C'River: Inaugural Student Leaders Conference Holds In Calabar
By Our Reporter
The inaugural Cross River State Student Leadership Conference 2024, organized by the office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, held on Friday, 31st May, in Marian, Calabar, in a bid to foster a culture of service and capacity development of youths, especially the student community.
In his opening speech, Comrade Enyam Joseph-Kelvin, the Special Assistant on Student Affairs to the Governor of Cross River State, highlighted the importance of the conference. He emphasized that this initiative marks the beginning of an annual tradition where student leaders from various institutions across the state can come together to discuss their challenges and seek solutions through collaboration with the government.
"Over the years, we've not had the opportunity of discussing like this as leaders across various institutions in the state. And I feel it's time to begin to discuss," said Joseph-Kelvin. He further stressed the government's commitment to ensuring a conducive learning environment for all students in the state, regardless of their origin.
Joseph-Kelvin conveyed a goodwill message from the Executive Governor of Cross River state, Sen. Bassey Otu, who was unable to attend due to pressing national duties. He assured the attendees that the government is dedicated to making significant infrastructural developments and attracting investments to the state.
"Our state today is getting investors from across the world. We are getting a lot of interventions. Our state is opening up for the first time, opening to investments, opening to a lot of things that will boost our capacity," Joseph-Kelvin noted. He encouraged students to build their capacity and be ready for the positive changes coming to the state.
The Special Assistant urged the students to listen attentively and apply the lessons learned to their leadership roles and future endeavors.
Joseph-Kelvin expressed optimism about the future of the conference and its impact on student leadership in the state. "This is an opportunity for us to begin to chart a direction. Going forward, we believe that this event will become an annual event in Cross River State under my office," he stated.
Keynote speakers, notably the Commissioner for Finance, Mike Odere, shared valuable insights on students leadership development and proffered ways to equip the potential generation of leaders with the wherewithal to thrive.
The conference ended with a renewed sense of purpose among the student leaders, who were left inspired and equipped to make a positive impact in their respective institutions and communities.
Other notable speakers at the event included Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, the chief of staff to the Governor, Ekpenyong Akiba, Esq, the Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr. Justin Atiang Beshel, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Mike Odere, Commissioner for Finance, Barr. Odum Ijom Ukam, Commissioner for Youths Development, Hon. Pius Ankpo, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Sen. Stephen Odey, Commissioner for Education, Rt. Hon. George O'ben-Etchi, Ph.D, Chairman, Cross River State Forestry Commission, Amb. Chris Lekan of CRID, Hon. Stanley Boyce Nsemo member representing Calabar Municipality in the State House of Assembly (CRSHA), Hon. Bassey Effiong Bassey, Chairman, House Committee on Education in the 10th CRSHA, among others.
