The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Lobby Committee, has announced plans to host over 30,000 youths in Cross River State.
This was made known by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mr. Oden Ewa while addressing the press on Wednesday in Calabar.
Mr. Ewa stated that the state lobby group which was inaugurated two weeks ago is geared towards promoting youth inclusiveness in governance.
Ewa explained that Cross River State youth are resilient, energetic and prepared to take over leadership in the state. He added that they are ready to mobilize the youths across the 196 wards to U. J Esuene Stadium on Saturday, 19th February.
He went further to say that they are going to thank the Governor of Cross River State, Sir Ben Ayade for running a youth inclusive government in the state and they are happy with the government.
Mr. Oden further stated that the committee intend to mobilise youths across the state to key into the APC agenda adding that “It will be a carnival of sort meant to galvanise support across the state on the mandate of the APC. “We have put together a good structure meant to coordinate the 196 wards of Cross River State. Modalities are already in place and we are using innovation to achieve our goal.”
Also speaking, Mr. Francis Ekpo, SA Obudu Ranch said ‘This is the only state that you have a lot of youths in government and these youths have all it takes to sustain the legacy of the present administration.”
Ubi Franklin, Special Adviser Tourism said the summit is meant to showcase what the youths have done in the state. He added that “The future is for young people”.
The DG, CRISSA, Mr. Effiom Effiwatt said ‘This is a very bold attempt for young people in the state to showcase that we are ready and give opportunity for other youths who want to be part of the government to come together and make a bold statement that we are ready and come 2023, young people will be heard.”
The DG of Primary Health Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong said “The summit is to appreciate the Governor who has been very friendly with youths and women in his government. It is also to galvanise more support for the youths to be given opportunity to take up leadership positions in the state. We expect to see all youths because it is time to get involved.”
On his part, Prince Michael Abuo, the DG Migration said “The APC is an idealogy that is geared towards promoting youth inclusiveness in governance. There is need for crowdfunding for a youth endowment funds meant to support the aspirations of young people.”
The summit is being put together by youths in governance as well as others from all works of life. Speakers will be drawn from leaders and young people who have impacted positively in the state over the years. They will be drawn from Politics, Entertainment, Business, Education etc.