By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Youth Wing has commenced campaign activities across the seven local government areas of Cross River South Senatorial District, with free internet access in tertiary institutions, educational support and youth empowerment programmes among its proposed initiatives.
The programme, convened by Obong Ekpe Eyo Ita Okon, is expected to include town-hall meetings and engagements with students, youth organisations and community stakeholders across the district.
The organisers said the agenda would focus on education, employment, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and digital access, with plans to provide free Starlink internet services in tertiary institutions within the senatorial district.
Other initiatives announced include expanded student bursaries and educational support, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes, as well as continued engagement with student and youth organisations.
Speaking at the flag-off, Okon said the initiative was intended to create opportunities for young people while providing a platform for them to raise issues concerning education, employment, governance and development.
The event was attended by student leaders from tertiary institutions in the district, including SUG presidents, as well as representatives of NACRISS Worldwide, SOCRISS, NANS Cross River State and other student organisations.
Youth leaders from the Southern Senatorial District of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), APC youth chapter leaders and representatives of youth support groups also attended the event.
Speaking on behalf of APC chapter youth leaders, Effiom Yellow Duke called for greater youth participation in governance and urged young people to remain involved in issues affecting the district.
A representative of the youth support groups, Margaret Effiom, highlighted education, entrepreneurship, empowerment and skills development as areas requiring sustained attention.
The SUG President of the University of Calabar, Comrade Vordina Ebong, welcomed the proposed Starlink initiative, saying improved internet access would support students’ learning and research. He also called for continued engagement with students after the launch.
The NYCN Vice Chairman for the Southern Senatorial District, Comrade Benjamin Edet, urged the organisers to ensure that the youth engagement translates into practical opportunities for young people.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Joseph Enyiam, encouraged student leaders to remain united and focus on issues affecting students and young people.
The campaign activities will cover Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Biase, Calabar Municipal, Calabar South and Odukpani, with further engagements planned for communities and tertiary institutions across the district.
