The maiden edition of the Cross River State Student Leadership Conference 2024 was held on Friday, 31st May, at the Prof. Eyo-Ita House in Marian, Calabar. Organized by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, the event aimed to empower student leaders by fostering a culture of service and capacity development.
In his opening speech, Comrade Enyam Joseph-Kelvin, the Special Assistant on Student Affairs to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, highlighted the importance of the conference. He emphasized that this initiative marks the beginning of an annual tradition where student leaders from various institutions across the state can come together to discuss their challenges and seek solutions through collaboration with the government.
“Over the years, we’ve not had the opportunity of discussing like this as leaders across various institutions in the state. And I feel it’s time to begin to discuss,” said Joseph-Kelvin. He further stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring a conducive learning environment for all students in the state, regardless of their origin.
Joseph-Kelvin conveyed a goodwill message from the Executive Governor of Cross River state, Sen. Bassey Otu, who was unable to attend due to pressing national duties. He assured the attendees that the government is dedicated to making significant infrastructural developments and attracting investments to the state.
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“Our state today is getting investors from across the world. We are getting a lot of interventions. Our state is opening up for the first time, opening to investments, opening to a lot of things that will boost our capacity,” Joseph-Kelvin noted. He encouraged students to build their capacity and be ready for the positive changes coming to the state.
The keynote speakers especially Commissioner Mike Odere shared their experiences and offered guidance on various topics, aiming to equip the student leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. The Special Assistant urged the students to listen attentively and apply the lessons learned to their leadership roles and future endeavors.
Joseph-Kelvin expressed optimism about the future of the conference and its impact on student leadership in the state. “This is an opportunity for us to begin to chart a direction. Going forward, we believe that this event will become an annual event in Cross River State under my office,” he stated.
The conference ended with a renewed sense of purpose among the student leaders, who were left inspired and equipped to make a positive impact in their respective institutions and communities.
Notable speakers included Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar the chief of staff to the state governor, Ekpenyong Akiba, Esq, the Special Adviser on General Duties, Hon. Justin Atiang Beshel, Hon. Mike Odere, Commissioner Of Finance, Barr. Odum Ijom Ukam, Commissioner for Youths development, Hon. Pius Edet the commissioner Of works and infrastructure, Sen. Stephen Odey, Commissioner Of Education, Rt. Hon. George O’ben-Etchi, Ph.D, Chairman, Cross River State Forestry Commission, Amb. Chris Lekan of CRID, Hon. Stanley Boyce Nsemo of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA), Hon. Bassey Effiong Bassey, Chairman, House Committee on Education of the 10th CRSHA, and many others.
The event also saw participation from several media partners, including AIT, NTA, Arise News, and Sparkling 92.3 FM. It was an opportunity for students to gain insights from experienced leaders and to chart a new direction for student leadership in Cross River State.
