The Cross River State Sports Commission on Friday inaugurated a grassroots group in Calabar to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, known as the Sport Community Support Group, was formed to encourage participation at the grassroots level and strengthen political backing for the two leaders as the next election cycle approaches.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by stakeholders in the sports sector and political supporters in the state. Officials of the commission explained that the group would help build wider support across communities and encourage people to participate in political activities that favour the re-election of the president and the governor.
During the event, the Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Lawrence Etta, addressed members of the newly formed group and spoke about the role they are expected to play in mobilising residents across the state.
He said the members would work within communities to gather support and spread awareness about government programmes and policies.
Etta described sports as an activity that brings people together regardless of differences in religion, culture or political views. He said the sector could serve as a channel for unity and engagement among citizens.
According to him, the support group would rely on the influence of sports communities to build political support for both the federal and state administrations.
He also urged members of the group to stay organised and dedicated to their task of mobilising voters. Part of their responsibility, he explained, would involve promoting the policies and programmes introduced by the federal government under the Renewed Hope Agenda as well as the initiatives of the Cross River State government under Governor Otu.
The chairman further called on local government sports coordinators and other grassroots leaders to take part in the mobilisation effort. Vice chairmen from the 18 local government councils in the state are expected to serve as coordinators to drive activities in their respective areas.
After the inauguration, the Director General of the Sports Commission, Obi Akan, also spoke about the purpose of the initiative. He said the formation of the group is part of a plan to organise supporters and create a structure that will help mobilise voters across communities in the state.
Akan stated that members of the group would begin their mobilisation work in different local government areas. According to him, the coordinators and committee members would work together to build support and encourage participation in the coming elections.
Several individuals were appointed into different roles within the group to coordinate its activities. Obi Akan was named Director General, while Christina Eso was appointed Secretary.
Other officers include Emilia Katame as Financial Secretary, Cecilia Ogar as Treasurer, and Ekuma Ngwu who will handle publicity and media matters. Rhoda Ashong was appointed Welfare Officer, Sunny Ndep Ebam as Organising Secretary, and Joseph Ukata as Director of Contact and Mobilisation.
Chris Effiom was also named as a member of the committee alongside vice chairmen of local government councils who will serve as coordinators at the grassroots level.