In furtherance of preparations for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) Support Centres across Cross River State, a successful training session for Adhoc Staff was held on Saturday, 13th September, 2025, at the Campaign Office of the Executive Governor, along Murtala Mohammed Highway, Calabar.
The training brought together over 100 participants from the seven Local Government Areas of the Southern Senatorial District—drawn from a pool of applicants who had been carefully screened and shortlisted to serve as frontline facilitators for the CVR project.
Delivering his welcome address, the Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT, Hon. Oqua Etim, acknowledged the unwavering leadership of the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, “The People’s First Governor,” who entrusted him with the responsibility of establishing CVR Support Centres across the state’s 18 LGAs. He noted that this initiative not only creates a platform for all Cross Riverians to fully participate in the 2027 electoral process, but also demonstrates that democracy thrives when every voice is heard and no one is left behind.
Hon. Etim further appreciated the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Ironbar, for his strategic guidance, support, and resources that have been pivotal to the success of the project. He also extended warm appreciation to the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr. Akiba Ekpenyong, for his consistent availability and timely interventions in ensuring smooth implementation.
Turning to the Adhoc Staff, Hon. Etim lauded their commitment, especially for defying unfavorable weather conditions to attend the training. He emphasized their central role as the “backbone” of the exercise, reminding them that their patience, professionalism, and dedication will be key in helping citizens navigate digital registration processes such as new voter registration, transfers, and information updates.
The training, which commenced at 12:05 p.m., featured seasoned trainers who guided participants through practical sessions on various aspects of voter registration. These included:
Registration for citizens turning 18 or previously unregistered voters,
Transfers of voter details,
Updating and correction of personal information, among others.
The highlight of the day was a motivational charge delivered by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Affairs, Hon. Dunamis Archibong. In his speech, he commended the trainees for their courage and readiness to serve the state, urging them not to despise their humble beginnings but to embrace their responsibilities with integrity and diligence. He assured them of his unwavering support throughout the exercise. The event also had in attendance the SA to the Governor on Student Union Affairs, Hon. Kelvin Eyam, who lent his solidarity to the initiative.
Following the lecture series, participants engaged in an interactive session where pressing questions were addressed, after which they were treated to refreshments and a short quiz to test their grasp of the day’s lessons.
The training closed on a high note with group photographs and expressions of gratitude from participants, who pledged their utmost commitment to the success of the CVR Support Centres project. They applauded the leadership of Hon. Oqua Etim and the professionalism of the training team, promising to contribute actively to making the initiative a landmark success for Cross River State.
