A group known as the Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Youth Wing has commenced its campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections in Cross River South Senatorial District.
The convener of the group, Eyo Okon said the initiative would cover the seven Local Government Areas that make up the southern senatorial district.
Okon, who spoke with journalists in Calabar, the state capital, said; “the campaign would go beyond street rallies to focus on grassroots engagement, empowerment, education and digital inclusion.”
“As we flag off this campaign, it is going to be different from the road shows.
“Road shows are like we are just talking to ourselves. But we will engage other youths through town halls, interactions with other youth groups and focused empowerment programmes,” he said.
The convener disclosed that the group would also pilot an initiative aimed at improving access to digital resources for tertiary students through partnerships with student union governments across the district.
He said the group had concluded plans to pilot free Starlink internet services in tertiary institutions across Cross River South in collaboration with student union governments in public and private institutions.
“We will also expand student bursaries and provide other educational support, youth empowerment programmes, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship opportunities with youth organisations across the seven LGAs,” he said.
Okon said the initiative was aimed at providing young people with more than a platform for political participation, adding that it would create practical opportunities to improve their education, livelihoods and future prospects.
Commitments
Representatives of youth organisations at the flag-off ceremony pledged their commitment to the planned activities and urged young people to participate actively in governance ahead of the 2027 elections.
The representative of the Cross River State All Progressives Congress Youth Leaders, Effiom Yellow-Duke, stressed the need for young people to develop a strong interest in good governance.
He said; “active participation by young people would contribute to shaping the future of the district, Cross River State and Nigeria.”
On behalf of other youth support groups, Margaret Effiom commended the initiative and emphasised the importance of education, empowerment, entrepreneurship and skills development in creating opportunities for young people.
Also speaking, the Students’ Union Government President of the University of Calabar, Vordina Ebong, described the planned free Starlink internet service as essential to digital connectivity, modern learning, research and access to global opportunities.
A representative of the state chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Benjamin Edet, expressed hope that the platform would translate into tangible opportunities and meaningful development for young people.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Kelvin Enyiam, encouraged student leaders to remain united, constructive and committed to issues that advance the welfare and development of young people across the state.
