…Cross Riverians Applaud Governor Otu's Youth-Inclusive Governance
Ukorebi Esien | October 16, 2025
IKOM — The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Cross River State on Youth Development and Empowerment, Dr. Julius Kijuo, has officially launched a One Million New Voters Registration Campaign aimed at mobilizing and sensitizing youths across the state to participate actively in the electoral process.
The campaign, which kicked off in the Central Senatorial District on Wednesday, is a collaborative initiative between the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development and Empowerment and the Cross River Youth in Politics for Good Governance.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at the Ikom Council Secretariat, Dr. Kijuo said the initiative was in line with Governor Bassey Otu's vision of promoting youth inclusion and civic responsibility in governance.
"Governor Otu believes that sustainable development begins with civic participation. Every eligible youth must see voter registration as a duty, not just a right. This campaign seeks to awaken that consciousness and increase Cross River's voting strength in future elections," Dr. Kijuo stated.
He urged young people, particularly first-time voters, to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and be ready to elect credible leaders who will champion their aspirations.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of Cross River Youth in Politics, Amb. Jerry Odey, described the campaign as a landmark movement to galvanize young people toward active political engagement.
"Our target is to mobilize at least one million new voters across the three senatorial districts. This effort is not about party politics—it's about civic duty, awareness, and building a stronger, more participatory democracy," Odey explained.
Odey further called on political leaders, traditional institutions, religious organizations, and civil society groups to support the noble cause for the common good of the state.
Following the flag-off, the campaign team visited Favour School of Health Technology, Ikom, where they were warmly received by the Provost and management staff. The students, who expressed excitement over the initiative, commended Governor Otu for recognising the youth and creating opportunities for their inclusion in governance.
A representative of the school's management noted that the visit marked the first time the institution had experienced such direct government engagement, pledging full support for the exercise.
The launch event attracted youth leaders and representatives from all six local government areas in the Central Senatorial District, signalling the beginning of a statewide movement to promote electoral participation and good governance.
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