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Cross River State Youths to host 30,000 man summit in Calabar ahead of 2023, thanks Governor Ayade for keeping faith with them

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Cross River State Youths under the aegis of APC Youth Lobby Group have celebrated Governor Ben Ayade for uplifting young people in leadership position by insisting the time for youths to play more active role in Cross River State has come.

This was made known by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the youth summit, Mr. Oden Ewa while addressing the press on Wednesday in Calabar on the Youths summit slated for 19 February 2022. This according to him is to celebrate the good gesture Governor Ben Ayade has demonstrated towards youth inclusiveness in the state.

Mr. Ewa stated that the state APC youth lobby group inaugurated in Cross River State two weeks ago is meant to promote youth inclusiveness in governance.

According to him “he has the mandate to organise over 30,000 mega summit at U. J. Esuene stadium. Thereafter, the group will go for door-to-door advocacy with elders to solicit for more inclusion of youths in governance.”

He thanked Governor Ben Ayade for running a youth inclusive government stating that “Participants for this summit will be drawn from all the 196 wards in Cross River State.” He also thanked the Cross River State Executives of the APC led by Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba.

Mr. Oden further stated that the committee intends to mobilise youths across the state to key into the APC agenda adding that “It will be a carnival of some 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, Special Adviser Ranch Resort to the governor 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.”

The Spevial Adviser Tourism, Ubi Franklin said the summit is meant to showcase what the youths have done in the state. He added that “The future is for the young people and the young people have shown capacity when given the chance”

The DG, CRISSA, Mr. Effiom Effiwatt in his remarks stated that “This is a very bold attempt for young people in Cross River State to showcase that we are ready and also 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.”

Also speaking, DG Cross River State 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 encourage 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 participation 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 amongst others.

The summit is billed to hold at the UJ Esuene stadium calabar on the 19th of February.

CROSS RIVER STATE YOUTH SUMMIT LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

1. Oden Ewa
2. Edem Bassey
3. Ted Afu Inyang
4. Ubi Franklin
5. Andrew Ekpenyong
6. Thomas Ikpeme
7. Martha Agba
8. Eric Anderson
9. Asuquo Ekpenyong
10. Chris Ezo
11. Ugochukwu Nwanosike
12. Mfon Bassey
13. Oliver Orok
14. Saviour Nyong
15. Peter Egba
16 Betta Edu
17. Mathias Angioha
18. Goddy Nyiam
19 Joseph Lashakara Edet
20. Ekanem Ekpenyong
21. Tete Mbuk
22. Utsu John Atsu
23. Offiong Onoyom
24. Stanley Nsemo
25. Janet Ekpenyong
26. Eyo Ita Okon
27. Marcel Edet
28. Micheal Nku Abuo
29. Dan Obo
30. Pastor Thomas Okon
31. Akpanke Ogar
32. Effiom Effiwatt
33. Boyo Nduonofit
34. William Archibong
35. Charles Ojiji
36. David Oyo Ita
37. Paul Eze
38. Stanley Boyce Nsemo
39. Rt. Hon. Farathor Robinson Riman
40. Hon. Linus Etim Bassey
41. Hon. Emmanuel Offiong Bassey
42. Hon. Iyadim Amboni Iyadim
43. Dr. Josephate Owan Emeka
44. Hon. Ada Charles Egwu
45. Hon. Pastor John Ewa
46. Hon. Effeffiong Nta Eke
47. Hon. Mrs. Esther Bassey
48. Hon. John Nkum Etuk
49. Hon. Kingsley Egumi
50. Hon. Mrs. Margaret Indie
51. Hon. Bassey Agara Tom
52. Hon. Bonny Ewhe Eraye
53. Hon. Mrs Justina Edem
54. Hon. Emmanuel Ishabor
55. Hon. Ofem Ebri Obeten
56. Hon. Barr. Fabian Odey Ogbeche
57. Boni Ishamali
58. Ekpo Ephraim Adam
59. Charles Ekanem
60. Kelvin Nyong
61. Edem Anam
62. Gerald Esin
63. Otu Marshal
64. Mizam Arikpo
65. Henry Ekpenyong
66. Henry Ublibli
67. Raphael Ntui
68. Lebo Lebo
69. Akpa Paul okwori
70. Wonah Patrick Onah
71. Vicrine Wohu
72. Akpa Monday
73. Ebiala Monday
74. SaintAugustine Adula Odey
75. Ube Sunday Oyilichi
76. Vincent Onyejowo Ogbo
77. Ogoji Joseph Ulafor
78. Onyekwu Friday
79. Ijom Ukam
80. Lukpata Sunday
81. Abing Chukwu Iza
82. Monday O. Igiri
83. Paul Ntol
84. Agbor Williams
85. Anthony Mgbe
86. Osim Osim Ogonyi
87. Victor Etta Enim
88. Oyongh Agbor
89. Erim Ogar Ndoma
90. Cletus Agbogha Enya
91. Abang Neji
92. Odima Nenjom
93. Ojie Gagriel Osang
94. Tony Bisong
95. Etta Oyen Etta
96. Pius Tawo Ekpang
97. Emmanuel Akan Takim
98. Maurice Tiku
99. Barr Michael Akam Abang
100. Anthony Ofum
101. Alex Father
102. Okey Edim Sunday
103. Martins Okon
104. Odong Oba
105. Kelvin Ayuha Joseph
106. Efon Okpa Achena
107. Precious Odong
108. Cornelian Ebokpo Oba
109. Elvis Amba Etta Ebuta
110. Egbong Osebi
111. Sylvester Okey
112. Bassey Amba
113. Vincent Enya Ogaga
114. Emg. Festus Atin Assam
115. Ekuri Bitty Tangban
116. Mgbe Asu Takon
117. Mgboki Mgboki
118. Luke Anom
119. Comrade Saviour Mbeh
120. Nkoyo Oqua
121. Fidelis Oboh
122. Effiom Webber
123. Chris Agbo
124. Effiong Ita
125. Emmanuel Mkpanam
126. Ibok Ene
127. Eyo O Eyo
128. Arit Abor
129. Abasi Ekpenyong
130. Eyibio Effiong
131. Otu Ita
132. Inok Ekpenyong
133. Ayi Inyang Ayi
134. Frank Inyang Jr
135. Fekix Ita
136. Hon Ating
137. Jack Ekpenyong
138. Fidelis Bassey Otosi
139. Hon. Eugene Ikanga
140. Okoi Ofem Omini
141. Engr. Bassey Egbe
142. Bar. Obeten Okoi Okoi
143. Mitre Iferi Eyong
144. Cyril Raymond
145. Ofem Eloma Igri
146. Ubi Ojeje Williams
147. Emmanuel Donatus Offer
148. Ilang John Omini
149. Fedinand Ubi Omini
150. Ubi Onun
151. Asido Efa
152. Offiong Honesty
153. Ogah Sunday Ilifu
154. Timothy Ushie
155. Innocent Oshie
156. Egbung Odama
157. Thomas Emoshe Enti
158. Ekunke Christopher Adie
159. Okaba Phillip Ogar
160. Emmanuel Efenji
161. Odma Thomas Odama
162. Odey Bernard Agida
163. Ekeng Beto
164. Asuquo Willy
165. Blessing Bassey
166. Hycent Ukwayi
167. Barry Okang
168. Linus Iti
169. Frank Agim
170. Dekas Ikashi
171. Christopher
172. Hon. Emmanuel Akomaye
173. Isaiah Ochui
174. Gabriel Isorshie
175. Odey Peter Adung
176. Ikwebe Nechus
177. Charles Atara
178. Felix Edet Essien
179. Ajah Obok Egwu
180. Enang Ikpo Obu
181. Egbai Jolly Arikpo
182. Peter Nkanu
183. Ifeyeng Unor Ukam
184. John Afenkefe
185. John Ade
186. Thomas Ashibi
187. Jacob Abunlime
188. Alina Peter
189. Clement Ejikang
190. Livinus Ashitangwo
191. Anna Takus
192. Linus Ukpaka
193. Anakai Johnpaul
194. Emmanuel Ibanga Enya
195. Ekuma Emmanuel Bassey
196. Joy Akpan Edward
197. Joachim Egbor
198. Bassey Ekpo
199. Nkanu Dennis Azogbor
200. Anthony Echeng Isong
201. Trevor Inyang
202. Etta Moses Evans
203. Florence Innocent Ibeze
204. Morphy Michael Uko
205. Sylvester Aruku
206. Prince Phillip Alaga
207. Joseph Monkamp
208. Abang Ogon
209. Mike Nku Abuo
210. Eri John
211. Sunny Achang
212. Steven Egar Ayim
213. Mourdey Ugbiji
214. Cletus Archibong
215. Umo Archiving
216. Essien Okon
217. Edet Okon Edet
218. Albert Ndem
219. Effanga Offiong
220. Effiom Okon Effiong
221. Eric Orok Edem Odo
222. Ededem Archiving
223. Ekpenyong Basset
224. Etim Bassey
225. Offiong Francis
226. Essien Essien Eyo
227. Ephraim Effiom
228. Emmanuel Offiong
229. Effanga David Effiom
230. Okon James Orok
231. Effiong Wilfred Asuquo
232. Offiong Bassey Offiong.
233. Orok ENo Bassey
234. Eyo Otu Ita
235. Edet Ekeng Effiom
236. Offiong Edet Bassey
237. Bernard B. Edet
238. Elvis Okon Enyam
239. Augusta Ita Asuquo
240. Fredrick Ayuk
241. Vivian Nyong Edet
242. Vincent Ndifon
243. Michael Okpo
244. Magdalene Ekpe
245. Ogar L. Ogar
246. John Aqua
247. Lidia Kingsley Ambor
248. Eyo Bassey Edem
249. Victor Effiong
250. Effiong Effiom
251. Asuquo Effiom Effiong
252. Francis Edem
253. Samuel Ekpenyong
254. Godwin Sylvester Edet
255. Hon ita Ekparikpa
256. Mr Daniel Effiom
257. Adie Buddy
258. Linus Obogo
259. Imani Odey
260. Rasheed Olarewaju
261. Eme Offiong
262. Emmanuel Ulayi
263. Hope Obeten
264. Eugene Upah
265. Richard Romanus
266. Egbelo Edward Ntebri
267. Stella Ulakom
268. Nathaniel Otaba
269. Andrea Ekeng Inyang
270. Inyali Peter
271. Kenneth Ere
272. George Odok Jnr
273. Solomon David
274. Daniel Williams (DW Photography)
275. Chidi Onyemaizu
276. Augustine Ogar
277. Victor Ekpo Ita
278. Paul Ndik
279. Mathais Amgbah
280. Effiong Ekpenyong
281. Shnaibu Hussaini
282. Stanley Ntagi
283. Archibong Effefiom
284. Effiong Bassey (Senator)
285. Maurice Offiong
286. Eval Asikong
287. Beatrice Akpala
288. David Peter
289. Akuku Achilles Ugbani
290. Sylvester Ngaji
291. Paul Ndik
292. Daniel Williams
293. Abang Ogon
294. Francis Ekpo
295. Mark Awa
296. Jacqueline Ulam
297. Ekamma Itu
298. Sylvester Oneil
299. Akabom Enobong
300. Solomon Inyang
301. Emmanuel Ayi
302. Great Ogban
303. Jerry Odey
304. Okpebri David
305. Egomo Matthew
306. Egor Egor Enang
307. Dr. Mrs. Archibong
308. Dr. Genevieve Barnaby
309. Dr. Ansa Etcheri
310. Adie Ugbizi
311. Austin Wono
312. Ralph Morphy
313. John Agi
314. Dele Bakare
315. Nicholas Itomin
316 Otu Otu
317 Robert Atabi
318 Joan Akwali
319 David Bassey
320 Okunola Olarenwaju
321 Ben Nkebem
322 Ekwe John

Politics

2027: Count me out of coalition against Tinubu, APC — Peter Obi

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Former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has denied involvement in coalition against the ruling President Bola Tinubu and All Progressives Congress in 2027.

Obi made the clarification on Monday in Abuja while speaking with newsmen at the sideline of a two-day National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria.

Checks revealed that certain chieftains in predominant opposition political parties and the ruling All Progressives Congress have been involved in discussions to form a coalition towards dislodging the APC.

The former governor of Anambra State stated that what should be paramount to politicians should be eradication of poverty, fixing public schools, hospitals and security of lives and property.

He said: “Well, for me, what is important is let’s discuss Nigeria. Whether we are going to do coalition… let’s talk about the future of the country, but often we abandon the country and what we need to do and talk about power grab.

“I’m not interested in any coalition for purpose of taking power. It is about discussing Nigeria. “How do we care about securing the Nigerians?

“How do we care about the common person in Nigeria? “How do we care about our children being in school? That is the most important thing for now.”

Obi also called for concerted efforts to stop financial inducement in politics.

“That’s what we need to remove, because what you’re doing is that you’re encouraging stealing of public money.

“Because if I steal it and use it to win election, then I get all the power and everything, including immunity not to be prosecuted. So we must stop it. That is what driving the stealing.”

Presenting his key note address, on the theme of the discourse, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway To Good Governance And Political Integrity,” former Vice President of Republic of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who incidentally was Presidential candidate of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party in last general election in the West African country, identified bastardization of state institutions as a big threat to democracy.

He said “Mr. Chairman, one of the most important determinants of a flourishing democracy is the quality of institutions; institutions capable of guaranteeing rights, including property rights, and checking wanton abuse of power.

“These institutions include the Independent Election Management bodies, the Judiciary, the Ombudsman, the Police, other law enforcement agencies, and many others…

“Celebrated Economists like Dani Rodrick, Daron Acemolgu, and others, have come to a firm conclusion that, when it comes to the determinants of growth, the quality of institutions towers above everything else.

“Unfortunately, whilst the culture of peacefully choosing leaders is being entrenched, these institutions are becoming weak and endangered. ”

The former presidential candidate equally expressed concern over growing poverty in the West African sub-region and by extension, the continent as a threat to democracy as he noted that the electorate are beginning to lose faith in representative government.

He said: “Mr. Chairman, one of the biggest threats to democracy today is what I call the Next Meal. Before I make my point, I need to reecho the words of one of Africa’s greatest sons, the distinguished Nelson Mandela, to wit, ‘As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality exist in our world, none of us can truly rest.’

“Ladies and gentlemen, democracy must be a means to an end. The best democracy is the one that delivers public goods and services effectively and efficiently and creates opportunities for citizens whilst making conscious efforts to leave no one behind.

“For Sub-Saharan Africa, the data suggests that we do not have an option to do nothing. In 2024, the World Bank estimated that two-thirds of the world’s population in extreme poverty live in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Back home, the World Bank’s 2024 review reveals that more than half of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty.

“For Nigeria, and indeed much of Sub-Saharan Africa, our work is cut out for us. We need to take decisive actions to demonstrate that to govern is to advance the interest and welfare of the people.

“We need to reconfigure our economic systems, processes, and institutions in a manner that prioritizes the next meal for majority of our people. For far too long, the focus has been on ticking the boxes on democratic institutions much to the neglect of what those institutions have been able to produce for the ordinary citizen.

“The person who is unable to afford the next ‘Eba’ meal is unlikely to appreciate any data on democratic progress.

“Ladies and gentlemen, there is growing apprehension among the citizenry about the relevance and usefulness of government institutions, with many people losing faith in these institutions.

“This is concerning and portends a bleak future for democratic sustenance if we do not rise to the occasion, and quickly too.

“For our democracy to remain relevant and sustainable, actors need to ensure that citizens have confidence in the democratic system to address their needs and concerns, particularly basic needs, which I call the next meal principle.”

In his paper, ” Democracy in Nigeria: Challenges, Prospects and the 2027 Elections, ” Professor Jibrin Ibrahim bemoaned the absence of ideologically based parties, leaving an indifferent and confused electorate at the mercy of political platforms which he claimed are run by drug barons and warlords.

He said:” The most serious threat is the way the party system has developed.

“The key characteristics is that parties don’t have members but barons, warlords who impose their interests. The political parties that we have had lost their identities in terms of their manifestoes and what they stand for.

“The moment people can’t identify what parties stand for, it becomes impossible to have democratic commitment.

“A situation where they ( political parties) have no commitment to ideals of democracy.

“The real outcome is increasing apathy. The people have lost the right to exercise power because it has been confiscated from them. That creates the crisis of apathy.

“We must revive the belief that it is possible for Nigerians to regain their political power through the ballot.”

In his goodwill message, Vice president, Kashim Shettima, represented by Alhaji Hakeem Baba Ahmed, urged those entrusted with mandate to govern to live up to peoples’ expectations by protecting their interest.

He maintained that transparent governance and genuine commitment to needs of the citizenry would guarantee democracy against military dictatorship.

He added, “There is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of elected leaders in Nigeria to market our democracy in terms of the quality of governance and their conduct and disposition towards the rule of law and respect for the welfare and security of citizens.

“Nigerian democracy must mean a lot more than asking Nigerians to line up every four years to elect leaders. It must mean, in practical terms, that leaders commit to the demands of elected leadership in very transparent manners, that mandates given to them to govern make them servants to interests of the people, custodians of their assets, and protectors of their interests.

“The best leaders are people who exercise power only only to promote interests of their people. These interests include making laws that are consistent with the economic welfare and security of the citizen; that the judiciary is free from interference and corruption; that institutions and structures of governance function with the highest standards of efficiency and integrity; that citizens’ voices are heard and respected not just during elections; and the basic rules of competition between parties and interests are respected.

“The challenge for leaders in democratic systems is to lead with the vision which identifies a path and destination that ultimately benefit the citizens, even where some have legitimate reservations, or have issues with them.

“I would like to assure Nigerians that our administration is acutely aware of many concerns over our direction and goals, particularly given the difficulties which some of our policies inevitably generate.”

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Buhari Reflects on Presidency, Cites Complexity of Leadership

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Former President Muhammadu Buhari has shared his thoughts on the challenges of governing Nigeria, stating that the country’s complexities can only be truly understood from the administrative position.

Buhari emphasized that Nigerians often underestimate the intricacies of leadership and the nation itself. He noted that his personal experience has given him a deeper understanding of these complexities.

In a recent statement, Buhari also reflected on his physical health, saying, “I look much better and healthier now than when I was the president of the country.” He added that those who see him now acknowledge his improved appearance.

Buhari’s comments offer a glimpse into the challenges of leading a diverse and complex nation like Nigeria. His reflections on his personal experience and health serve as a reminder of the demands of public office.

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Imo State Government Announces New Appointments to IROMA

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Owerri, Imo State – The Imo State Government has announced the appointment of new members to the Imo State Road Maintenance Agency (IROMA).

According to a statement signed by Hon Declan Emelumba, Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has approved the appointments.

Ekwutosblog gathered that Barr. Kingsley Ononuju has been appointed as the Chairman of IROMA, while Engr. Egbuka Edwin will serve as the Managing Director. Barr. Chikodi Onyeanwuna has been appointed as the Secretary of the agency.

Other members of the agency include Dr. Emeka Enyinnaya, Engr. Ikenna Anyasodo, Harrison Amaechi Ejianya, Engr. Nwaobi Williams C., and Pascal Ojiaku.

The new appointments are expected to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the agency, which is responsible for maintaining and improving the state’s road network.

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