Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing youth employment in the state during his speech at the just concluded tinkoriko 2025. He emphasized creating opportunities for young people to access sustainable jobs, which would contribute to their personal development and the overall progress of the state.
Governor Otu speech at Tinkoriko 2025
The governor made these remarks while addressing the Tinkoriko Group, a socio-cultural youth organization, during their cultural parade in Calabar. This annual event, held every 1st of January, marked its 31st edition this year and is dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of the Efik people. The procession was led by Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, the former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and other prominent figures from the Calabar South local government area and the southern part of the state.
In his address, Governor Otu expressed admiration for the group’s longevity, noting, “Sustaining this beautiful cultural value for 31 years is no small achievement. Many of the inquiries I receive about Tinkoriko come from our people living abroad, which shows how globally recognized this group has become. It’s a testament to how deeply our people value and connect with the cultural pride you represent, including your advocacy against social ills.”
The governor also spoke about his administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure, including roads, and his dedication to addressing youth unemployment. “We are working hard to fix our infrastructure and create more job opportunities. I assure you that, in the near future, we will have sufficient jobs for our young people, so they can contribute meaningfully to society. We are committed to restoring the state’s former glory, and by the time we gather again next year, you will see significant improvements,” he added.
Earlier, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, leader of the Tinkoriko group, expressed gratitude for the governor’s presence at the event. He highlighted the group’s core values, including the promotion of peaceful coexistence and a non-violent approach to resolving issues. “For the past 31 years, we have come together every 1st of January to foster peace and to celebrate our cultural heritage. Our mission is to advocate for social change and to uphold the values that unite us as a community,” he said.
Tinkoriko Routes
The cultural procession, which began at Efut Street in Calabar South, made its way through key streets such as Egerton, Nelson Mandela, Target, Mary Slessor, Barracks Road, and the Millennium Park. The group was warmly received by the governor, before returning to Efut Street.
The event was attended by several notable government officials, including Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Edem Bassey, Special Adviser to the Governor’s Office, Mr. Edem Darlington, Deputy Chief Press Secretary, and Mr. Andrea Ekeng, Special Assistant on New Media, among others.
