The Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Youth Wing has commenced campaign activities across the seven Local Government Areas of Cross River South Senatorial District, unveiling a youth-focused agenda centred on education, empowerment, digital inclusion and grassroots engagement.
The programme, convened by Obong Ekpe Eyo Ita Okon, is expected to take youth engagement to communities and campuses through a series of town-hall meetings where young people will discuss issues relating to governance, education, employment and development.
Among the initiatives announced at the flag-off are plans to provide free Starlink internet services in tertiary institutions across the senatorial district, expand student bursaries and educational support, and introduce youth empowerment, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes.
The organisers also pledged sustained engagement with student and youth organisations across the seven LGAs.
Speaking at the event, Okon said the initiative was designed to give young people more than a platform for political participation, stressing the need to create practical opportunities capable of improving their education, livelihoods and future prospects.
The flag-off attracted student leaders from tertiary institutions across the district, led by their Students’ Union Government (SUG) presidents, as well as representatives of the National Association of Cross River State Students (NACRISS) Worldwide, Students of Cross River State Origin (SOCRISS), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Cross River State, and other student organisations.
Also present were coordinators of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Southern Chapter, All Progressives Congress (APC) youth chapter leaders from across the senatorial district and representatives of various youth support groups.
Speaking on behalf of APC chapter youth leaders, Effiom Yellow Duke called for greater unity and youth participation in governance, saying young people should play an active role in shaping the future of the district.
Representing youth support groups, Margaret Effiom commended the initiative and highlighted education, empowerment, entrepreneurship and skills development as key areas for expanding opportunities for young people.
The SUG President of the University of Calabar, Comrade Vordina Ebong, who spoke on behalf of student leaders, welcomed the proposed provision of free Starlink internet services.
Ebong described digital connectivity as increasingly important to modern learning, research and access to global opportunities, while calling for sustained engagement with students beyond the launch of the programme.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of NYCN, Southern Senatorial District, Comrade Benjamin Edet, welcomed the initiative and commended the organisers for bringing student leaders and youth organisations together.
Edet stressed the need to translate youth participation into tangible opportunities and meaningful development across the district.
In his remarks, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Joseph Enyiam, described the engagement with students and young people as timely.
He encouraged student leaders to remain united, constructive and focused on issues that promote the welfare and development of young people in Cross River State.
The flag-off marks the beginning of a wider youth engagement programme covering Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Biase, Calabar Municipal, Calabar South and Odukpani Local Government Areas.
The organisers said the programme would take the announced initiatives and direct engagement with young people to communities and tertiary institutions across Cross River South.