The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State on Monday received a boost in youth mobilisation efforts following the formal inauguration of the Coalition of Cross River State Youths (COCRICY) in Calabar.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the University of Calabar Cross River State Community Multi-Purpose Hall, brought together youths, political stakeholders, and coordinators from the 18 local government areas of the state.
As part of the event, the newly inaugurated coalition formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu for second terms in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The coalition also inaugurated its state executive members and local government coordinators, positioning itself as a grassroots youth mobilisation platform in support of the APC administration at both the federal and state levels.
Speaking during the event, the Director-General of COCRICY, Hon. Etem Stephen Okimba, said the coalition was established to unite youths across the state and promote active participation in governance and political development.
He stated that the coalition would work to mobilise support for the APC and its candidates across communities in the state ahead of future elections.
According to him, youths from different parts of Cross River gathered at the inauguration to demonstrate support for the administration of Governor Otu and President Tinubu.
“Cross River youths, ranging from Obanliku down to Bakassi, gathered here today to endorse Their Excellencies, Apostle Dr. Prince Bassey Edet Otu for a second-term bid and Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 2027,” he said.
Okimba said the coalition intended to serve as a platform through which young people could contribute meaningfully to governance while also ensuring that the interests of youths were adequately represented.
He further stated that the inauguration and endorsement rally were funded and organised by youths without external political sponsorship.
“The mobilisations and everything that happened here were done by the youths themselves. We did not seek support from anywhere,” he said.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Coalition of Cross River State Youths (COCRICY) in Calabar Municipality, Elder Ita-Agbor Edim, described the coalition as a welcome political development aimed at supporting leadership that promotes youth inclusion and development.
He urged young people in the state to support the APC-led administration peacefully and responsibly.
“The core essence of the youth is youth development. Youth development cannot function entirely without being part of the system,” he said.
Edim, however, cautioned against violence and divisive politics, calling on youths to embrace peaceful political participation as the state moves closer to the 2027 elections.
Speech from the Coalition of Cross River State Youths occasion
Chairman of the occasion and Senior Special Adviser on Environment, Hon. Magnus Ntui, commended members of the coalition for their commitment and organisational efforts.
He expressed confidence that the coalition would contribute positively to political mobilisation and youth engagement in the state.
The event featured speeches by youth leaders, inauguration of executives and local government coordinators, as well as the formal adoption and endorsement motion for President Tinubu and Governor Otu.
