The South South leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing has declared its readiness to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Obong Prince Ikim, to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and deepen support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The commitment was made during a strategic meeting and courtesy visit by APC youth leaders from across the South South region to the office of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors along Udo Udoma Avenue in Uyo on Thursday.

The meeting brought together political leaders, coordinators and stakeholders from Akwa Ibom State and other parts of the South South region to discuss strategies for promoting unity, collaboration and youth participation in advancing the APC’s political agenda.

Speaking during the engagement, the APC South South Youth Leader, Prince Avwomakpotor Koyoyo Uhrorho, said the regional youth leadership identified Prince Ikim as one of the credible grassroots leaders capable of mobilising young people for the party across the region.

“We are here because we found you worthy as one of the leaders in this region that we need to work with. We need leaders with credibility, capacity and strong grassroots acceptance who can engage young people and help deliver victory for our party,” Uhrorho said.

He noted that modern elections require effective communication and active engagement with young people rather than intimidation or violence, adding that misinformation on social media had contributed to negative perceptions about government policies.

According to him, the APC youth wing had commenced consultations across the South South region to partner with credible leaders capable of communicating the achievements of the Tinubu administration to the grassroots.

Uhrorho also commended Prince Ikim for what he described as his commitment to public service and political mobilisation, saying his performance justified his appointment as coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Akwa Ibom State.

Responding, Prince Ikim thanked the visiting youth leaders for their support and described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a transformative vision already producing visible results across the country.

He said the Tinubu administration had implemented major reforms, including the student loan scheme, infrastructure development projects, power sector reforms, improved revenue generation and efforts aimed at boosting food security and economic recovery.

Ikim specifically highlighted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing it as a major infrastructure initiative capable of transforming economic activities across the South South and South East regions.

“Today, Nigerians can clearly see that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan but a working vision. As youth leaders and ambassadors of this movement, we carry the responsibility of ensuring that the achievements and reforms of government are properly communicated to the grassroots,” he said.

The APC chieftain urged youths across the South South to remain united and focused on promoting peace, civic engagement and responsible political participation.

He also commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio, governors of the South South states, ministers, lawmakers and other stakeholders for supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Prince Ikim particularly praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for what he described as inclusive leadership through the ARISE Agenda, especially in infrastructure, agriculture, youth empowerment and rural development.

The meeting also featured the formal introduction of coordinators and stakeholders of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Akwa Ibom State.

In his vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Housing and Coordinator for Itu Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Dr. Henry Archibong, appreciated the APC South South youth leadership for identifying with Akwa Ibom and commended President Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno and Prince Ikim for providing leadership and opportunities for young people.

The meeting ended with renewed commitments by youth leaders and political stakeholders across the South South to strengthen collaboration and sustain grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.