The Cross River State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Oden Ewa, has launched a N600 million Education and Entrepreneurship Empowerment Programme aimed at transforming the lives of youths across the Cross River Central Senatorial District.
The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday, January 8, 2026, as the commissioner began a wide-reaching youth engagement tour across the six local government areas in the senatorial district. The programme, sponsored by the Oden Ewa Foundation, will see N100 million allocated to each local government area to support education and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Speaking during the engagements, Oden Ewa said the tour was designed to strengthen the relationship between youths and government while creating real economic opportunities that can improve their livelihoods. He said, “Our focus is on service and impact, not symbolism. This administration is committed to empowering young people to succeed.”
The youth connectivity tour commenced in Boki Local Government Area, where Oden Ewa was met with a massive turnout of enthusiastic youths. He commended them for their political awareness and active participation in governance. As part of the New Year celebrations, he distributed 550,000 bags of rice and N15 million to support the community.
The commissioner also visited Etung and Ikom local government areas, where he received a warm and colourful reception from youths. In Etung, he donated N10 million alongside 550,000 bags of rice, while Ikom youths received N11 million and an equal number of rice bags to mark the New Year.
The announcement of the education and entrepreneurship grant sparked widespread jubilation among youths across the senatorial district. Many described the initiative as unprecedented and the first of its kind in the history of Cross River Central Senatorial District.
Oden Ewa has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to impactful leadership by identifying youth talents, encouraging creativity, and providing support structures that enable young people to thrive economically and socially.
