CALABAR – The Cross River State Government has released a ₦10 million Christmas support package for youths and students across the state, the State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, has said.
Olayi disclosed this on Wednesday, during an interaction with journalists at the NYCN Secretariat in Calabar, shortly after a stakeholders’ meeting with youth leaders and organisations in the state.
According to him, the fund was graciously approved by Governor Bassey Edet Otu as part of efforts to support youths during the Christmas and festive season.
He explained that the NYCN leadership opted for an inclusive and transparent process in discussing the utilisation of the funds, rather than taking unilateral decisions.
“The money was approved by His Excellency the Governor for the youths and students of Cross River State. As the umbrella youth body, we felt it would be wrong to sit in my house and decide who gets what. That is why we called youth leaders, coordinators, youth organisations and stakeholders together to collectively engage and make inputs,” Olayi said.
The NYCN chairman noted that invitations were extended to affiliated youth organisations, local government youth coordinators, the Nigerian Youth Parliament, voluntary youth organisations, and other groups that have partnered with the council in the course of the year.
He stressed that the council operates an open-door policy and does not discriminate against any youth group operating within the state.
“This is not about exclusion. Whatever is placed in our hands is meant for everybody. Christmas is for all youths, and everybody deserves to feel a sense of belonging,” he said.
Olayi added that discussions on the sharing framework were guided by existing NYCN structures, including the state executive council, local government coordinators and validated youth organisations, while also allowing room for inputs and reservations from stakeholders.
He clarified that the NYCN remains the recognised umbrella body coordinating youth activities in Cross River State, adding that the Ministry of Youth Development continues to engage and work with the council.
“As of today, the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Cross River State is intact and fully operational. The Ministry of Youth Development has reaffirmed this position, and our mandate remains valid,” Olayi stated.
The youth leader urged young people across the state to maintain peace during the festive season and warned against actions capable of disrupting public order.
“We are committed to sustaining the peace being enjoyed under this administration. Any youth who attempts to cause unrest will be called out and reported to the appropriate authorities,” he said.
The meeting ended with a call for unity among youth organisations and a renewed commitment to collaborative engagement in advancing youth development in Cross River state.
