Calabar, Nigeria – The Cross River State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Obol Comr. Emmanuel Olayi, has expressed profound gratitude to the Governor, Apostle Bassey Otu, and his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, for their continuous support for the state’s youths.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Youth House in Calabar during the distribution of rice donated by Governor Otu as a New Year package, Comr. Olayi acknowledged the Governor’s consistent prioritisation of youth welfare. He commended the Governor for implementing programmes aimed at improving the lives of young people across the state.
He further highlighted a recent courtesy visit by the entire youth leadership to the Governor, during which His Excellency reiterated his commitment to youth development.
Welcoming the youth to 2025, Comr. Olayi urged them to remain focused, resilient, and objective in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures that contribute to personal growth and the state’s economic development. He encouraged them to promote peace and safeguard government infrastructure.
The rice distribution beneficiaries expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for his continuous generosity, particularly his efforts to empower the youth. They also praised Comr. Olayi for his transparent and innovative leadership, which has strengthened the NYCN’s achievements.
Comr. Olayi extended special thanks to the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, who chaired the state government committee on food palliatives distribution, as well as the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam, and the Special Adviser on Youths Mobilisation, Comr. Daniel Obo, for their support. He assured them of the NYCN’s commitment to a productive partnership.
Beneficiaries of the rice distribution included NYCN executives at state and local government levels, Voluntary Youth Organisations (VYOs), NANS, YAN, NACRISS, SOCRISS, CENSA, youth with disabilities, Cross River youth in politics, and other groups such as SUG members, media practitioners, and neighbours around the Youth House.