Cross River State has entered a strategic partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Identity Management Commission and three tertiary institutions to expand voter registration and deepen democratic participation among young people in the state.

The collaboration was established during a joint courtesy visit to the Governor's Office in Calabar, bringing together representatives of INEC, NIMC, the University of Cross River State, the University of Calabar and the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, acknowledged that voter registration figures in Cross River remained below expectations despite the state's large population and electoral potential. He framed the initiative as one that transcends party lines.

"This is not about APC, PDP, or any political party. It is about development and the collective will of our people. We must encourage more citizens, especially young people, to take ownership of the democratic process by registering and participating in elections," he stated.

Prof. Enoh urged the participating institutions to establish direct communication channels to facilitate student mobilisation for voter registration exercises and assured the delegation of the government's full support.

The Cross River Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, described low voter registration among young people and university communities as a challenge requiring deliberate intervention.

"Our concern generally is that the voting strength in our communities remains very low. Increasing voter registration is important not only politically but also for the overall development of our society. With the cooperation we have seen here today, we are optimistic that significant progress can be made," he disclosed.

Prof. Yomere reaffirmed INEC's commitment to working with educational institutions to ensure eligible citizens, particularly students, are registered and empowered to participate in elections.

Speaking on behalf of the universities, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration at the University of Cross River State, Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, pledged institutional support for the initiative, expressing confidence that students would respond positively to advocacy and enlightenment efforts.

The meeting also explored how the existing collaboration between INEC and NIMC could simplify access to voter registration and identity management services within tertiary institutions across the state.