Gov Bassey Otu Perform Ground Breaking For One Thousand Capacity Hall Youth House In Calabar

....Olayi Restates Council's Commitment To Meaningful Claborations With Government and Private Institutions For Critical Youth Development In The State.

The Governor of Cross River State His Excellency Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu on Friday 7th March 2025,  officially unveiled the Rebranded Administrative Block of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Youth House renamed H.E Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu Youth House and Entrepreneurship Centre, and also performed the Ground Breaking for the construction of a one thousand capacity hall in the Youth House in Calabar.

The event which culminated the gathering of dignitaries from the business, Government, medical and academic sector created ambience for insightful discussions , commendations and connections.

In his opening remarks, the State Chairman of the council, His Youthfulness Obol Comr. Emmanuel Olayi informed the public of the council's anticipation to move from where it was to the area of enterprise and as such the rebranded Youth House would be a center for vocational trainings, leadership trainings and other activities that relate to youth development, as the council is ready to totally contribute it's quota to supporting the government of the State. Stating that rebranding and renaming of the youth house is in honour of Governor Bassey Otu for being youth friendly and supporting youth development programs.

Also, the keynote speaker Dr. Iyke Ukweh who spoke on Youth and entrepreneurship, charged the youth to develop the right mindset that will make them shift from the usual to engagements that will enable them impact positively on themselves and their community. He emphasized on entrepreneurship as a venture that is open to all and grows income either through direct or indirect participation in the business, encouraged young people to acquire skills for business before venturing into it, seek for partnership in business and also be focused for their established businesses to thrive.

The commissioner for Youth Development Hon. Barr. Ijom Ukam started his speech with commending the NYCN Chairman and his team for the facelift they have given the youth house , as their efforts replicates the infrastructural development that the Governor is carrying out in the State, further said, young people are the greatest asset of the State and Government is tirelessly working to develop them with ensuring that Cross River youth are equip to thrive in the ever evolving world. He urged everyone to support the noble initiative of the National Youth council of Nigeria in Cross River State as the rebranding of the administrative block symbolizes a new chapter worth of efficiency, organization and greater impact of youth development on the youth of Cross River State.

On his part, the Special assistant to the Governor on general duties Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba described Comr. Olayi as an innovative thinker and a critical leader who has proven his leadership dexterity, added that the Government of Sen.Bassey Otu is interested in adding value and bringing democratic gains to the people. "Governor Otu is happy that the youth council through Comr. Olayi is supporting Government to achieve it's aim for the people"- He said, whole pledging continued support to the council so as to build synergy that will take the State to the next level.

Dr. Julius Kijuo SSA Youth development in the State, emphasized that without the youth, there is no future and All that Comr. Olayi and his team have achieved has reaffirmed Olayi's commitment to true and responsible leadership. He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Staff to the Governor Hon.Emmanuel Ironbar for his numerous effort to youth development in the State, which he is a beneficiary of his encouragement and support that has contributed to improve his life. Dr. Julius also encouraged young people to acquire entreprenueral skills and develop business mindset that will enable them grow themselves and the economy of the State.

The Governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar expressed delight over the initiatives and achievements of Comr. Emmanuel Olayi and his executive. He also thanked Cross River youth for supporting the administration of Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and expressed the Governor's delight and commitment to the affairs of the youth which is why he is grooming the youth through different platforms and foundations that will nurture them for the leadership of tomorrow. He maintained that Governor Otu in his campaign promises assured the youth of his support and is gradually delivering on them through sponsoring programs that will reposition the youth and the State for a glamorous future. He assured the youth of continued support from Government to the youths of Cross River State.

The different sessions of the event showcased the unveiling of the NYCN THINK Cross River Brand, presentation of award of honour to the Chief of Staff to the Governor and other dignitaries, official opening of the Rebranded Administrative Block by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, foundation laying of the One Thousand capacity hall by the Chief of Staff to the Governor Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar and financial donations.

The remarkable event was attended by the Chief Of staff to the Governor Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, the commissioner for youths development and skill acquisition Barr. Ijom Ukam, the SA to the Governor on general duties Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, the deputy CPS to the Governor Mr. Edem Darlington, the SSA Youth Development Dr. Julius Kijuo, The CEO of Arubah Hospital Dr. Iyke Ukweh, State and local Government executive of the NYCN, students Leaders, other youths of Cross River State.