The National Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN) and Tourism Volunteers Network (TVN), Cross River State Chapters, have applauded the newly elected National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) executives while highlighting future youth engagement initiatives.
The election, held three weeks ago, has ushered in a new leadership led by Comrade Emmanuel Olayi as Chairman and Ngban Basil as Deputy Chairman, alongside other key officers who will steer the council’s activities for the next four years.
The newly elected officials include:
- Comr. Emmanuel Olayi – Chairman
- Ngban Basil – Deputy Chairman
- Ekpe Eval Sam – Vice Chairman (Central)
- Wonah Patrick – Vice Chairman (North)
- Benjamin Edet – Vice Chairman (South)
- Prince Ojoi Obojor – Secretary
- Ojong Vincent Assam – Deputy Secretary
- Melchizedek Okwe – Public Relations Officer (PRO)
- Emmanuel O. Duke – Assistant PRO
- Itanim Christopher – Programme Officer
- Agbor Celestine Akan – Treasurer
- Asuquo Nyong Etim – Financial Secretary
- Barr. Ikugar Thomas Mefoni – Legal Adviser
- Odama Joseph Ubeneye – Social Secretary
- David Nsemo – Internal Auditor
- Mbang Effiong – Programme Officer II
- Ofem Okoi – Organizing Secretary Central
- Eugene Keshe Hipekwen – Organising Secretary North
- Emmanuel Archibong – Organising Secretary South
In his congratulatory message, Ambassador Bassey Nton Nton, the State Speaker of the National Youth Assemble of Nigeria (NYAN), Cross River State Chapter and the State Coordinator for Tourism Volunteers Network (TVN), Cross River State Chapter, praised the newly elected team, emphasising the importance of their roles in shaping the future of the state’s youth.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate the newly elected 2024 state executive of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter. This victory signifies their acceptability and the trust the youth of Cross River State have placed in them,” Ambassador Nton stated.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the outgoing administration, urging the new executive to build upon the foundation laid by their predecessors and consolidate the efforts of the past administration, for continuity growth.
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Ambassador Nton Nton expressed concerns about the challenges facing the youth in the 21st century, particularly in Cross River State. He highlighted issues such as unemployment and the need for increased government and stakeholder intervention.
“The youth cycle is vast, and the challenges are many. The government and stakeholders must focus on addressing these issues to secure a better future for our youth,” he lamented.
Remarking further, Nton called on the youth of Cross River State to seize opportunities for self-employment and to acquire digital skills, which are essential for economic sustainability. He urged the youth to move beyond mere survival and strive to live fulfilling lives, emphasising that Cross River State has the resources and potential to support this ambition.
“The youths of Cross River State do not want to just survive anymore; we want to live and live comfortably. Cross River State has all it takes to achieve this,” he declared.
Ambassador Nton also took the opportunity to clarify the distinct roles of NYAN and NYCN. He described NYAN as a legislative and dynamic youth-centred organization that has been at the forefront of fostering positive engagement, innovation, entrepreneurship, and good governance among Nigerian youth for over a decade.
“NYAN is committed to encouraging youth participation in governance, upholding principles of equity, freedom, and justice, and advocating for youth involvement in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he explained.
Furthermore, he spoke about the Tourism Volunteers Network (TVN), highlighting its role in supporting the government’s tourism development efforts, particularly in Cross River State, known as the “home of tourism.” TVN aims to promote tourism not only within the state but also across Nigeria and Africa, contributing to global tourism growth.
In conclusion, Ambassador Nton Nton extended an invitation to the public to join these transformative initiatives, emphasising the importance of volunteerism in achieving collective goals. “Cross River State is the home of tourism, and with concerted efforts, the tourism sector can significantly boost the state’s revenue. The door is open for you to be part of this movement,” he concluded.
