The Cross River State Sports Commission has inaugurated a grassroots support group known as the “Sport Community Support Group” to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The move is part of efforts to rally support across platforms, mobilise grassroots participation and secure a landslide victory in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony on Friday in Calabar, the Sports Commission Chairman, Lawrence Etta, commended members of the support group, describing them as “key actors for effective grassroots mobilisation to secure victory across all levels in the forthcoming general elections.”
Etta reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu’s re-election bid in 2027, describing it as a continuation of policies aimed at securing Nigeria’s economic stability, youth empowerment and long-term national development. He urged members to remain focused, organised and proactive in their engagement efforts.
“We have work to do. The future of Nigeria and the safety of our children’s tomorrow depend on what we build today. Let us remain united, disciplined, and committed,” he added.
Etta, while charging the newly inaugurated members to remain committed to the tasks ahead, described sport as a national and global unifier, stressing that it was the only activity that unites people across ethnic, religious and ideological divides.
“Sport is a uniting factor. It has the capacity to bring people from different religious backgrounds, ethnicity and beliefs together.
“I urge all the support group members to carry out this evangelism for President Tinubu and Governor Otu’s re-election,” he said.
He called on members to promote the achievements of the federal and state governments in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the People’s First Mantra of Governor Bassey Otu.
Etta urged members of the group and Vice Chairmen of the 18 local government councils, who serve as sports coordinators at the grassroots level, to intensify efforts in promoting government policies and programmes.
“Our primary objective is to strengthen the support base for our leaders as we approach the next electoral cycle,” he said.
In his remarks after the inauguration, the Director General of the commission, Hon. Obi Akan, lauded the efforts of the state government and emphasised that positioning grassroots coordinators blended intentionality with political strategy.
“On behalf of all the committee members, I want to thank the government of Cross River State for the trust reposed in us to carry on this mandate.
“It is an intentional political strategy and we will do our best to canvass support for our leaders,” he stated.
Akan pledged to unite with other coordinators to commence robust mobilisation and rally support for President Tinubu and Governor Otu’s return to office.
The members appointed are: Director General, Hon. Obi Akan; Secretary, Hon. Christina Eso; Financial Secretary, Hon. Emilia Katame; Treasurer, Hon. Cecilia Ogar; Publicity Secretary and Director of Media, Hon. Ekuma Ngwu; Welfare Officer, Hon. Rhoda Ashong; Organising Secretary, Mr. Sunny Ndep Ebam; Director of Contact and Mobilisation, Hon. Joseph Ukata; Member, Hon. Chris Effiom; and all Vice Chairmen of Council as Local Government Coordinators.
