C’ River: Sen Ekpenyong Youth Wing Commences Campaign, Endorses Tinubu, Otu, Asuquo, Other APC Candidates

By Judex OKORO 

‎Ahead of 2027 general elections, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Youth Wing has officially commenced campaigns across the seven local government areas of the southern senatorial district, unveiling a youth-focused agenda centred on engagement, empowerment, education and digital inclusion.

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‎The group also has endorsed and promised to deliver all the APC candidates from President, Governor, Senate, House of Reps and State House of Assembly seats, adding that politics has changed because you have to showcase your work to the electorate.

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‎The initiative, convened by Obong Ekpe Eyo Ita Okon, is designed to take youth engagement directly to the grassroots through town-hall meetings where young people will have the opportunity to speak directly on issues of governance, education, employment and development.

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‎Among the key initiatives unveiled are the provision of free Starlink internet services in tertiary institutions across Cross River South, expanded student bursary and educational support, youth empowerment programmes, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship opportunities, as well as sustained engagement with student and youth organisations across the seven LGAs.

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‎Ita Okon said the initiative was about giving young people more than a platform for political participation, but creating practical opportunities that could improve their education, livelihoods and future prospects.

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‎Explaining that the youths of the south have never had it so good in terms of empowerment and representation, the convener said this is the auspicious time to celebrate the Senator has his legacy in every word and has impacted positively on the youths. 

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‎"As we go into the campaign we have what to tell the electorate. He has empowered hundreds with education scholarships and skills acquisition across all wars and local government areas in the south.

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‎"We will have cells, which will assist the party structure to enhance, give our candidates visibility and increase our electoral chances. They youths of South will not do anti-party. But will work tirelessly for APC and all its candidates," he stated.

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‎Speaking on behalf of APC Chapter Youth Leaders, Effiom Yellow Duke, called for unity and greater youth participation in governance, noting that young people must be actively involved in shaping the future of the district.

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‎Representing 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.

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‎On behalf of student leaders, Comrade Vordina Ebong, SUG President of the University of Calabar, welcomed the planned free Starlink internet services, describing digital connectivity as essential to modern learning, research and access to global opportunities. He also called for sustained engagement with students beyond the launch.

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‎Also speaking on behalf of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the Vice Chairman, Southern Senatorial District, Comrade Benjamin Edet, welcomed the initiative and commended the organisers for creating a platform that brings together student leaders and youth organisations. He stressed the importance of translating youth participation into tangible opportunities and meaningful development.

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‎In his remarks, Comrade Kelvin Joseph Enyiam, Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, applauded the initiative and described the engagement with students and young people as timely. He encouraged student leaders to remain united, constructive and committed to issues that advance the welfare and development of young people across Cross River.

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‎The unveiling marks the commencement of a wider youth engagement programme covering Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Biase, Calabar Municipal, Calabar South and Odukpani, with the organisers promising to take the initiatives and direct youth engagement to communities and campuses across the district.

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‎The event attracted student leaders from tertiary institutions across the district, led by their SUG Presidents, as well as Presidents of NACRISS Worldwide, SOCRISS, NANS Cross River State and other student bodies.

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‎Also in attendance were NYCN Southern Chapter coordinators, APC Youth Chapter leaders across the senatorial district and leaders of various youth support groups.

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‎ THE BEAGLE NEWS