During the Deputy Governor’s visit to Obudu on August 31st, 2025, I listened as Comr. Linus Aboukwen showered praises on Hon. (Amb.) Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, noting how he has appointed the highest percentage of youths across Cross River North and possibly the entire state. That statement stirred my curiosity, so I decided to dig deeper to truly understand how well the Chairman has carried young people along.
My research focused on two key areas: the ages of his appointees and how well they have performed. I also carried out a cumulative analysis to determine the overall average age of his team. While I cannot disclose every detail here for privacy reasons, my findings were nothing short of remarkable.
For instance, Mr. Ikwen Atuaka, his Chief Press Secretary, emerged as the youngest CPS ever from Obudu and indeed the youngest in Cross River State. His performance so far has proven that age is no barrier when youths are trusted with opportunities, they deliver with excellence.
Similarly, Mr. Tony-Anslem Bekongwubel, his aide on ICT, stands out as the youngest appointee in the entire state. Despite his youth, Tony-Anslem has spearheaded reforms in the ICT sector of the Local Government, proving that brilliance and innovation thrive when the young are empowered.
What about Mr. Ikem Emmanuel, the SA on Peace and Security? A vibrant young man whose leadership has restored peace in Obudu. Within less than a year, cult clashes have disappeared, kidnappings are now memories of the past, and looting of shops has become history. His work exemplifies what happens when youthful vision is backed with responsibility.
Then there is Mr. Akem Julius, the Chief Protocol Officer. I personally witnessed his impact during a football competition he organized. Beyond the games, he distributed food items to widows and women in celebration of the new yam festival. His initiative left me wondering if he was merely a local government appointee or a legislator because he did more than many legislators are doing today.
These are just a few examples. There are many other young appointees under Hon. Undiandeye who are making bold, strategic impacts in their respective spheres. But the bigger point is this: Hon. Peter Undiandeye is not just a leader, he is a mentor, a pillar, and a builder of destinies. Time and again, he has discovered young talents, nurtured them, and given them the golden opportunity to prove their worth. Remarkably, none has failed under his watch a testament to his wisdom, guidance, and unwavering belief in the potential of the youth.
In a society where opportunities for young people are scarce, Hon. Undiandeye has inscribed his name in the golden book of youth empowerment and legacy. His style of leadership goes beyond governance, it is about inspiring, mentoring, and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
This is why I call on other well meaning leaders to emulate his noble example. When leaders invest in youths as Hon. Undiandeye has done, they do not just build individuals, they build communities, they build nations, they build hope, and they build history.
Mcpaul Iyishu
An Obudu son.
