Youths across different groups and platforms in Cross River State have staged a solidarity walk to celebrate Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu’s 100 days of sweetness as governor of the state.
The youths, from the various groups such as the National Youths Council of Nigeria, NYCN, student unions and affiliate organizations, strongly believe that Out, widely known as ‘Sweet Prince,’ is living up to the expectations of Cross Riverians, with the significant efforts he has so far made to reposition the state for greatness.
They were out in major streets of Calabar to show solidarity to the governor and reaffirm their unflinching support for his administration.
In the course of the solidarity walk, tagged: ‘100 Days of Sweetness Youth Walk,’ the youths made some of their needs and demands known to the government in a communique they read and presented to the governor.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, the chairman of the Cross State chapter of NYCN, Comrade Dan Obo, expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to the governor, who was ably represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for the way he has effectively and competently handled the affairs of Cross River, maintaining that his 100 days has brought “an unprecedented sweetness” across the state.
Comrade Obo was reported to have said that “this is the first time in the political dynamics of the state that the Ministry of Youths Development is being headed and or shepherded by a youth.”
He declared, “Barr Ijom Ukam is undoubtedly a round peg in a round hole, as demonstrated by his past and present records.”
Also, the President of National Association of Cross River State Students Worldwide NACRISS-WW, Comrade Akpeke Peter, applauded Governor Otu for engaging resourceful youths in his government.
Comrade Peter assured the governor that the youths would not disappoint him, but would rather “unleash their talents and energy in supporting the government to achieve the ‘People-First Agenda’ mandate.”
Receiving the youths on behalf of the governor, Rt. Hon. Odey thanked them for their solidarity and stated that Otu’s government belongs to them.
The governor gave assurances that under his administration’s season of sweetness, students will enjoy bursaries, scholarships, skill acquisition trainings, employment as well as a peaceful environment for them to thrive in the pursuit of their dreams and achieve their potentials.
Odey was accompanied by the Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr Emmanuel Ironbar, the Special Adviser, SA, to the governor on Special Duties, Barr Bassey Akiba and other top government functionaries in the state.
The honourable Commissioner for Youths Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam, likewise thanked the youths for organising such an impressive event in celebration of Governor’s Otu 100 days of sweetness in office.
He said that the government has taken note of their suggestions and demands as contained in their communique, assuring them that youth development remains a top priority in Out’s administration.
The commissioner reportedly revealed that “His Excellency, the governor, has a plan and policy thrust that is predicated on taking the teeming youths of Cross River State out of those conditions that engendered socio-economic and socio-political vices such as drugs, robbery, kidnapping, internet fraud, prostitution and many others.”
