Akamkpa LG Boss Commits to Strengthening Partnership with COE

In a bid to foster educational and community development, the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI, held a strategic meeting with the Governing Board of the College of Education - Akamkpa. The meeting, described as a "family discussion," centred on fostering collaboration and strengthening the institution's role as a bedrock for future leaders.

Hon. Akposi, who attributed his emergence as chairman to divine providence, assured the board of his commitment to prioritising the interests of the local government and the college. "The College of Education is the heart of Akamkpa, and elevating the institution is a step in the right direction," he stated, pledging to support the school in achieving a facelift that would bolster its impact on the community.

The chairman further emphasised the importance of unity and progressive thinking among the people of Akamkpa, describing the meeting as an opportunity to align visions for mutual benefit. He expressed optimism about a "positive revolution" in the local government, adding that Akamkpa is on the path to transformation. "We need to reengineer the minds of our young ones and persuade our children to embrace education," he urged.

Prof. Patrick Asuquo, the Provost of the College and a member of the Governing Board, lauded the chairman's vision and expressed the board's readiness to collaborate with the council in areas such as research, data generation, and teaching practices. "This partnership will not only strengthen the institution but also empower the local community to reclaim its pride of place," Prof. Asuquo remarked.

The board secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Bob Etta, highlighted the need for sustained dialogue and mutual respect between the council and the college. Using a symbolic analogy, he said, "One must meet the owner of a house to have a resounding welcome." He stressed that it was time for the local government and the institution to reclaim their shared heritage for the benefit of the host community.

Addressing the challenges facing the local government, the chairman acknowledged the gaps that had existed since the expiration of the last administration. However, he described these challenges as opportunities for growth and development. "Challenges are not meant to scare us but to strengthen us," Hon. Akposi remarked, committing everything into God's hands.

The chairman reiterated his commitment to unity, prayer, and a progressive mindset, which he described as vital ingredients for success. He assured the board of a positive and committed engagement to ensure the goals of both the council and the college are achieved.

In a call to action, the chairman stressed the need to inculcate a sense of responsibility among young people in Akamkpa. "Education remains the cornerstone of a prosperous future, and we must all work together to create opportunities for our children to thrive," he said.

The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with both parties agreeing to explore areas of collaboration that would drive development and educational excellence in Akamkpa.

As prayers were offered for the chairman to surmount challenges, the event highlighted a shared determination to uplift the institution and the local government for the greater good.

Ikom LG Boss Commits To Support Newly Formed Youth Mobilisers Community

Ukorebi Esien  | 27th November 2027

CALABAR —The Local Government Chairman of Ikom Local Government Area, Pastor Mrs Mercy Nsor has committed to ensuring the newly formed Youth Mobiliser Community achieves it's objectives.

This was contained in a message delivered by the council boss recently in Ikom during a Town Hall meeting held to boost youth participation in governance. She expressed confidence that the Youth Mobiliser Community will be a booster of the Prince Otu's led administration especially coming at a time when structures that will strengthen the good works of the governor are being built. Adding that the first lady will surely support the group..

"I am standing here as the mother of the youths, boys and girls, to support you, especially in this season where we are building structures to strengthen the good works of His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, and Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu."

 "I want to thank you all, especially our leader, SA on Youth Mobilisation, Comrade Daniel Obo Jr., for gathering here today for a good course, and I want to believe God that as you work with him to build the Central Youths, you will succeed.

"I want to implore us to key into what this Town Hall Meeting would bring, its leadership and visions. On my own, I'll discuss your visions with Her Excellency and I am sure she'll give you the needed support." She concluded. 

Comrade Daniel Obo, Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation to the Governor of Cross River State who Inaugurated the 66 Member  Youth Mobiliser Community for central senatorial district informed that the community is charged with the responsibility of driving government's policies and getting youths' buy-in of government programs. 

Obo who charged the community to keep aside personal or financial gains as the task before them is herculean, warned that anyone not ready to serve is permitted to excuse his or herself "Anyone not ready to serve, thinking it's a money-making process should withdraw immediately." Obo warned.

The former youth leader added "It is an avenue where young people can have and also assist in facilitating others to have access to government programmes at all levels meant for them."

He revealed that the launch will continue in the remaining two senatorial districts - north and south.

The Chairman of the event, Hon. Kasetima Mentui, Councillor representing Ikom Urban Ward II and Deputy Leader of Ikom Legislative Council, and Hon. Markpeace Osim, Councillor representing Ofutop Ward II and Majority Leader of Ikom Legislative Council, also pledged their support for the inaugurated Community, charging other youths to make themselves available so that when opportunities come, they won't be left behind.

The Guest Speaker, Dr. Agbor Onyi, presented a paper on the theme "Season of Sweetness Reloaded: The Place of the Central Youth."

Dr. Agbor gave the participants a peep at the opportunities that can be tapped from.

Among the distinguished panellists are Honourable Markpeace Osim, Majority Leader of the Ikom Legislative Council; Wofai Eteng Otu, a champion for gender equality and DG of the Cross River State Political Network; Comrade Nji Nji, a vibrant voice for youth advocacy; and Samaroh Irek, CEO of Samasa Farms and a trailblazer in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Anambra Innovation Week 2024 Kicks Off in Awka, Showcasing Technology, Youth Empowerment

By: Ukpa Ewa 

The highly anticipated Anambra Innovation Week 2024 commenced today at the International Conference Center, Awka, with a focus on fostering innovation, collaboration, and shaping the digital future of Anambra and Africa. The five-day event saw tech enthusiasts, industry leaders, and youth participants in attendance.

In his keynote address, Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, lauded the state Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma  Soludo, for his visionary leadership, particularly in empowering youth through programmes like "One Youth, Two Skills." He highlighted the state commitment to technology and innovation, referencing plans to establish an Anambra Silicon Valley. 

The Deputy Governor who officially declared the event open, urged participants to leverage the event to enhance their skills and contribute to Anambra's tech-driven growth.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Solution Innovation District (SID) Ms Chinwe Okoli  In her address on the theme, "Creating the Future of Africa Now," emphasized the urgent need for a technology-driven, inclusive Africa. She reiterated that Governor Soludo's launch of SID in 2022 was a pivotal step in building Anambra's digital future, noting that SID has since become a hub for innovation, empowering startups, training youth, and supporting the state's digital economy goals

She urged participants to maximize the opportunity to learn, connect, and share ideas that could drive sustainable change.

On his part, the Managing Director of Anambra Information Communication Technology Agency Mr. Fred Agbata  emphasized technology's role in problem-solving and the importance of collaboration for success. He encouraged participants to engage in the tech space, regardless of their expertise, noting the governor's focus on making Anambra a technology hub.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Premia Business Network, Mr. Bola Lawal, spoke about digital transformation, highlighting Nigeria's talent potential and the need for infrastructure to support emerging technologies. He praised Governor Soludo's tech-centric policies, stressing the importance of nurturing tech skills among the youth.

Other sessions, including discussions on innovation life cycles, emerging technology trends, and digital literacy, were led by notable speakers such as Daniel Chinagozi, Emeka Afigbo, and Emmanuel Essiet.

The event also saw the presence of key government figures, including  Commissioner for Ministry of Environment Dr. Felix Odimegwu, Commissioner For Youth Development Mr. Patrick Agha as well as United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) representatives, academia, and students.

Anambra Innovation Week 2024 has set the stage for transformative growth, with technology at the heart of its future aspirations.

MOWA Calls for United Action Against Gender-Based Violence as Cross River State Marks 16 Days of Activism

CALABAR – The Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs, MoWA and Its Partners has made a clarion call for collective action to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in the state which she said has eaten deep into the fabrics of daily activities of even the common man on the street.

Speaking in a press conference held to mark the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Cross River State, The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Mrs Edama Irom, emphasized the importance of unity among all stakeholders in addressing the pervasive issue of violence against women and girls in Cross River State and beyond. "Rape, rooted in patriarchal beliefs and the misuse of power and control, perpetuates a societal environment where sexual violence thrives," she stated. She expressed alarm over rising cases of physical, emotional, economic, and political violence in the state, noting that women often face significant barriers in politics, including limited opportunities for elective and appointive positions.

Reflecting on the just-concluded local government elections, Hon. Irom enumerated the strides made by the Cross River State Women Lobby Group, supported by the Ministry of Women Affairs. Despite their efforts, only three women were elected as council chairpersons across the 18 local government areas, with another seven serving as vice-chairpersons. She lamented the exclusion of women from key municipal offices in several local governments and called on the government to adopt a gender-sensitive approach in making appointments.

Raising Awareness on GBV and Its Impact
Hon. Irom underlined the significance of the 16 Days of Activism in creating awareness about GBV and its devastating effects on communities. "Nearly one in every three women experiences violence in her lifetime, and one in every four adolescent girls also faces such violations," she said. She stressed the need for public education to challenge societal attitudes that normalize violence, including cultural practices that silence survivors and shield perpetrators.

Hon. Irom also emphasized the importance of legislative advocacy, calling for the passage of the Equal Opportunity Bill to ensure greater representation of women in leadership roles. "When women have a seat at the table, it becomes easier to push for laws and policies that protect their rights," she said.

Focus on Boys and Broader Social Issues
Acknowledging the importance of raising boys alongside girls with equal attention, Hon. Irom shared the state's milestone in officially celebrating the Day of the Boy Child for the first time in Nigeria. "This initiative, she said was an eye opener to the challenges boys face, including cultism and peer pressure.

She warned against ignoring issues such as the rise in cultism and unhealthy social behaviors among boys, which indirectly affect the safety and progress of girls. "You cannot raise a strong daughter without raising responsible boys who will stand alongside her," she said.

Call to Action
Hon. Irom called on governments, organizations, and citizens to speak out against GBV. "There is no excuse for sexual and gender-based violence. All hands must be on deck to prevent it," she urged, calling for a shift in societal attitudes and increased investments in community-based interventions.

The Commissioner reiterated the Ministry's commitment to fostering a safer, more equitable Cross River State, where the rights of women, girls, and boys are equally protected and celebrated.

The global campaign, observed annually from November 25th to December 10th, is themed for 2024 as "Unite, Invest to End Violence Against Women and Girls."

Governor Soludo Unveils 2025 Anambra Budget with Focus on Infrastructure and Economic Transformation

Awka, November 19, 2024

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, presented the 2025 budget proposal, "Changing Gears 2.0," to the Anambra State House of Assembly on Monday, emphasizing transformative projects designed to fast-track the state's development. The N606.99 billion budget, which reflects a 48% increase from the previous year, highlights strategic investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment to drive economic transformation and enhance livability.

Governor Soludo revealed that 77% of the budget (N467.5 billion) is earmarked for capital projects, while 23% (N139.5 billion) is allocated for recurrent expenditure. This distribution underscores the administration's priority to implement high-impact projects that catalyze long-term growth.

The governor stated that the 2025 budget builds on the gains of previous years, with strategic allocations to education (101.4% increase), healthcare (57.1% increase), and infrastructure (38.9% increase).

"Our vision remains clear: to create a livable, prosperous, and smart mega-city. The 2025 budget is a blueprint for accelerated progress and sustained economic growth," Soludo said.

Key Infrastructure Projects

Governor Soludo reaffirmed his administration's commitment to expanding and modernizing Anambra's infrastructure:

Over 540 kilometers of roads under construction, with 310 kilometers already asphalted.

Completion of the Ekwulobia flyover and dualization of major state highways.

A new Government House and Legislative Complex to enhance governance efficiency.

Upgrades to the Chinua Achebe International Airport, including night-landing capabilities to boost economic activity.

The governor described infrastructure development as the backbone of Anambra's transformation agenda, noting that ongoing projects would improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and support industrial growth.

Transforming Education and Healthcare

In the education sector, the administration plans to:

Convert 22 schools into smart institutions.

Expand STEM education with fully equipped science laboratories.

Sustain free education for Senior Secondary 3 students and ongoing teacher recruitment.

In healthcare, the budget aims to modernize 326 primary healthcare centers, establish a new nursing school, and complete a state-of-the-art trauma center at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital.

"These investments in education and health are not just about infrastructure but about building human capital and creating a foundation for sustainable development," Governor Soludo noted.

Youth Empowerment and Economic Diversification

Governor Soludo highlighted the One Youth, Two Skills program and the Solution Innovation District as key platforms to train Anambra youths in technology and entrepreneurship. He promised a 200% increase in funding for youth-centered programs in 2025 to enhance job creation and innovation.

Additionally, the state will scale up the Palm and Coconut Revolution, targeting the distribution of 10 million seedlings over six years to boost agriculture.

Governor's Call to Action

Governor Soludo urged lawmakers and stakeholders to support the 2025 budget as a catalyst for Anambra's transformation. "Changing Gears 2.0 is not just a document. It is a vision of hope, a commitment to progress, and a call to action. Together, we will build the Anambra of our dreams," he declared.

The budget proposal is now under review by the State House of Assembly, with expectations for swift deliberation and passage to enable the administration to commence implementation in January 2025.

Allow Ifeanyi Ubah’s widow to replace him as Anambra senator” — Sen Ndume tells Senate

As the Senate holds a valuedictory session in honour of Senator Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, 

Borno South Senator, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has called on the Senate to support the widow of late Senator Ubah to replace him as the representative of Anambra South Senatorial District in the 10th Senate.

Ubah who passed away in July at the age of 52 in the United Kingdom had his remains brought before the chambers on Tuesday for valedictory session in his honour.

Until his death, Ubah was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream). He had defected to the APC from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in October 2023 and declared his intention to contest the forthcoming 2025 Anambra State governorship election.

Speaking during the session, Ndume urged the upper legislative chamber to ensure that Ubah's wife succeeded him in the Senate to continue his work and preserve his legacy.

"It happened before," Ndume said, citing several instances where widows or relatives of deceased politicians succeeded them in political office.

"Chuba Okadigbo was a great politician. When he died, years after, his wife, the widow Margery. Sitting around here, our First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, came to the Senate by the virtue of the people of Lagos and her husband, who is the president and served two terms. They insisted that she should go for a third term. In fact, she told me that her dream was to be a Pastor," he said.

Ndume further referenced other Senators who came into office through family legacies, including Senator Tokunbo Abiru, whose father served in 1979, and Katsina Central Senator Yar'Adua, whose family had a history in Nigerian politics.

"Senator (Iyabo) Obasanjo, if you remember, is the daughter of General Obasanjo. Sitting in front of me is Dafinone, his father, was a great Senator," he said.

He appealed to his colleagues to extend similar consideration to Ubah's widow.

"Finally, Mr. President, my appeal to you and distinguished colleagues: his wife, fortunately, is 50 years or so, a wonderful wife. Let us support the family to have a spirit representative of Ifeanyi here in the chambe," Ndume said.

He emphasised the importance of preserving Ubah's legacy. "What I want to appeal to you, Mr. President, is let us keep his spirit, aspirations of Ifeanyi alive," he added.

One will wonder how Sen. Ndume wants the 10th Senate to fulfil this wish of his because in Nigeria, Senators are elected according to Section 65 of the Constitution. Aspiring Senators must be nominated by a political party, contest in elections organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and emerge victorious before being inaugurated as lawmakers.

Senator Ubah is survived by his widow, children and other family members.

 Ubah's Senate seat remained vacant for now with Kano South Senator Kawu Sumaila temporarily filling his role as chairman of the Senate Petroleum Resources (Downstream) Committee.

THINK C'RIVER: Presidency to Honor Gov Otu's DCPS, Edem Darlington, Others for Community Leadership

CALABAR —Initiator of the Think Cross River initiative, Edem Darlington will be honored by the presidency for his efforts in community engagement and leadership according to a statement by the senior special assistant to the president on community engagement, Gift Jumbo. 

The award, "Community Visionary Leadership"  according to the statement is as a result of Mr Darlington's incredible and massive community engagement initiatives of which Think Cross River is one of them.

"On behalf of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Nigeria, I am pleased to inform you that you have been nominated to receive an award in the category "COMMUNITY VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AWARD" at our upcoming event titled: "Road to South-South," the statement reads.

The event which is billed to take place at the banquet hall of the presidential villa

is scheduled for tuesday, 10th  December, 2024.

Amongst those also listed for the award include the Cross River State Governor, Sen Bassey Otu who will receive an award for Excellence in Public Governance and former governor Donald Duke who will be honored for his pivotal role in the promotion of Cultural Heritage. 

The event brings together stakeholders from Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, creating a national platform for dialogue, unity, and collaboration. According to the organizers, the goal is to foster understanding among Nigeria's diverse ethnic groups, strengthen partnerships across regions, and address the unique challenges and opportunities within the South-South region. 

Edem Darlington who is also the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the governor of Cross River River state is honoured for his contributions which have been recognized as instrumental in advancing the ideals, aligning with the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for a united and inclusive Nigeria.

"In acknowledgment of your dedication and consistent leadership prowess, an award will be presented to you in recognition of your commitment to building the Nigeria of our dreams in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda," the statement concluded. 

Edem Darlington is a journalist and communication strategist who has worked as brand manager for major brands across the country and outside Nigeria.

Viral Video: BCS Authorities Deny Leadership and Health Controversies

Ukorebi Esien | November 18, 2024

CALABAR — The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) has refuted allegations of internal crisis and controversies circulating in a viral video ahead of its forthcoming celebration of the founder's birthday. The organization described the video as a calculated attempt by dissatisfied former members to mislead the public.

Addressing our reporter during a fact-check visit to the BCS World Headquarters at 34 Ambo Street, Calabar, Patriarch Osim Ogar, Director General of Event Planning, dismissed the claims as baseless. He stated that the headquarters remains peaceful and calm, with preparations underway for the 2024 Universal Celebration of the Divine Manifestation of His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu. The event, themed "The Unshakable King," is scheduled for November 18–24, 2024 in Calabar.

Ogar clarified that the incident shown in the video did not occur at the church's headquarters but at a property owned by BCS in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The property was allegedly invaded in October 2024 by individuals affiliated with a faction called the New Kingdom Ministry. These individuals, according to Ogar, hired hoodlums to disrupt the premises in defiance of a recent court ruling.

"The property in question is a subject of litigation," Ogar explained. "On October 17, 2024, Hon. Justice Joy Unwana of the Akwa Ibom State High Court dismissed the New Kingdom Ministry's application for lack of merit, awarding N100,000 in costs to each respondent. Despite this, these individuals organized an invasion, acting in clear contempt of the court's ruling."

He further emphasized that no true member of BCS would desecrate the sacred image of the leader, a key act shown in the viral video.

The controversy also included claims that Roland Eyo Okon was being positioned as the successor to the current leader, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu. Okon, whose image was linked to the claim, denied the allegations.

"I am not biologically related to the leader," Okon stated. "I am from Oron in Akwa Ibom State, and my parents are Mr. Eyo Okon Eyo (late) and Mrs. Nkoyo Eyo Okon. I serve as a priest in the church and have no connection to this narrative. I don't even use Facebook, as my account was hacked. This entire story is a fabrication."

Okon attributed the falsehood to the misuse of social media. "People will say or do anything to gain followers online. It's laughable and completely baseless," he added.

A visit to the BCS World Headquarters in Calabar revealed a calm and orderly atmosphere, with preparations for the upcoming event in full swing.

In his concluding remarks, Patriarch Ogar urged the public to disregard the false narratives. "I encourage everyone to focus on the truth and the core mission of BCS, which is to project the Kingdom of God on Earth, promote the Fatherhood of all creations, and strengthen the Brotherhood of mankind," he said.

Fact-Check: See the True Story Behind Viral Video on Brotherhood of the Cross and Star(BCS)

Ukorebi Esien | 17th November 2024 

Fact-Check Report 

Claim: A viral video showing destruction and alleging internal crisis at the World Headquarters of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) in Calabar.

Verdict: The Claim is False 

Key Findings:

False Association with BCS Headquarters

The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) clarified that the video was unrelated to their World Headquarters in Calabar. Instead, the incident occurred at a property owned by BCS in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The property was reportedly invaded by a dissident group called the "New Kingdom Ministry" in October 2024.

Timelines 

The viral video first appeared online in October and was quickly deleted. The video resurfaced few days back with claims that the incidence is ongoing at 34 Ambo. It's a delebrate Misinformation and Disinformation aimed achieving personal gains by its promoters. 

Leadership Succession Allegations

Claims of leadership disputes within BCS, including allegations involving the wife of Roland Olumba Obu attempting to position her son as a successor, were refuted. The church described these allegations as baseless and reiterated that its leadership structure is divinely guided and remains stable.

Trending Image of "Successor"

A young man whose image circulated online as the stepson of Roland Olumba Obu denied the claims, stating he is a priest in the organization with no relation to the alleged succession narrative.

Health Concerns Debunked

Rumors that Roland Olumba Obu is battling cancer were denied. The church clarified that his recent travels abroad were for global evangelism, a routine part of his spiritual duties.

Property Dispute in Uyo

The property dispute in Uyo was legally resolved in favor of the BCS, confirming their ownership. Church officials condemned the actions of the dissident group, who hired hoodlums to vandalize the property and create conflict.

State of the Calabar Headquarters

A fact-check visit by TDN to the BCS World Headquarters at 34 Ambo, Calabar, revealed that the premises were peaceful and preparations for the founder's birthday celebration were ongoing. Local officials and residents confirmed the tranquility in the area, aligning with the improved security in Cross River State.

Context of Allegations:

The controversies surfaced just before the church's 2024 celebration of the Divine Manifestation of its founder, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu. The event, themed "The Unshakable King", is scheduled for November 18–24, 2024, and is expected to attract a global congregation.

Conclusion:

The viral video and related allegations appear to be part of a deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at disrupting the church's forthcoming celebrations and tarnishing its image. The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star urges the public to disregard these claims and maintains its commitment to peace and spiritual unity.

For further clarification, the organization invites the public to its Calabar headquarters to witness the ongoing preparations and experience the peaceful atmosphere firsthand.

C'River Deputy Governor, Speaker, SSG, Others to Grace CR-SEEMS 2024

CALABAR –The Cross River State Government is set to host the Cross River Students Entrepreneurship, Employability, and Mentorship Summit (CR-SEEMS) 2024, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping students with essential skills for entrepreneurship, employability, and leadership. The event will hold at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, from November 18 to 21, 2024.

The summit, which aligns with Governor Bassey Otu's "People's First" mandate, will feature Deputy Governor Peter Odey as the Special Guest of Honour, Speaker of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, as the Keynote Speaker and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh as Chairman of the Occasion.

Event Highlights:

The four-day summit is packed with interactive sessions and opportunities designed to empower Cross River students and young entrepreneurs. Key features include:

1. Inspiring Keynote Address by Speaker Elvert Ayambem on bridging the gap between academia and industry.

2. Workshops and Masterclasses on entrepreneurship, business planning, and skill development.

3. One-on-One Mentorship sessions with seasoned professionals.

4. Funding Opportunities for innovative ideas and start-ups.

5. Networking Sessions with investors, collaborators, and industry leaders.

6. Scholarship opportunities for outstanding participants.

Attendees

CR-SEEMS 2024 is open to:

- Students from tertiary institutions in Cross River state.

- Young entrepreneurs, especially those in agriculture, technology, and fashion/lifestyle industries.

- Aspiring business leaders, innovators, and educators interested in mentorship and entrepreneurship.

A Vision for the Future

SA Joseph-Kelvin Enyam, the Special Adviser on Students' Affairs, emphasized the transformative potential of CR-SEEMS 2024, stating, "This summit aims to empower over 6,000 participants by 2027, bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering self-reliance, and positioning Cross River students as job creators and leaders."

He added that the initiative reflects the vision of Governor Bassey Otu to prioritize human capital development, thereby advancing socio-economic growth through innovation and empowerment.

Schedule

- Arrival: November 18, 2024.

- Main Summit: November 19, 2024, at Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar.

- Departure: November 20, 2024.

- Follow-Up Reviews and Engagement: November 21, 2024.

Registration and Contact

Interested participants are encouraged to register online at [https://bit.ly/crseems2024](https://bit.ly/crseems2024). For inquiries, contact:

- Email: sastudentsaffairs@crossriverstate.gov.ng

- Phone: 07034349137, 08066357571, 08107138131

Follow updates on social media:

- Facebook: www.facebook.com/enyamjoekelvin

- Twitter: www.twitter.com/joekelvin2013

- Instagram: www.instagram.com/enyam_JosephKelvin

The organizers have observed that CR-SEEMS 2024 promises to be a transformative experience for Cross River students, young entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders. With high-profile speakers, industry-academia collaboration, and practical workshops, it sets a new benchmark for youth empowerment and human capital development in Cross River State.