The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, led by Cmr. Emmanuel Olayi, has officially launched the “THINK CROSS RIVER YOUTH MOVEMENT” campaign. This new initiative is a youth-focused extension of the broader “Think Cross River” movement and was unveiled following the conclusion of the Central Youth Tour/Sensitization on PVC registration and Drug Abuse.
According to NYCN Chairman Olayi, the movement aligns with Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s “People First Agenda”. Its primary goals are to mobilize the state’s youth population to support government initiatives and to cultivate a strong sense of ownership among young people regarding “greater Cross River Projects.”
Olayi emphasized the campaign’s focus: “While the People-First policy is a generally people-centric, the ‘Think Cross River First Youth Movement’ is Cross River-centric—it focuses only on promoting and protecting Cross River,” he asserted, noting it’s a deliberate effort to create a consciousness of inclusive governance among the youth.
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Mr. Darlington Edem, Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and Initiator of the “Think Cross River” movement, commended the youth leadership. He detailed the founding principles of the original movement, sharing its vision: “to build a united, progressive, and prosperous Cross River State where every community contributes to sustainable development, innovation, and inclusive growth.”
The mission is “to inspire, mobilize, and empower Cross Riverians across all levels… through strategic initiatives, partnerships, and grassroots engagement that promote civic responsibility, socio-economic development, and a shared commitment to the state’s future.”
Edem also enumerated the core values that must be upheld: Integrity, Inclusiveness, Innovation, Excellence, Community Empowerment, Collaboration, Sustainability, and Patriotism.
In a separate but related development, the NYCN-CRS has partnered with the Homeland Security Agency to enhance peace and security across the state. The agreement was reached during a courtesy visit by the NYCN leadership to Hon. Felix Arikpo, Director of Homeland Security Agency for the Central Senatorial District, in Ikom.
Both institutions have committed to working together to combat social ills, specifically targeting cultism, kidnapping, and inter-communal conflicts.
The highly successful sensitization tour concluded in Ikom with the official unveiling of the youth movement, featuring presentations by notable guests including Mr. Edem Darlington and Snr. Comr. Gifted Nelson, SA Youth to the Senator representing the Central Senatorial District.
Vice Chairman Central of the NYCN-CRS, Snr. Comr. Evalsam Ekpe, charged the participating youths to continue being “worthy Ambassadors” of the zone.
