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| Eteng Williams in a warmth handshake with With the Cross River State Youth Council Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi |
Ukorebi Esien | 19th April, 2025
IKOM — In a renewed effort to strengthen youth inclusion in governance, the Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Sen. Eteng Jonah Williams, has appointed Comrade Gifted Nelson as Special Assistant on Youth Affairs. The announcement was made during an interactive session with the Cross River Central Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), held Saturday at Gold Palm Hotels, Ikom.
The meeting, which brought together key youth stakeholders, including the State Chairman of NYCN, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, and executive council members from the Central Senatorial District, served as a platform for the youth to express their expectations and aspirations from the political class.
Addressing the Senator, Comrade Olayi emphasized the need for consistent engagement, representation, and economic empowerment of young people in the region.
"Youths are not just beneficiaries of governance; we are contributors to the democratic process. Our capacity and passion for development must be harnessed by leaders who truly believe in inclusive growth," he stated.
While commending Senator Williams for previous youth-oriented interventions, Olayi called for the institutionalization of more sustainable youth programs and the establishment of open communication channels between the Senator's office and youth constituencies.
In his response, Senator Williams acknowledged the strategic role of young people in nation-building, noting that such interactive forums are essential for effective representation.
"Governance should not be a monologue. It should be a dialogue between leaders and the people—especially the youths who are vital stakeholders in the development chain," Williams remarked.
He described the appointment of Comrade Gifted Nelson as part of a broader strategy to institutionalize youth voices in legislative decision-making and constituency relations.
"This is not just an appointment; it is a bridge for greater collaboration. Gifted Nelson will serve as your eyes, ears, and voice within my office," the Senator added, assuring that further engagements with youth bodies across the district would be prioritized going forward.
The development has been widely interpreted as a political masterstroke and a response to growing public expectations for youth-centric governance, especially as conversations around inclusive politics and participatory democracy gain momentum in Nigeria.
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