2027: Youth Group Takes Free Internet, Empowerment Drive to C’River Campuses

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Youth Wing has commenced a youth engagement programme across the seven Local Government Areas of Cross River South Senatorial District, with plans to provide free internet services to students of tertiary institutions.

The group announced the initiative yesterday during an interactive session with journalists in Calabar, where it unveiled an agenda focused on youth engagement, empowerment, education and digital inclusion.

The programme, convened by the leader of the group, Obong Eyo Ita Okon, is designed to take youth engagement to the grassroots through town-hall meetings where young people can directly discuss issues concerning governance, education, employment and development.

Among the initiatives unveiled are the provision of free Starlink internet services in tertiary institutions across Cross River South, expanded student bursaries and educational support, youth empowerment programmes, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The group also promised sustained engagement with student and youth organisations across the seven LGAs that make up the senatorial district.

Speaking at the flag-off, Okon said the initiative was aimed at giving young people more than a platform for political participation by creating practical opportunities capable of improving their education, livelihoods and future prospects.

He said the programme would ensure that young people were engaged at the grassroots and given opportunities to contribute to conversations about the future of their communities.

The event attracted student leaders from tertiary institutions across the district, led by their Students’ Union Government (SUG) presidents, as well as presidents of NACRISS Worldwide, SOCRISS, NANS Cross River State and other student bodies.

Speaking on behalf of APC chapter youth leaders, Effiom Yellow Duke called for unity and greater youth participation in governance, stressing that young people should play an active role in shaping the future of the district.

Representing youth support groups, Margaret Effiom commended the initiative, emphasising the importance of education, empowerment, entrepreneurship and skills development in creating opportunities for young people.

The SUG President of the University of Calabar, Comrade Vordina Ebong, who spoke on behalf of student leaders, welcomed the planned free Starlink internet services, describing digital connectivity as essential to modern learning, research and access to global opportunities.

Ebong, however, called for sustained engagement with students beyond the launch of the programme, stressing the need for continuous interaction between youth leaders and student organisations.

Also speaking on behalf of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the Vice Chairman, Southern Senatorial District, Comrade Benjamin Edet, welcomed the initiative and commended the organisers for bringing student leaders and youth organisations together.

Edet stressed the importance of translating youth participation into tangible opportunities and meaningful development for young people across the district.

In his remarks, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Joseph Enyiam, described the engagement with students and young people as timely.

He urged student leaders to remain united, constructive and committed to issues that would promote the welfare and development of young people across Cross River State.

The organisers said the flag-off marked the beginning of a wider youth engagement programme covering Akamkpa, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Biase, Calabar Municipal, Calabar South and Odukpani Local Government Areas.

They said the initiatives would be taken directly to communities and campuses across the senatorial district as part of efforts to deepen youth engagement and expand access to educational and empowerment opportunities.