Don’t Pay Tax in Cash or Into Private Accounts, IRS Warns Taxpayers

Ukorebi Esien | February 9, 2026

CALABAR — The Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) has issued a stern warning to taxpayers to stop paying taxes in cash or into private accounts, insisting that all revenue must be remitted only through official government-designated channels to ensure compliance, proper record-keeping and enforcement.

The warning was delivered by Prince Edwin Okon, PhD, Executive Chairman of CRIRS, during a public address where he stressed that every taxpayer must have a valid Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) and must make payments only into government revenue accounts. Payments made to individuals or company accounts outside the official system will not be captured in government records, which could expose taxpayers to enforcement action.

Dr. Okon explained that just as a bank transaction only updates one's statement when it is correctly posted, tax records with the government are only updated when funds are lodged in the correct government account with a valid Tax ID. He warned that taxpayers who deposit funds into the wrong accounts "will pay twice" because their tax information would remain unupdated at the service. He also vowed to pursue any consultant who collects taxes into personal or corporate accounts, saying such individuals will be blacklisted and reported to security agencies for appropriate action.

This clarion call builds on recent reforms implemented by the CRIRS under the state government's revenue modernization agenda. From January 1, 2026, the service began cashless tax operations, directing all tax payments to digital platforms or bank deposits to designated government revenue accounts and strictly prohibiting cash collections or personal account transfers. 

The cashless policy, which took effect under newly enacted tax reform acts, aims to enhance revenue service delivery, reduce multiple taxation, and eliminate revenue leakages. Under the reforms, revenue consultants were directed to cease issuing new tax assessments until full compliance with the law is ensured. 

Government sources and previous media reports have also noted the state's broader efforts to combat tax evasion and improve compliance. The Cross River State Government has repeatedly warned taxpayers to avoid revenue payments to unauthorized accounts, describing such practices as contrary to financial regulations and harmful to the integrity of the tax system. 

CRIRS has also been active in enforcing compliance and cracking down on illicit tax collection practices. Earlier enforcement operations uncovered illegal revenue agents issuing fraudulent receipts and extorting payments outside official channels, prompting arrests and further regulatory action. 

The service's renewed push for proper tax remittances underscores the state government's commitment to strengthening internally generated revenue, ensuring transparency, and building a stable financial environment that supports development

Gov Otu Unveils VOSEP to Equip Youths, Women with Market-Ready Skills

Ukorebi Esien |  February 10, 2026

CALABAR. – In a strategic move to translate governance into tangible opportunities for citizens, the Cross River State Government has unveiled the Vocational Skills Empowerment Programme (VOSEP), a comprehensive initiative aimed at equipping youths and women with market-ready skills for sustainable livelihoods.

The programme, which aligns with the People First vision of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, is designed to strengthen human capital development, promote inclusive growth, and stimulate economic productivity across the state.

VOSEP is being implemented through the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb, who described the initiative as a deliberate investment in the productive capacity of Cross Riverians. According to him, the programme prioritises hands-on, competency-based training that responds directly to current labour market needs.

Beneficiaries, drawn from the state's 18 Local Government Areas, will undergo an intensive six-month training programme structured to build technical competence, entrepreneurial discipline, and financial responsibility. The initiative targets both employability and enterprise development, positioning participants to either secure jobs or establish viable businesses.

The skills offered under VOSEP cut across key economic sectors and include ICT, graphics design and digital printing, corporate branding, cinematography, electrical installation, tailoring and fashion design, driving and logistics, plumbing, hairdressing and styling, catering services, leather works and shoemaking, dry cleaning and laundry services, as well as welding and fabrication. The wide scope of the programme is intended to ensure inclusivity while aligning skills acquisition with market demand.

Beyond vocational training, VOSEP seeks to instil a mindset shift among participants, encouraging youths and women to transition from job seekers to value creators capable of generating employment and stimulating economic activities within their communities.

The programme is also expected to build a pool of skilled manpower to support Cross River State's transition into a modern, technology-driven and industrially competitive economy. By empowering beneficiaries to earn sustainable incomes and contribute meaningfully to society, the initiative reinforces the administration's commitment to self-reliance and economic resilience.

Ukorebi Esien

Editor-in-Chief, 

The Daily News Ng

Lead Consultant

Achievers Center for Community Development Initiative

+2348161527978

Stakeholders Back Re-Election of APC Chairmen in Seven LGAs

Ukorebi  Esien | February 10, 2026

CALABAR – Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State have thrown their weight behind the re-election of incumbent chapter chairmen in seven local government areas ahead of the party's forthcoming congresses.

The affected local government areas are Boki, Bekwarra, Bakassi, Abi, Ogoja, Yala and Obanliku. The chairmen endorsed for another term include Chief Engr. Kelvin Njong (Boki), Comrade Odama Thomas Odama JP (Bekwarra), Sir Gerald Esin (Bakassi), Pst Joshua Igboke (Abi), Paul Ogeh Adinye (Ogoja), Ogar Solomon (Yala) and Pst George Ejikang (Obanliku).

The endorsements came from party leaders, elected officials, political appointees and other stakeholders, who, in separate interviews, said retaining the current leadership would guarantee continuity, stability and unity within the party at the grassroots level.

According to them, the incumbent chairmen have demonstrated commitment, loyalty and effective leadership, and possess the grassroots reach required to strengthen the APC ahead of future elections. They added that the chairmen represent a crop of emerging leaders who have grown within the party structure and should be allowed to consolidate on the gains already recorded in their respective LGAs.

Speaking on the Bakassi endorsement, a party stakeholder, Chief Emmanuel Nyong, described the chapter chairman, Sir Gerald Esin, as dedicated and loyal to the party. He said Esin's re-election would promote unity and ensure continuity in Bakassi, noting his consistent support for the administration of Governor Bassey Otu.

In Bekwarra, Chief Emmanuel Ogbang said stakeholders were overwhelmingly in support of Comrade Odama Thomas Odama JP for a second term, describing him as a bridge-builder who has fostered harmony between elders and younger politicians. He added that Odama's experience and administrative capacity have helped stabilise the party in the area.

Endorsing the Abi chapter chairman, Pst Joshua Igboke, party stalwart Justin Elemi said the local government needed a leader with strong grassroots appeal, stressing that there was no justification for changing a winning team at a critical political period.

In Ogoja, Chief Abang Abang said stakeholders were solidly behind the re-election of Paul Ogeh Adinye, citing his loyalty to party leadership and experience in party administration.

Similarly, a stakeholder from Obudu Urban, Stephen Adie, said the re-election of Pst George Ejikang as Obanliku chapter chairman was necessary, noting that the incumbent has remained steadfast with the APC despite past opposition pressure.

In Boki, stakeholders earlier endorsed Chief Engr. Kelvin Njong, who also serves as Chairman of the Forum of APC Chairmen and a commissioner in the State Forestry Commission. Njong was endorsed alongside the 11 ward councillors of the local government.

The endorsement exercise in Boki was led by the member representing Boki Constituency II in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hillary Bisong, alongside the member representing Boki Constituency I, Philip Bette Obi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jeke Enya.

Speaking on behalf of stakeholders, Bisong, who is also the Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly, said the decision was based on Njong's ability to promote unity, cohesion and a stable party structure across the local government area.

The stakeholders expressed confidence that the re-election of the incumbent chairmen would strengthen the APC ahead of its congresses and position the party for sustained success in Cross River State.

Hon. Victor Abang Bridges Representation Gap with Mid-Term Constituency Briefing in Calabar

Ukorebi Esien | February 9, 2026

CALABAR – Hon. Victor Abang, Member representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has reaffirmed his commitment to accountable and people-centred representation with a mid-term constituency town hall meeting held on Monday, February 9, 2026, in Calabar.

The engagement, which brought together constituents from Ikom and Boki residing in Calabar, provided a platform for the lawmaker to present a comprehensive scorecard of his legislative activities, constituency projects, oversight functions, and interventions over the past two and a half years.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Abang said the briefing was deliberately organized to bridge the gap that often exists between elected officials and the electorate after elections.

"Most people only see their representatives during elections. After that, you don't hear from them again. I decided to close that gap by coming back in between elections to tell you what we have done so far and to also listen to you," he said.

He stressed that the forum was also designed to enhance public understanding of how government and legislative processes work, noting that misinformation and criticism on social media often stem from limited knowledge of legislative responsibilities.

 "People should ask questions when they don't understand what we are doing. This is why meetings like this are important, so we can explain our actions and be held accountable," Abang added.

Legislative Interventions and Motions

Highlighting his legislative contributions, Hon. Abang recalled that one of his earliest actions on the floor of the House was a motion to secure over 10,000 hectares of land in the Danare axis of Boki, following threats from cross-border aggressors. He said the motion led to the intervention of an ad-hoc committee of the House and helped safeguard the affected communities.

He also disclosed that he sponsored the bill for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Boki, noting that the bill has passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting concurrence by the Senate.

According to him, the absence of a tertiary health facility in Boki has continued to expose residents to avoidable risks, as the nearest such hospitals are several hours away.

Other legislative initiatives highlighted include:

* A bill to establish the Okwangwo National Park as a full division to boost employment and ensure equitable allocation of resources.

* Motions addressing cross-border security threats, including the deployment of troops to safeguard communities and curb external incursions.

* A motion on recurring elephant invasions destroying farmlands and homes in parts of Boki, which he said has drawn national and international attention to the affected communities.

* Sponsorship of bills on labour reforms, tax enforcement mechanisms, agriculture and forestry funding, immigration services, and the proposed Federal University of Entrepreneurship Studies in Ikom.

Constituency Projects and Empowerment

Hon. Abang presented an extensive list of constituency projects and empowerment programmes executed across wards in Ikom and Boki, including the construction and renovation of classroom blocks, installation of solar-powered streetlights, grading of rural roads, provision of boreholes, and upgrading of health facilities.

He revealed that over 1,000 constituents have been enrolled as beneficiaries of the Federal Government's Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, while another 1,000 were captured under the Renewed Hope Nano Presidential Grant.

The lawmaker also disclosed that hundreds of youths, women, artisans, and persons with disabilities have benefitted from skills acquisition programmes, grants, agricultural inputs, and other empowerment initiatives facilitated through federal agencies such as NDE, ITF, NEMA, and NDDC.

Oversight and Global Engagements

Beyond constituency-level interventions, Hon. Abang highlighted his oversight roles and international engagements, including participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, and other legislative delegations aimed at strengthening Nigeria's institutional capacity and global partnerships.

Call for Continued Engagement

The lawmaker assured constituents that more projects are captured in the 2025 budget and are at various stages of procurement and execution, stressing that some are awaiting commissioning while others will commence soon.

"We are not done yet. Representation is a continuous process, and I remain committed to deepening development across Ikom and Boki," he said.

Participants at the town hall commended the initiative, describing it as a rare demonstration of transparency and responsiveness, while also using the opportunity to raise questions and make suggestions on priority needs within the constituency.

The meeting concluded with a renewed call for sustained dialogue between elected officials and citizens as a means of strengthening democracy and effective representation.

Ministry of Youth Breaks Silence on NYCN/NYC Supremacy Tussle

Ukorebi Esien |  February 7, 2026

CALABAR — The Cross River State Ministry of Youth Development has broken its silence on the lingering supremacy tussle between the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), reaffirming government's official position on youth leadership and recognition in the state.

The Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam, made this clarification while responding to questions from journalists shortly after the 2026 NYCN Solemn Assembly, held on Saturday at the Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu Youth House, Calabar.

The supremacy dispute, which has generated intense debate across social and traditional media, revolves around competing claims by both organisations to the status of umbrella youth body in Cross River State.

In December 2025, the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) declared all activities of the NYCN illegal within the state, alleging that the youth council had been suspended at the national level and stripped of its Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration. The group further warned youths against participating in NYCN programmes and events.

In response, the NYCN Cross River chapter, cautioned the public against what it described as "fake youth bodies," insisting that it remained the legally recognised umbrella organisation for youths and accusing rival groups of misleading the public.

The crisis had earlier drawn the attention of youth stakeholders in July, 2025, with calls for restraint, constitutional adherence, and dialogue to prevent further fragmentation of the youth constituency in the state.

Speaking to journalists, Barr. Ukam explained that the Ministry recently convened a meeting involving leaders of the youth bodies to address the matter administratively and clarify government's position.

According to him, the Ministry of Youth Development operates strictly on official correspondence and directives from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, stressing that no such directive has been received mandating the recognition of any youth body other than the NYCN as the umbrella youth organisation in Cross River State.

"As of today, we do not have any official communication from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development directing us to recognise any other youth body. Until such correspondence is received, the status quo remains," the commissioner stated.

He added that government remains law-abiding and will comply with any future directive issued by the appropriate federal authority, noting that the Federal Ministry of Youth Development usually communicates such decisions formally to states for domestication.

Barr Ukam who thanked the leadership of the youth council  for keeping up with excellence, sir each time he visits the youth house he sees, class me excellence. Adding that the youth council have grown in maturity and packaging. He also expressed satisfaction with the solemn assembly put together by the youth council, believing that seeking the face of God in the beginning of the year will set the council on the parth of success this year. 

"Each time I come in here, I see  class and excellence, the youth council has been organized, and it's a thing of joy to me as the Honorable Commissioner for youths Cross River State. The solemn assembly is a spiritual exercise that will set the council on the parth of success this year." He said

The youth commissioner, further advised all youth organisations operating in the state to take steps to regularise and validate their legal status, stressing that the ministry has no prejudice against any group but must be guided by due process.

The commissioner said the Ministry will issue an official statement next week to formally restate its position and guide youth groups and the general public.

The clarification is expected to ease tensions within the youth space and prevent misinformation, while reinforcing government's commitment to institutional order, unity, and constructive youth engagement in Cross River State.

UNICAL: Faculty of Communication And Media Studies Holds Orientation For Fresh Students As Dean, HoDs Preach Ethical Behaviour

 Ukorebi Esien  | February 7,2026

CALABAR – The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Calabar, has held an orientation exercise for its fresh students who were recently admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session. 

The faculty is made up of seven departments, including advertising, broadcasting, development communication, journalism and media studies, mass communication, and strategic communication.

In an opening remark at the event held at Sen. Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, University of Calabar, the pioneer Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Esekong Andrew-Essien, expressed appreciation to the staff and students of the faculty for making the orientation exercise possible and sought for co-operation, collaboration, and support in leaving footprints that will endure on the sands of time. 

"When I assumed office as the Dean of this Faculty, my prayer to God, was to help me leave footprints in our faculty.

"With our first outing, I can see that God is beginning to answer that prayer. We thank you, our staff and students, for coming out in large numbers for this first orientation exercise.

"Our guests of honour are also appreciated. Let me also seek your continued collaboration and support in achieving our set goals that will stand the test of time in our faculty." Esekong appealed.

Addressing the fresh students on the need to conduct themselves in an ethical manner throughout their stay in the university, the keynote speaker, Prof. Stanislaus Iyorza, further admonished the students to exhibit lifestyles that they will be proud of tomorrow and urged them to take their studies seriously in their own interests.

"As you have come to the University, be reminded that at the end of your studies, you shall be expected to be found worthy in character and in learning. In view of this, conduct yourselves in an ethical manner throughout your stay here." Iyorza, admonished. 

The guest speakers, Engr. Dr. Samuel Oliver Effiom and Mr. Victor Awak Anam, motivated the students by sharing their respective life's stories and enjoined them to be determined, focused, and strong-willed in order to attain the great future they aspire for in their various endeavours. 

In his remarks, the Head of Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Lawrence Ekwok advised the new students on the need to manage their freedom on campus properly by prioritizing academics above socials and dressing in a responsible way as media practitioners in the making.

Also, in his remarks, the FIRST Head, Department of Journalism and Media Studies in the University, Dr. Ukam I. Ngwu, Esq, admonished the Students, particularly those admitted into the Department of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the University to equip themselves with the requisite knowledge and expertise needed to drive the media sector and redeem our society from fake news..

Equally canvassing for ethical behaviour, the Head of the Department of Broadcasting, Dr. Patrick Edem Okon, also admonished the students to encourage their friends, relatives, and associates to choose broadcasting as a veritable field of media practice.

 He highlighted the powers in the hands of broadcasters to include entertaining and providing relaxation moments for the people through music and drama, providing 'voice' for self-expression and identity formations, capturing and representing images of social realities to create awareness of social conditions to help people make informed decisions about their life and future.

Congratulating the freshers, especially the pioneer students of the department of PR, on their admission into the prestigious institution, the Head of department of Public Relations, Dr. Eric Ogri,  advised them to make good use of the opportunity to excel academically by shunning all forms of social vices. 

Ogri enjoined the students to embrace hard work, self-discipline and undivided commitment to their studies, describing them as prospective image makers of the society, and therefore, they must embrace professionalism and excellence as their watch words.

Speaking on disciplinary conduct, the Head of department of Advertising, Dr Mrs Edem Eking,  also advised students to avoid all forms of fraudulent acts, exams malpractice, violence, indecent dressing, drugs, cultism amongst others.

According to her, such immoral acts could make them to graduate with poor grades, get suspended or be expelled from school.

In his pep talk,  the Head of department of Strategic Communication, Dr. Mensah Eyamba, equally advised the students to embrace research and data analytics, drone photography and videography, strategic content creation, social media management, crisis communication and management, persuasion.

According to him,. message design, corporate/organizational communication, marketing/brand communication, media planning, international communication, as well as political campaign communication are sin qua non in modern day societal communication.

Mensah, who doubles as Examination Officer, further advised the students on the need to register  courses on time as the University operates "no registration, no exam" policy even as he outlined I also outlined some information governing their conduct before, during and after exams as well as the procedure for handling examination results related issues.

Ukorebi Esien

Editor-in-Chief, 

The Daily News Ng

Lead Consultant

Achievers Center for Community Development Initiative

+2348161527978

NYCN C'River Hosts Strategic Dialogue with Voluntary Youth Organisations

Ukorebi Esien | February 7, 2026

CALABAR – The Cross River State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has held a strategic dialogue with leaders of Voluntary Youth Organisations (VYOs) aimed at strengthening unity, coordination and effective youth advocacy across the state.

The engagement, which took place earlier today at the Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu Youth House, Calabar, brought together leaders of affiliate and member organisations under the NYCN umbrella to deliberate on sustaining the vision of the founding fathers of the Council and reinforcing its mandate as the apex youth body.

Speaking during the meeting, the NYCN leadership emphasised the need for all Voluntary Youth Organisations to operate within the framework of their establishment while aligning their activities with the collective vision of the Council. The dialogue, according to the Council, was designed to promote unity of purpose and strengthen collaboration in advancing policies and programmes that are pro-youth development.

The Council also used the opportunity to commend the immense contributions of Voluntary Youth Organisations over the years, particularly in grooming disciplined, responsible and value-driven young people. Special recognition was given to organisations such as the Boys' Brigade, Girls' Guide, Boys Scouts, PYPAN, CYON, Man O' War, Red Cross, YOUWICAN and several others for their sustained impact in youth development and character building.

The NYCN leadership assured participants of its commitment to providing an enabling environment for productive partnerships, noting that under its watch, youth advocacy would be protected from distortion and aligned strictly with the collective interests of young people in the state.

The dialogue ended with a renewed commitment from participating organisations to uphold unity, strengthen cooperation and work collectively through the NYCN platform to advance sustainable youth development initiatives across Cross River State.

NYCN C'River to Hold 2026 Youth Solemn Assembly in Calabar

Ukorebi Esien | February 6, 2026

CALABAR. – The Cross River State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has announced plans to host the Cross River Youth Solemn Assembly 2026, a convergence aimed at fostering unity, love and collective purpose among young people across the state.

According to a flyer released by the Council, the Solemn Assembly is scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 7, 2026, by 9:00am at His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu's Youth House, Calabar.

Themed "Love: Unity's Core Principle," with a scriptural reference from John 13:34–35, the event is designed to reinforce the values of love, togetherness and shared responsibility as critical foundations for youth development and sustainable peace in Cross River State.

The NYCN stated that the Solemn Assembly will bring together youths from diverse backgrounds, leaders of voluntary youth organisations, stakeholders, and members of the general public to reflect, interact and recommit to the ideals that bind the youth constituency as one indivisible force.

The Council noted that the programme aligns with its mandate of promoting unity among young people and strengthening a common voice for youth advocacy, development and civic engagement across the state.
Stakeholders, youth leaders and interested members of the public have been cordially invited to attend the event, which is expected to serve as a platform for inspiration, moral renewal and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence and collective progress.

For further enquiries, the organisers provided contact lines: +234 703 536 4071 and +234 803 342 7009.

Only Licensed Professionals Should Practice Journalism — UNICAL Don

 Ukorebi Esien |  February 4, 2026

A senior academic at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has called for stricter regulation of journalism practice in Nigeria, insisting that only licensed professionals should be allowed to operate in the media space to curb the rising tide of fake news and quackery.

The call was made by the Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Dr. Ukam I. Ngwu, Esq., during an orientation programme organised by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies for newly admitted students of the faculty. The event was held at the University of Calabar International Conference Centre.

Dr. Ngwu decried what he described as the invasion of the media space by unqualified individuals, which he identified as the root cause of the proliferation of misinformation and declining professional standards in journalism practice across the country.

According to him, accurate, credible and reliable information has become increasingly scarce in Nigeria due to the absence of effective regulation and enforcement mechanisms guiding journalism practice.

"The porosity in journalism practice has given room for quackery and fake news to thrive," Ngwu said. "There is an urgent need for legislation that will regulate the media space and restrict journalism practice to only licensed professionals who have been properly trained and certified."

He urged students of Journalism and Media Studies, in particular, to take advantage of the academic and professional training provided by the university to equip themselves with the requisite knowledge, skills and ethical grounding needed to reposition the media sector and restore public trust.

Ngwu stressed that journalism plays a critical role in societal development and democratic governance, warning that misinformation and unethical reporting pose serious threats to national cohesion, informed decision-making and sustainable development.

The orientation exercise, organised to familiarise fresh students with academic expectations and professional ethics, formed part of the faculty's broader effort to raise a new generation of responsible media practitioners committed to truth, accountability and public interest.

Participants at the event were also encouraged to uphold the core values of accuracy, balance and integrity, as the university continues to emphasise character and learning as the twin pillars of its academic training.

NYCN–Ministry Engagement Sets Agenda for Youth Development in 2026

Ukorebi Esien | February 5, 2026

CALABAR— The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, has commenced activities for the 2026 year with a strategic engagement with the Ministry of Youth Development, aimed at aligning priorities and strengthening youth-focused governance in the state.

The courtesy visit, held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, brought the leadership of the NYCN together with top management officials of the Ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, Director of Youth, Director of Administration, and the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Ukam Ijom Charles.

Leading the NYCN delegation, the State Chairman, Comrade Olayi Emmanuel, said the meeting provided an opportunity for a comprehensive appraisal of youth development interventions in 2025, highlighting key achievements, challenges encountered, and lessons learned. He noted that the engagement also served as a platform to present the Council's strategic outlook and expectations for 2026.

According to Comrade Olayi, the NYCN used the meeting to raise critical youth-related concerns, including institutional issues that arose at the close of 2025, while reaffirming its role as the umbrella youth organization in the state. He explained that the Ministry reviewed the concerns raised and reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with the Council in advancing youth development policies.

The NYCN chairman commended the Ministry for its supervisory role and for implementing youth-focused initiatives under the People's First agenda of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu. He further expressed confidence in the Governor's leadership, citing the administration's renewed efforts toward economic growth, infrastructural development, and youth inclusion, including the ongoing drive to reclaim the state's oil wells.

Reaffirming the Council's position, Comrade Olayi assured the Ministry of the NYCN's readiness to partner with government in the implementation of programmes that empower youths and promote peace across communities in Cross River State.

In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ukam Ijom Charles, expressed gratitude to God for the preservation of his life and that of his team following a recent road traffic accident. He commended the NYCN for its proactive approach to youth engagement and peace promotion, and assured the Council of the Ministry's continued openness to dialogue and solutions-driven collaboration.

The Commissioner further emphasized the Ministry's commitment to working closely with youth stakeholders to ensure that 2026 delivers improved outcomes for young people in Cross River State.

The engagement signals a renewed partnership between the NYCN and the Ministry of Youth Development, setting a coordinated agenda for youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in the year ahead.