I am beginning to agree with the notion that young people in Cross River are not interested in the successes of endeavours of their fellow Youths. The apparent reality is that young people are very swift in most times destructively criticising but are lethargic in commending the genuine efforts of their fellow youths towards adding value to our dear State.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria Cross River State Chapter organised a one week well packaged Youth Week Celebration in the State. A kind that has never been seen in the annals of its history. The shocking reality is that these events were organised with little or no support from anywhere.
I've read spurious reports trying hard to denigrate and play down on the successes gained in the International Youth Week Celebration; with particular reference to the Award Night that took place on the 10th of August at Transcorp Hotels.
The question begging for answers is: can we comfortably say that those nominated to receive awards are not qualified? If the National Youth Council of Nigeria Cross River State Chapter did not award those that are your direct benefactors, does it imply that those who were chosen are not qualified? Instead of trying to find out why they were selected, you come on Social Media and say things that can be controverted.
If I attempt to justify why all the Award nominees were selected then we may have to write a book. But, let me attempt to relay to the public why these Awardees were carefully selected.
In that regard, it is important to note that the Awardees were selected mostly because of their contribution to the development of young people and the fact they have distinguished themselves in their different works of life.
Consequently, it is impossible to develop young people without somehow contributing to their education either formally or informally.
On Jarigbe Agom , this fine legislator has consistently championed good causes that has led to the growth of many young people in Cross River State . A case worthy of note is the formulation of a Bill for the establishment of a Federal University in Ogoja Cross River State. This bill has gone through all the readings in the National Assembly. It is just awaiting Presidential Assent.
On Barr Chris Agara , This fine Gentleman has So many young people on a Scholarship Scheme that caters for their school fees .
On Patrick Ugbe , this noble individual has redefined the narrative of Radio Broadcasting in Nigeria . He has injected excellence into Radio Broadcasting. Right now, Hit FM has become a household name in Cross River State. The Radio Station is consistently used as a channel for the education of young people through most of its programmes.
On Sir Arthur Jarvis , This man established a University in Cross River State with State of the Art Facilities and one of the lowest school fee schemes in Nigeria . So many people have attempted to establish Universities in the State but no one has had the courage to see it through. Just imagine how many Young Cross Riverians have been employed by him.
On Hon George Oben Etchi . A fine gentleman with the fear of God. A man who is not interested in blowing his trumpet. He has sponsored so many Youths in Secondary schools and Universities . That is why he is loved by the people of Akamkpa .
Nonetheless, as the first Commissioner for Solid Minerals in Cross River State, he initiated and implemented a state-wide geological mapping to ascertain the actual mineral deposits in Cross River so as to make the State an investment destination using solid minerals as a catalyst . His sterling performance earned the Governor's commendation which culminated in declaring him the Best Commissioner.
On Dr Engr Samuel Oliver , this young man is not up to 30 years but with hard work , he was able to complete his PhD at 28 years . He is one of the most accessible, impactful and hardworking Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering CRUTECH. He is an Alumnus of CRUTECH where he was the best graduating student of his Department. He graduated with a Distinction from Cranfield University United Kingdom in Thermal power (Gas Turbine and Aerospace Propulsion Technology ). In three years, he obtained his PhD in Energy and Power Engineering from Michael Okpara University Umudike .
On Muyi Ladoja , he is the Current Vice President of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce . He is also the CEO of Real Plantation Limited where he initiated and implemented the development of over 5000 hectares of Oil Palm, Rubber and Rice in Cross River State. His mainstay is the development of Youths in Agriculture. He has mentored and educated many young people in Cross River State on how to reap the gains embedded in Agriculture.
This to mention but a few are very qualified eminent personalities who have doled out raw inspiration and altered the boundaries of expectation .That is why the Youth Council is happy to celebrate them through these Awards .
The notion that the political inclination of the Awardees inadvertently reduces their credibility is vicious and unacceptable. We must rise above our parochial leanings and sentiments as young people if we must make meaningful contributions as well as take over the leadership of the State.
I am worried that The Youth Council has not received commendations from Iso Bassey Edim and other disgruntled elements on Social Media for organising a "Day of Service" where Young People came out in their numbers across the 18 Local Governments in different locations in the State to clean gutters, control traffic, paint roundabouts and sweep places.
I am also flabbergasted that the Youth Council did not receive commendation for organising "Youth Forums" across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State on the same day simultaneously where they had meaningful discussions on how to move the State forward.
I am still surprised that the Youth Council did not receive applaud for gathering Youths at Transcorp Hotels on the 12th of August where people of no mean repute were invited to discuss how we can truly "Transform Education" in Cross River State . Worthy of the note, one of the speakers at Transcorp Hotels on the International Youth Day stated that Some Young Cross Riverians have cultivated the habit of pulling down their Fellow Youths. She wondered how we can "Transform Education" in the State when what only some young people know how to do is to relay unsubstantiated comments and allegations against their fellow Youths.
Maybe, this is what is playing out on social media against the Award Night organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria Cross River State Chapter . This trend must stop.
Build the Youths! Build the Nation!
Victor Ndifon is the Secretary National Youth Council of Nigeria Cross River State Chapter .
