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Ukorebi Esien | January 3, 2026
CALABAR – Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has reassured young people in the state of his administration's unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, promising that more opportunities and interventions will be rolled out in 2026.
The Governor gave the assurance while receiving the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State chapter, led by its Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, who paid a New Year homage to him at his country home in Adiabo, Odukpani Local Government Area.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Otu described young people as the engine of development and said his government would continue to invest deliberately in programmes that enhance their skills, productivity and economic independence.
"You haven't seen anything yet. More is coming," the Governor assured the youth leaders, adding that interventions promised to some groups would begin to materialise from February, while appealing for patience from those yet to benefit, noting that empowerment programmes would gradually reach every segment of the youth population across the state.
Earlier, NYCN Chairman Emmanuel Olayi said the visit was to thank the Governor for his impactful youth-friendly policies and programmes in 2025, particularly in the areas of skills acquisition, ICT and agriculture.
According to Olayi, over 400 young persons were trained across different agricultural value chains through programmes facilitated by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and related agencies, with beneficiaries empowered to the tune of about ₦800 million. He also disclosed that 100 youths were trained in ICT-related field, after which they were provided with laptops and start-up tools worth over ₦36 million.
He further commended Governor Otu for intentionally placing youth at the centre of governance, citing the establishment of a youth empowerment scheme headed by a young professional, Dr. Kalita Aruku, as evidence of the administration's deliberate inclusion of young people in decision-making.
The NYCN chairman also applauded the Governor's Christmas palliative and welfare interventions, noting that the distribution of relief materials and financial support across communities made the festive season more bearable for many families.
On behalf of young people in the state, Olayi pledged the continued loyalty and support of the youth constituency, assuring the Governor of their readiness to deploy their energy towards community development, peacebuilding and the security of Cross River State.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including APC leaders and their spouses, members of the National Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, party executives, community and youth leaders, student representatives, and traditional rulers. The gathering also featured cultural displays, masquerades and communal celebrations, adding colour to what many described as a symbolic New Year pilgrimage to Adiabo.
The visit underscored the growing alignment between the Otu administration and the youth population, through the NYCN structure as the state looks ahead to expanded youth-focused policies and programmes in 2026
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