C'River 2027: APC House of Assembly Candidate Ernest Joes Pays Students' School Fees, Vows to Champion Youth Development

C'River 2027: APC House of Assembly Candidate Ernest Joes Pays Students' School Fees, Vows to Champion Youth Development

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Obubra I State Constituency, Tpl. Ernest Joes Obasse, has continued to demonstrate his commitment to education and youth development by paying the school fees of some students across the constituency.

The gesture came during an interactive engagement with students, youth leaders, and political stakeholders drawn from the various wards of Obubra I State Constituency. The meeting, which took place at the residence of Hon. Emmanuel Abeng, Commissioner I of the Forestry Commission, was aimed at fostering dialogue, understanding the challenges facing young people, and charting a path toward sustainable development in the constituency.

Speaking during the engagement, Tpl. Obasse emphasized the importance of continuous interaction between leaders and the people they seek to serve. He noted that effective representation requires listening to the concerns of constituents and taking practical steps to address them.

Among those in attendance were former Assistant State Secretary of the APC, Erong Igwe; former APC Chapter Secretary, Joseph Etaba; former Deputy Leader, Hon. Tony Onagha; Obubra Coordinator for Odenism, Hon. Kingsley Omenyi; critical stakeholder, Mr. Owan Ekpe; Director of Transport, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Patrick Obasse Jnr.; alongside several youth leaders, students, and political stakeholders.

During the session, participants openly discussed issues affecting students and young people, including access to educational support, youth empowerment, mentorship opportunities, unemployment, and the need for greater inclusion in leadership and decision-making processes.

Speaking on behalf of the students, President of the Federation of Obubra Students Worldwide, Comrade Stephen Ekong, commended Tpl. Obasse for creating a platform that allowed students to engage directly with a prospective leader. He noted that such interactions provide an avenue for young people to communicate their concerns, aspirations, and expectations.

Also speaking, former leading aspirant for the Student Union Government of the University of Calabar, Godswill Okorn, highlighted the need for bursary schemes, scholarships, and programmes that would support students academically while preparing them for leadership and professional success.

Other contributors, including Prince Michael, Sunny Ewona, and James Aja, called for increased investment in youth development, entrepreneurship, education, and mentorship. They stressed that the future of Obubra depends largely on how effectively leaders harness the energy, creativity, and potential of the younger generation. They also pledged their support for Ernest Joes Obasse and other APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

The speakers further urged political leaders to remain accessible, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people, particularly students and youths who make up a significant percentage of the constituency's population.

In his response, Tpl. Ernest Joes Obasse appreciated participants for their frank contributions and assured them that the concerns raised would remain a priority. He reiterated his commitment to people-oriented leadership and pledged to champion policies and programmes that would expand educational opportunities, promote youth empowerment, and ensure inclusive development across Obubra I.

According to him, leadership should not be limited to campaign promises but must be reflected in practical actions that positively impact the lives of the people.

As part of the engagement, the APC candidate paid the school fees of some students and also provided transportation support for participants. The gesture drew widespread applause and was widely regarded as a demonstration of his commitment to education, youth welfare, and human capital development.

Lending their voices, Hon. Emmanuel Abeng, Erong Igwe, and other stakeholders described Ernest Joes Obasse as a visionary leader who understands the aspirations of the people and possesses the capacity to effectively represent the interests of Obubra I State Constituency.

They encouraged students and youths to remain united, actively participate in the democratic process by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and continue contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of the constituency.

The participants also expressed appreciation to the host, Hon. Emmanuel Abeng, for his support and hospitality. They expressed confidence that an Ernest Joes-led representation would sustain dialogue between leaders and young people, strengthen community development, promote inclusive governance, and help build a more prosperous future for Obubra I State Constituency.

EJ Media