The Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, officially unveiled the Rebranded Administrative Block of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Cross River Youth House on Friday, March 7, 2025. The facility has been renamed H.E Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu Youth House and Entrepreneurship Centre, reinforcing the government’s commitment to youth development. The governor also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a 1,000-capacity hall at the Youth House in Calabar.
The event brought together dignitaries from various sectors, fostering insightful discussions on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and government support for young people.
Commitment to Youth Development during Cross River Youth House event
In his opening remarks, the State Chairman of NYCN, Obol Comr. Emmanuel Olayi, highlighted the council’s vision to transform the Youth House into a hub for vocational and leadership training. He emphasized that renaming the facility honors Governor Otu’s youth-friendly policies and unwavering support for youth development programs.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Iyke Ukweh, encouraged youths to embrace entrepreneurship with the right mindset, urging them to acquire relevant skills, seek partnerships, and remain focused on business sustainability.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Barr. Ijom Ukam, commended the NYCN leadership for their efforts in revamping the Youth House. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping young people with the necessary tools to excel in an evolving world, urging stakeholders to support the council’s initiatives.
Government’s Continued Support
The Special Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, praised Comr. Olayi’s leadership and reiterated the administration’s dedication to youth empowerment and democratic development. Similarly, Dr. Julius Kijuo, SSA on Youth Development, stressed that young people are the future of the state and encouraged them to embrace entrepreneurship for personal and economic growth.
Representing the governor, Chief of Staff Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar expressed Governor Otu’s appreciation for the NYCN’s initiatives and reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to supporting and mentoring young leaders. He assured the youth of continued government support in fulfilling the governor’s campaign promises.
Highlights of the Cross River youth House event
The event featured:
- The unveiling of the NYCN THINK Cross River Brand
- Presentation of awards to the Chief of Staff and other dignitaries
- Official opening of the rebranded Administrative Block by the Chief of Staff
- Foundation laying for the 1,000-capacity hall by Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar
- Financial donations in support of youth initiatives
Among the notable attendees were Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar (Chief of Staff to the Governor), Barr. Ijom Ukam (Commissioner for Youth Development and Skill Acquisition), Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba (SA to the Governor on General Duties), Mr. Edem Darlington (Deputy CPS to the Governor), Dr. Julius Kijuo (SSA Youth Development), Dr. Iyke Ukweh (CEO of Arubah Hospital), and various youth leaders and stakeholders.
The unveiling marks a new chapter in youth development in Cross River State, underscoring the government’s vision of empowering young people for leadership and economic success.
