Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has commended Tinkoriko, a sociocultural group for prioritizing unity and cohesion among youths from different backgrounds.
The governor made the commendation on Tuesday 31 December, 2024 when he received a delegation from the group led by the founder and patron, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke on a courtesy visit at his residence in Calabar, the state capital.
He praised the unwavering commitment of Tinkoriko towards building a strong bond of brotherhood among members who are predominantly youths from various sociopolitical and cultural leanings, emphasizing that groups such as Tinkoriko should be encouraged and leverage upon to promote peace and social harmony in the society.
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Governor Otu promised that his administration would provide the needed support to the group to enable it hold its parade even on Easter.
Earlier, founder of Tinkoriko, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke and the President, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, informed the governor that Tinkoriko which was founded in 1993, is a sociocultural group and platform that fosters harmony among youths from diverse political, social, economic and cultural orientations. The group, according to its leaders, holds its annual parade on January 1st every year that draws a large number of youths. They said that Tinkoriko speaks strongly against violence, cultism, drug abuse, kidnappings, human trafficking and other forms of societal vices.
They said funding has been the major challenge facing the group and therefore appealed to the governor for support.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of Tinkoriko branded t-shirts to the governor and his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu.