16/07/2026
Agwagune Youth and Students Charged to Become Problem-Solvers and Impact Makers at WYSD 2026 Conference
The youths and students of the Agwagune community in Biase Local Government Area have been charged to become active problem-solvers and impact makers. This charge was given at the recently concluded World Youth Skills Day 2026,
Themed Importance of Skill Acquisition in the 21st Century, the impactful event was convened by Great Ogban, Founder of the Leaders Den Foundation.
The Special Guest of Honour, Honorable Ngim Okpo Ngim (Candidate for the Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency), enjoined the youths on the importance of embracing businesses with a mindset of hard work, commitment, and consistency as the sure path to success.
Addressing local concerns in panel session, Hon. Ngim assured the Agwagune youths of his commitment to tackling the ecological challenges plaguing the community due to the Cross River basin to find a lasting solution. He also emphasized the prioritization of education that is directly relevant to the community's needs as a key sustainability mechanism.
Sharing practical insights on entrepreneurial growth, Joseph 'Lashakara' Edet (Founder of the La Shakara fashion brand and APC flag bearer for the Odukpani State Constituency) took the youths through his personal journey of building his business and training over 200 young entrepreneurs along the way.
Hon. Edet charged the students to embrace businesses that solve real-world problems and create tangible impacts, stressing that self-development is crucial in the journey of self-discovery.
"Know what you want to do, how you want to go about it... create the highest vision for yourself."
— Hon. Joseph Edet
The Keynote Speaker, Pst. Ekuri Ekuri Atsu (Manager of the Cross River ICT Hub), harped on the critical need for young people to develop essential soft skills, ranging from communication to leadership.
He highlighted that technical knowledge alone is not enough to secure long-term professional success:
"There are things that certificates can do and there are things that human relationships can do. You can't grow within the ranks as a professional without a blend of soft skills and what you know." — Pst. Ekuri Ekuri Atsu
In attendance at the Conference were Rt. Hon George ObenEchti PhD, Chairman of Cross River State Forestry Commission, Agwagune/Okurike APC Ward chairman, Biase APC Chapter Chairman, Coordinator Renewed Hope Biase Chapter, State Chairman NYCN, Biase Cordinator NYCN, Biakpan APC Ward Chairman Agwagune/Okurike Students Leadership and Youths Leadership