Calabar, Nigeria – A socio-political group referred to as De Caucus, has named Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Cross River, as the Grand Patron.
The group also named High Chief Godwin Nyiam (PhD), Managing Director of the Cross River State Water Board Limited (CRSWBL), as the Patron.
The confirmation was made in two different visits to the office of the SSG on Monday, January 6, and that of the MD Water Board on Tuesday, January 7, respectively.
His Youthfulness, Comrade Dan Obo, convener of the group, whose members cut across the 18 local government areas of the state, said the Grand Patron and Patron were selected based on their meritocratic status.
Obo said the group is not just any support group but a group of young people with the agenda to promote the activities of the State Governor and the President and to see to their re-election.
“We are a group of young people who believe we have to come together as events unfold. We have two major assignments; one is grassroots mobilisation for the re-election of the Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu, and the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and two, to also support anyone the Governor directs.
“We are not here as young people who will create a burden but to add value to what this administration is doing. It’s our duty to tell the people what your office is doing and any other,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, the SSG, Prof. Owan-Enoh, said he sees greatness in the group, adding that he believes in young people more than the old because they have energy and new ideas to move the country forward.
“The reason I’ll accept such partnership is because there is some great sense of seriousness and purposefulness in you. It tends to give everyone a plot that all is not lost. I’ll watch and advice when needed.
“I believe in the message which you represent. I believe in the young people more than the older ones because each time I look at the old people, I feel our time is up and we can’t change anything.
“The system can be changed, and for that reason, I accept your nomination as the Grand Patron of De Caucus,” he maintained.
Also, in his acceptance speech, the MD of the Water Board, High Chief Nyiam, said he felt elevation to be accorded such an honour.
He said, “Because you’ve chosen me, you’ve given me additional responsibility, and I say, thank you. I feel identified. I don’t know how you came about this nomination for me to be your Patron, but I won’t take this for granted.
“The fact that you’re bringing me close to the SSG and to work with him and gather from his experience, I say thank you.”
The Patron said it is a good platform for the youths to come together and build on synergy, adding, “Whatever informs our decisions to build on this platform, we should be able to build on it.
“It is possible to use the platform to harvest our theming youths and build on them. We may not have that financial muscle but if we are serious, we can challenge the system.
“The essence of this platform is not to be destructive to the government but to add value to what the government is doing. Let’s work together to build our and the nation.”
Earlier, the Convener of De Caucus, Comrade Obo, who is also the Special Adviser to Governor Otu on Youths Mobilisation, stated that the mission of the group is to identify, mentor, and develop leaders across all 18 LGAs in Cross River State, and in extension, Nigeria.
Converseer reports that members of the group are drawn from various aspects of life; engineering, media, banking, academics, politics, business, law, medical, arts and entertainment, ICT, amongst others.
