By Kingsley Agim
Governor Bassey Edet Otu has received a major vote of confidence from the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), with the council declaring its full support for his administration as it flagged off its nationwide engagement tour from Cross River State.
The endorsement came when the National President of the NYCN, Comrade Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, on Monday, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, at his residence in Calabar.
Sukubo explained that Cross River was deliberately chosen as the first state on the council’s post-litigation nationwide tour following the resolution of its leadership dispute at the Federal High Court, describing the visit as a demonstration of the council’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with governments across the country.
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He revealed that the courtesy visit to Barr. Agbor was inspired by the widespread positive testimonials the national leadership of the council had received from young people across Cross River and beyond regarding the Special Adviser’s unwavering commitment to youth development. According to Sukubo, Agbor’s enduring contributions to mentoring, empowering and supporting young people, coupled with his sterling record as a former student and youth leader, had earned him admiration within the youth constituency, making it imperative for the delegation to pay him a special visit.
The NYCN President disclosed that the tour was designed to deepen partnerships with state governments and security agencies ahead of the 2027 general elections, with a focus on promoting peaceful participation of young people and preventing electoral violence.
He declared that the National Youth Council, from the national leadership to the grassroots, was solidly behind Governor Otu’s administration, citing the governor’s commitment to youth development and inclusive governance.
“We are 100 percent in support of His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu. Whatever support he requires from the youth constituency, we are ready to provide it. The support is from the top to the grassroots because we believe in what his administration is doing,” Sukubo said.
The NYCN President also praised Barr. Agbor, describing him as “a blessing from God” whose leadership and commitment to empowering young people have continued to inspire hope among the youth. He expressed confidence that greater responsibilities awaited the Special Adviser because of his dedication to public service.
Responding, Barr. Agbor congratulated Sukubo on his recent court victory, describing it as a significant milestone for youth leadership in Nigeria and an opportunity to unite young people around national development.
He commended the NYCN President for making Cross River the first state to visit after the legal victory, describing the gesture as a mark of confidence in Governor Otu’s administration and the state’s peaceful environment.
Agbor also lauded the Cross River State Chairman of the NYCN for providing purposeful leadership, recalling his consultative style and mature conduct before and after assuming office, while urging him to remain focused on advancing the interests of young people.
The Special Adviser thanked the National Youth Council for its endorsement of Governor Otu, noting that support from young people remained crucial to democratic governance because they constitute the nation’s most active political constituency.
Highlighting the governor’s leadership philosophy, Agbor said the Otu administration remains committed to delivering tangible dividends of democracy rather than engaging critics, insisting that performance remains the most effective response to opposition.
“Our governor always reminds us to stay focused on governance and continue delivering projects that improve the lives of our people. He believes that good performance will always speak louder than criticism,” Agbor said.
He further encouraged members of the National Youth Council to embrace visionary leadership and selfless service, reminding them that today’s youth leaders are tomorrow’s decision-makers. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the council to advance youth development, peace and sustainable progress in Cross River State.
