Calabar –The Speaker of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly, CRSHA Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has issued a strong caution to students against engaging in “hook-up culture,” emphasizing its detrimental impact on their future and personal development. Ayambem made the statement during the just concluded Cross River Students Entrepreneurship, Employability, and Mentorship Summit (CR-SEEMS 2024), held in Calabar on Tuesday NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
Addressing the audience on the summit’s theme, “After Studies, What Next?”, Ayambem lamented the growing trend among young Nigerian women engaging in transactional relationships to fund their lifestyles, warning that it could derail their long-term goals.
“My sisters, you must care about what your life will look like in the future. Hook-up culture offers short-term benefits, but its consequences can leave lasting scars. You wrinkle within the shortest time, and the little money you earn is spent on fleeting luxuries,” he stated.
He urged students to prioritize their education, personal growth, and skills acquisition over the pursuit of materialism. “Focus on building your future, not on driving cars or carrying luxury phones and handbags that have no bearing on your long-term success,” Ayambem advised.
The Speaker also stressed the importance of hard work, discipline, and entrepreneurship as alternatives to quick-fix lifestyles. “True success comes from creating value and solving problems in your community. Don’t be afraid to start small. The day you decide to begin is the day you step out of poverty,” he added.
Ayambem called on the government and society to support young people in developing skills and creating sustainable opportunities, while also urging students to take advantage of mentorship platforms introduced during the summit.
Ayambem concluded his address by encouraging participants to reflect on their actions and their implications for the future. “Your choices today determine your legacy tomorrow. Let us focus on meaningful growth and success rooted in integrity and perseverance,” he said.
The CR-SEEMS 2024, organized by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs manned by Joseph-Kelvin Enyam, brought together students, graduates, and leaders to bridge the gap between academic learning and the demands of the professional world.
