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Ukorebi Esien | September 4, 2025
CALABAR —The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has called on young people in the state to embrace unity and collaboration, stressing that their strength lies in working together for shared progress rather than internal divisions.
Speaking during an interactive session with youth and student leaders from the five northern LGAs at the close of his tour around the Senatorial District, Odey urged the younger generation to channel their energy into self-development and collective advancement.
"Young people must stop fighting against themselves and instead start fighting for themselves," the deputy governor said. "Governor Bassey Otu is intentional about empowering our youth. From training to employment, the government is putting structures in place to ensure young people are not just seen, but heard and included in decision-making."
The session also provided an opportunity for youths to commend the Otu-led administration for its "People First" agenda, particularly projects and programs already visible in the North. Youth leaders cited road infrastructure, civil service employment, and welfare interventions as evidence of government's people-centered approach.
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| Cross section of youth leaders in the event |
NYCN State Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, reaffirmed the council's commitment to working with government for peace and development. He urged youths to take education and skills acquisition seriously, stay assertive, and make responsible use of digital platforms to market opportunities in the state.
"If you are not informed, you will be deformed. Our youths must focus on education, skills, and the productive use of the internet—not just for self-promotion but as a tool to showcase Cross River positively," Olayi stressed.
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| HE Rt. Hon. Peter Odey addressing the youth leaders |
Speaker of the Cross River State Youth Parliament, Comrade Comfort Ngeh, added a call for greater gender inclusion, applauding the administration for actively supporting young women but urging deeper representation in leadership.
The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi; Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede; and Dr. Chris Ojikpong, Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor.
The youth leaders expressed readiness to support government programs while also vowing to hold accountable those engaged in practices such as job racketeering.
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