Youths across Northern Senatorial District of Cross River have been urged to take decisive ownership of their future by actively participating in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This call was made during the Grand Finale of the Future First, Youth Engagement and Assessment Tour led by the Cross River State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), where the State Chairman, Emmanuel Olayi, charged young people to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and position themselves as critical stakeholders in shaping governance outcomes.
Addressing a large gathering of youth leaders, students, and community representatives in Ogoja, the Olayi emphasized that the power to determine the direction of the state and the nation lies significantly in the hands of young voters.
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“We cannot continue to claim that we have the largest population of voters and fail to take advantage of it,” he said. “Every young person who has not registered must take advantage of the ongoing registration process. Register, get your voter card, and prepare to make decisions that will define our collective future.”
The engagement forms part of a statewide consultation tour aimed at mobilising youths, assessing development projects, and strengthening grassroots participation in governance. The NYCN leadership had earlier visited several parts of the Northern Senatorial District, including Obudu, Yala, Bekwarra, and Obanliku, where they interacted with communities and evaluated ongoing government projects.
Beyond voter registration, the Chairman warned against political apathy and the manipulation of youths for electoral violence, stressing that young people must resist being used as instruments of conflict.
“You don’t need to fight or harm anyone because of politics,” he cautioned. “If we destroy ourselves, who will be left to build the future we desire? Politics should not divide us—it should empower us.”
Participants at the event echoed the call for unity, peace, and responsible civic engagement. Various youth coordinators from across the region reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence and pledged to mobilise their peers toward constructive participation in the democratic process.
In goodwill messages, speakers emphasized the importance of integrity, discipline, and active involvement in community development, noting that the future of Cross River State depends largely on the choices made by its young population.
Student leaders were also not left out, as representatives of Northern Cross River student bodies commended the initiative and reiterated their readiness to be fully engaged in shaping policies that affect their future.
The NYCN leadership further disclosed that ongoing youth-focused programmes, including empowerment initiatives, skills acquisition, and business support schemes, would be expanded, with inputs from young people forming part of recommendations to government.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of 2027, stakeholders at the event agreed that increased voter education, inclusion, and youth-driven advocacy will be crucial in ensuring credible elections and sustainable development in Cross River State.
The engagement ended with a renewed call to action: that young people must move beyond passive observation and become active participants in governance—starting with the simple but powerful act of registering and voting.
