (Abi) and Emmanuel Omin (Calabar Municipality).
Others are Rev. ThankGod Arong (Biase), Engr. Offiong Ikpeme (Odukpani), Comr. Samaroh Irek (Obubra), Pst. Thomas Effiong (Calabar South), Comr. Joel Henshaw (Akpabuyo), Ushie Bartholomew Adie (Bekwarra), Comr. Joseph Odama (Obudu), Effiom Gertrude Ekeme (Bakassi) and Akuku Achilles Ugbani (Ogoja).
L-R: High Chief Godwin Nyiam handing over flag to Friday Awade
Additionally, Prince Olumba O (Coordinator of Cross Riverians in Diaspora) and Charles Akanihu (Coordinator of Non-indigenes in Cross River State), were also inaugurated.
Meanwhile, the Board of Trustees of De-Caucus include High Chief Nyiam as Chairman and Hon. Oden Ewa, Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations as Secretary.
Other BoT members of De-Caucus are Mr Edem Bassey, Special Assistant on Utility (Office of the Chief of Staff); Hon. Esther Joseph Bepeh, SA Cross River State Liaison Office (Lagos); Hon. Engr. Dan Osim, Immediate past Commissioner for Works; Engr. Emmanuel Eneji Nkpeh, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Power; and Hon. Emmanuel Idi Yakubu, Vice Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Area.
L-R: Mrs Justina Ovat, High Chief Godwin Nyiam, and Engr. Emmanuel Eneji Nkpeh
Addressing the Coordinators, High Chief Nyiam charged them to be good ambassadors of De-Caucus, taking the mission and vision to the grassroots and beyond.
HY Chief Dan Obo
On his part, HY Chief Dan Obo, Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Youths Mobilisation and Convener of De-Caucus, stated in an exclusive interview that a new dawn is berthed in Cross River State.
According to him, “The mission of De-Caucus is clear; to identify, mentor, and develop leaders across the state, to strengthen grassroots political structures through inclusive participation and mobilisation, to foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration in governance, and to empower the youths as key stakeholders in driving political and socio-economic change.”
L-R: HY Chief Dan Obo and Engr. Eyareosowo Edmond Etta
Obo charged the Coordinators to heed the vision statement of the group, which is to: “Create a legacy of transformative leadership that inspires progress, empowers communities, and ensures sustainable development for Cross River State.”
L-R: Dr Bong Duke, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, and Prince Olumba O.
The event was attended by high-profile individuals, including Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, Chief Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly and Member Representing Boki 1 as Guest of Honour; Dr Bong Duke, Vice Chairman and CEO of Cross River State Planning Committee as Keynote Speaker; Engr. Eyareosowo Edmond Etta as Chairman of the Event; Mrs Jaustina Ovat, Tourism Expert and Founder of Back House as Guest Speaker; Prince Agbor Onyi (PhD) as De-Caucus Scribe; Princess Margaret of UBA Bank, who introduced the investment plan to De-Caucus and other youths present; and several others.
A cross-section of attendees at the official launching of De-Caucus
Converseer further reports that De-Caucus (DC) is a political association dedicated to nurturing leadership, fostering collaboration, and driving grassroots mobilisation across the 18 Local Government Areas in Cross River State. It also serves as a platform for dynamic and visionary leaders to shape the future of the state.