The South-South leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing has pledged to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Obong Prince Ikim, to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and expand support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commitment was made during a strategic meeting and courtesy visit by APC youth leaders from across the South-South region to the office of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The engagement, held along Udo Udoma Avenue on May 28, brought together political leaders, coordinators and stakeholders from Akwa Ibom State and the wider South-South region to discuss youth participation, party unity and strategies for deepening support for the APC.
Youth Leader Highlights Ikim's Credibility
Speaking during the meeting, South-South APC Youth Leader, Prince Avwomakpotor Koyoyo Uhrorho, described Prince Ikim as a credible grassroots mobiliser with the capacity and influence needed to strengthen youth engagement across the region. According to him, the APC youth leadership identified Ikim as one of the key young political leaders capable of driving meaningful mobilisation efforts ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“We are here because we found you worthy as one of the leaders in this region that we need to work with. We need leaders with credibility, capacity and strong grassroots acceptance who can engage young people and help deliver victory for our party,” Uhrorho said.
He noted that contemporary political engagement requires effective communication and constructive interaction with young people, rather than confrontational approaches. According to him, misinformation and negative narratives surrounding government policies have made it necessary for party stakeholders to engage citizens directly and communicate ongoing reforms more effectively.
Uhrorho said the youth wing had commenced consultations across the South-South region aimed at building partnerships with individuals and organisations capable of promoting government programmes and increasing youth participation in governance. He also commended Ikim for his leadership and commitment to public service, describing his appointment as Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Akwa Ibom as well deserved.
Ikim Reaffirms Commitment to Renewed Hope Agenda
Responding, Prince Ikim expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s administration through grassroots advocacy and civic engagement. He described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a practical governance framework that has already produced visible results in key sectors of the economy.
According to him, the administration has implemented significant reforms, including the student loan scheme, infrastructure development projects, improvements in revenue generation, efforts to boost food security and ongoing reforms within the power sector. Ikim highlighted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the administration’s flagship infrastructure projects, noting that it has the potential to transform economic activities across the South-South and South-East regions.
“Today, Nigerians can clearly see that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan but a working vision. As youth leaders and ambassadors of this movement, we carry the responsibility of ensuring that the achievements and reforms of government are properly communicated to the grassroots,” he said.
He urged young people across the region to remain united and committed to promoting responsible political participation, national development and peaceful coexistence. Ikim also commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio, governors of the South-South states, ministers, lawmakers and other stakeholders for supporting policies aimed at advancing development in the region.
He further praised Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for what he described as inclusive leadership under the ARISE Agenda, particularly in infrastructure development, agriculture, youth empowerment and rural development.
Introduction of Local Government Coordinators
The meeting also featured the introduction of local government coordinators and stakeholders of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Akwa Ibom State, including the Commissioner for Housing, Rt. Hon. Dr. Henry Archibong; the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo; and several local government coordinators from across the state.
In his vote of thanks, Archibong commended the South-South APC youth leadership for engaging with stakeholders in Akwa Ibom and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno and Prince Ikim for their contributions to youth inclusion and development.
The meeting ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration, expanding grassroots mobilisation and supporting the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.
