Stakeholders in Calabar South Local Government Area have lauded a new grassroots initiative aimed at promoting unity, youth engagement and security with the commissioning of the Sweetness Free Viewing Centre in Ward 12.
The facility, located at Atamunu in Ward 12, was formally opened with community leaders, government officials and party stakeholders describing it as a strategic intervention to keep youths constructively engaged and off the streets.
Speaking at the event, the Ward Chairman of APC Ward 12 said the project was a product of sustained collaboration between the community and the Cross River State Homeland Security and Safety Agency. He disclosed that recent efforts by youths in the area to support the state government’s security architecture had attracted official recognition.
According to him, following reports to the Director-South of the Homeland Security Agency, Home Michael Orok Nsan that youths in the community were voluntarily assisting with security, about 20 to 30 youths from Ward 12 were subsequently absorbed into the Homeland Security structure.
“This community has enjoyed peace and unity because of the commitment of our youths, encouraged by community leaders. This viewing centre is another step in sustaining that peace,” the ward chairman said.
He revealed that the free viewing centre was fully funded by the Director, South, Homeland Security and Safety, Hon. Michael Orok Nsan, noting that the facility comes with a one-year paid subscription and would be open to residents at no cost.
The ward chairman described Ward 12 as the largest ward in Cross River State, stressing that initiatives that promote inclusion and social cohesion were critical for such a populous community.
In his remarks, community leader HRH Muri Dr. Archibong Ika said the viewing centre would serve as a platform for unity, communication and tolerance among residents.
“A viewing centre brings people together. It creates understanding, friendship and love. This centre will strengthen unity in Ward 12,” he said, commending Hon. Nsan for what he described as a top-notch initiative.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Governor of Cross River State, Nsa Gill, identified himself as a bonafide member of APC Ward 12 and urged residents to protect the facility from vandalism.
Gill also used the occasion to remind party members that the APC e-registration and revalidation exercise was ongoing, encouraging them to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) and voter details to designated ward agents.
On his part, Director, South, Homeland Security and Safety, explained that although the project was not originally his idea, he facilitated it because of its potential to foster unity and peace at the grassroots.
He confirmed that all the decoders in the centre had been subscribed for one year and disclosed plans to install solar panels to ensure uninterrupted power supply. According to him, the centre would also serve as a charging point for mobile phones during power outages.
Nsan linked the initiative to broader security and economic objectives of the state, particularly in anticipation of the Bakassi Deep Seaport project.
“We are expecting investors and expatriates. Youths will be needed to provide security for equipment and personnel. That is why collaboration with communities is important. When the grassroots is peaceful, the entire state enjoys peace,” he said.
He cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used as political thugs ahead of future elections, stressing that security remained a collective responsibility.
“If you see something, say something,” he advised.
The event ended with calls for sustained community support and collective ownership of the project, as speakers agreed that the viewing centre could also serve as a hub for social, business and political networking within Ward 12 and beyond.
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