#October262024!
WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE
Hosted by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter
Venue: NUJ Press Centre, Calabar, Cross River State.
Gentlemen of the press, distinguished guests, and fellow youth of Cross River State.
1. We are honored to welcome you to this World Press Conference organized by the Cross River State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), as the apex body of all Youth organizations in Nigeria, We stand here united and committed to the development of our communities and the advancement of local governance and our dear State Cross River and Nigeria at large.
2. Firstly, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria for granting autonomy to Local Governments across the nation. This decision is a historic step toward empowering local communities, ensuring that resources reach the grassroots, and allowing local governments to function more independently. We believe that this autonomy will play a pivotal role in fostering transparency, inclusivity, and rapid community development.
3. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, for his commitment to the advancement of democratic processes. Under his leadership, the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) has set the stage for the forthcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for November 2, 2024. This action reflects the State Government’s dedication to strengthening democracy and promoting good governance at the local level.
4. We appeal to all Stakeholders to take advantage of this opportunity to participate and support the Local Government Administration being put in place through an election, hence election should hold on November 2nd, 2024 as scheduled and the will of the people should prevail. As a youth community we say a vehement no to any individual or group with retrogressive intentions, such individual or group MUST have a change of plan in the interest of the State.
5. The NYCN As critical stakeholder, appeal that as the LG administration is constituted, there should be deliberate plans for more YOUTH INCLUSION in terms of appointments into the Local Governments and deliberate efforts should be made to invest into Youth Development, entrepreneurship opportunities, education and the general Development of our communities.
6. Furthermore, we commend all participating political parties in the November 2, LG elections, for their progressive and inclusive approach, as evidenced by their decision to nominate and present their tickets to youth and further more providing a level playing field for all. This bold move not only recognizes the potential of young leaders but also builds a foundation for sustainable leadership that reflects the aspirations of the youth in Cross River State. We urge these young candidates to carry the responsibility of their roles with passion, integrity, vision, and dedication to the community.
7. To all the youths in Cross River State, we call on you to participate actively and responsibly in the upcoming elections. Your involvement is crucial to ensuring that our voices are heard and that our aspirations are reflected in the outcomes. Let us all play our part in building a future that benefits everyone, fostering an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect and overall Development. Even much more, we MUST concern ourselves with all that is happening in our various communities going forward.
8. The NYCN, however, sounds a strong warning to anyone who might intend to disrupt the peace and order during the election period. We urge such individuals to abandon any plans that might jeopardize the democratic process. The NYCN stands firm in its commitment to see that LGA election is peaceful, transparent, and credible.
9. We urge the security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that election is conducted under a peaceful atmosphere and to be vigilant and ensure that lives and properties are safe guarded before, during and after the elections.
10. We urge all those will will emerge as Leaders of our Local Government to lead with the FEAR OF GOD and ensure the utilization of funds that will be available for the all round development of our communities in support to what the State Government is doing to better Cross River State.
11. We urge all our Members in the 196 wards to participate actively and support all that will lead to a successful elections come November, 2, 2024.
12. We appeal passionately that all our Local Government Co-ordinators should be considered at the Local Government Areas as Partners in community peace building and should be adequately captured in the scheme of things.
13. As the Apex body of youths in Nigeria, we call on all saddled with the responsibility to fix our Federal Roads in Cross River State to swing into action without further delay. We thank His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu for expressly directing that remedial work be done on the said roads all to ameliorating the difficulty faced by the people.
14. Finally, we extend our gratitude to the security agencies in Cross River State. We trust in their professionalism and commitment to maintaining the peace. We implore them to be vigilant and proactive in dealing with any disruptions. We call on them to uphold the law by taking swift action against anyone attempting to cause trouble in any of our local government areas before, during and after the elections.
Thank you, everyone, for your attention and support. Together, let us work towards a successful election on November 2, 2024, that will set a positive example for our state and our nation.
Thank you, and God bless Cross River State.
His Youthfulness
Comrade Emmanuel Olayi
Chairman NYCN
CRS.
