By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
The Special Adviser on Non-indigenes Affairs, Mazi Okey Maduekwe has applauded the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) for their unflinching support to the administration of His Excellency Sen Bassey Edet Otu’s quest to transform and return the state its peaceful nature.
He made this remark while addressing the leadership of NYCN during a courtesy call on the newly elected leadership of Igbo Community in Calabàr.
According to him, “the youth have contributed immensely to the development of the state through their peaceful disposition”.
Therefore I salute their courage and steadfastness in handling issues that concerns the youth of Cross River State.They have supportive of the administration of His Excellency, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu.
Said he, “If things are going well, we have to attribute it to the youth like wise if things are going bad, it will be attributed to them because they are the active ingredients of the society”.
He urged the leadership not to relent on their efforts in course of speaking and protecting the rights of the youth in Cross River State.
The administration of Sen Bassey Edet Otu within the period under review had deliberately returned the state to its peaceful nature.
We have so far enjoyed peaceful atmosphere from the angle of youth in the state, adding that the peace we had always enjoyed in the state had been fully returned.
In his remarks earlier, the Cross River State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), led by the State Chairman Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, had briefed the leadership of the Igbo Community on why the decided to pay them the visit.
Olayi had underscored the importance of apprenticeship and entrepreneurship development in addressing youth unemployment and fostering self-reliance, which the Igbos have thrived on over decades..
He commended the traditional Igbo apprenticeship model, popularly known as the “Nwa Boy” system where business minded apprentices are trained to become self reliant, describing the system as a business cooperation model capable of empowering a significant number of young people, if properly adapted and encouraged.
“We are proud to identify with you and will continue to support Igbos, “I admire, in particular, the apprenticeship system of the Igbo, which is worth emulating. Let Cross River youths work as students of enterprise management through practical entrepreneurship.”
He said that he had benefitted personally from the goodwill of prominent Igbo businesses, and called on members of the Igbo community to regard themselves as an integral part of Cross River State,
As a Youth organization, we urge you to continue to support the state government and contribute to the protection of their host communities.
He also urged residents to remain security-conscious and cooperate with relevant authorities and community structures in safeguarding lives and property.
Earlier, the President of Igbo Community Chief (Sir) Kenneth Okpalaeke, granted approval for the proposed training of indigenous business owners, particularly youths, as part of efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunities for young people.
