Residents and stakeholders in Calabar South Local Government Area have welcomed a new community-driven initiative aimed at fostering unity and keeping youths positively engaged, following the commissioning of the Sweetness Free Viewing Centre in Ward 12.
The facility, located at Atamunu, was formally opened amid praise from community leaders, government officials and party stakeholders, who described it as a strategic intervention to keep youths constructively engaged and off the streets.
Speaking at the event, the APC Ward Chairman of Ward 12 said the project was the result of sustained collaboration between the community and the Cross River State Homeland Security and Safety Agency. He disclosed that the proactive involvement of youths in community security had attracted official recognition, leading to the absorption of 20 to 30 youths from Ward 12 into the Homeland Security structure.
He revealed that the free viewing centre was fully funded by the Director — South, Homeland Security and Safety Agency, Hon. Michael Orok Nsan, noting that the facility comes with a one-year paid subscription and would be accessible to residents at no cost.
Community leader HRH Muri (Dr.) Archibong Ika said the centre would strengthen unity and social cohesion in the area, describing it as a platform that fosters interaction, understanding and peace among residents.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Governor, Nsa Gill, urged residents to safeguard the facility against vandalism and reminded party members that the APC e-registration and revalidation exercise was ongoing.
Gill stressed that community-owned projects thrive best when residents take collective responsibility for their protection and sustainability, noting that the viewing centre symbolises trust between government and the people at the grassroots.
On his part, Hon. Michael Orok Nsan said the project was facilitated because of its potential to promote grassroots peace and security. He confirmed that all decoders had been subscribed for one year, with plans underway to install solar panels to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
He linked the initiative to the state’s broader security and economic goals, particularly in anticipation of the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, stressing that a peaceful grassroots remains key to attracting investment and sustaining development.
The event ended with calls for collective ownership of the project, as stakeholders agreed that the viewing centre would also serve as a hub for social interaction and community bonding in Ward 12 of Calabar South local government area.
Kingsley Agim
