Bakassi —In a renewed push to combat illiteracy, insecurity, and social vices among young people in Cross River’s coastal communities, the Office of the Wife of the Governor of Cross River State—through the Office of the State Security Adviser (South)—has launched a 3-day community outreach targeting children and adolescents in Bakassi Local Government Area.
The campaign, which commenced yesterday at Government Primary School, Ikang is themed around education, mentorship, and peer pressure awareness, with hundreds of school children in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Commander Patrick Bassey Odiong Rtd, the State Security Adviser (South) and convener of the initiative, said the programme was born out of a deeply personal conviction and the governor’s vision of an inclusive and peaceful Cross River State.
“When I visited my community during Christmas and Easter, I was heartbroken. The road is bad, teachers pay their own transport, and children have no incentive to attend school,” Odiong said.
“In the next 15 years, if we don’t act now, we might not have any graduates from this community. This isn’t just policy—it’s personal. I grew up here. I understand what these children face. This outreach is about hope, access, and giving back.”
Odiong, who hails from the community, partnered with the Office of the Wife of the Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, to distribute branded exercise books and educational materials to pupils. The programme will also feature health talks, mentorship sessions, and community engagement to curb child abuse, drug use, and other social ills.
In her goodwill message, the executive chair of Bakassi, Effiong Okon, represented by Hon. Maureen Effiom, Secretary of Council for Bakassi LGA, praised the initiative. “This event is a blessing. Commander Odiong has come back home to touch lives. You can see the joy on the children’s faces. We thank Her Excellency for this impactful outreach,” she said.
Also speaking, the Leader of the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Grace Bassey, charged the children—especially girls—to embrace education as the key to unlocking their futures.
“I am a product of resilience, learning, and service. When women and girls are given the chance to lead, communities thrive,” she said.
“To the girls here, education will open doors you never imagined. Believe in your greatness, nurture it, and stay focused.”
The highlight of the day was an interactive talk by Comrade Ukeme Ekong, who delivered a vibrant, relatable session on peer pressure, identity, and adolescent development. Speaking in a blend of motivational and humorous tones, she engaged the children on issues like drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, and negative peer influence: “Know who you are and stand firm. If you don’t define your identity, someone else will do it for you—likely the wrong way. Say no and mean it,” Ekong urged the pupils.
The outreach continues today and concludes tomorrow, with more resource persons expected and additional educational materials to be distributed. The program is seen as a model for community-based engagement in rural and riverine communities across Nigeria.
