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| Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, Chairman, NYCN Cross River State Chapter |
Ukorebi Esien | 20th July 2024
CALABAR - Comrade Emmanuel Olayi emerged as the chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, following a keenly contested election held yesterday.
Olayi, who hails from Obanliku LGA, secured his victory through a consensus reached by all eight aspirants for the position of State Chairman. The elections, scheduled for Friday, 19th July, at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, saw all candidates undergo security screening and sign a Peace Accord, facilitated by the State Security Service (SSS) and the office of the State Security Adviser.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Youth and Skills Development, Barr. Ijom-odum Ukam, expressed satisfaction with the entire process leading to Olayi's emergence as Youth Chairman. Ukam noted the maturity and spirit of sportsmanship displayed by the candidates, urging them to support the new chairman.
The newly elected chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, moved to tears, expressed gratitude to his fellow contestants for finding him worthy. He pledged to carry out his duties in accordance with the council's constitution and appreciated the efforts of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Commissioner for Youths, Barr. Ijom-odum Ukam, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, and the Senior Special Adviser to the governor on general duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, in ensuring a successful election process.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Ph.D., urged the youths to use their energy and talents to contribute positively to society. He made this call in his office on Friday, shortly before the commencement of the election, when a delegation from the National Youth Council (NYC) led by State Commissioner for Youth and Entrepreneurship, Barr. Ijom Ukam, and the President of the National Youth Council, Ambassador Dokubo, visited his office.
He assured the NYC leadership of government support to ensure free and fair elections for the State Chapter offices. Odey expressed pride in the youths of Cross River State who are using their time and talents for the good of the nation, in contrast to those involved in social vices such as kidnapping and violent demonstrations.
"We believe in encouraging the youth population. That is why there is fair representation of the youth in the present administration," he said. He charged them to ensure the elections were free and fair, devoid of violence.
The Commissioner for Youth, Barr. Ijom Ukam, highlighted the purpose of their visit as updating the Deputy Governor on the activities preceding and during the election. Ukam affirmed that, with the Deputy Governor's encouragement and the State government's support, the election would be hitch-free, allowing the National Youth Council's visions and ideals to be achieved in Cross River State.
Ambassador Dokubo, the President of the National Youth Council, reiterated the national leadership's resolve to ensure a free and fair election in the State. He called on all Nigerian youths to shun violence and embrace diplomacy in addressing their grievances.
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