UGEP, CROSS RIVER STATE — The Ugep youth community has formally ushered in a new administration following the inauguration and induction of Comrade Ikpi Eyong Ofem as its new Youth President at a ceremony held on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
The ceremony attracted traditional leaders, community stakeholders, religious figures, former youth presidents and youth representatives, who gathered to witness the formal assumption of office by the newly elected president and his executive council.
Proceedings began with the introduction of members of the high table, with Chief Ubi Onun, Clan Head of Biko Biko, serving as Chairman of the Occasion. Other invited dignitaries were subsequently introduced.
The event was anchored by a team of masters of ceremonies comprising Pst. Gabriel Usani, Elder Spirit Ibiang, MC Ole Ole Obeten and Elder Omini Inyang, while the opening prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Godwin Egom, PhD, Assistant Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church.
Among the dignitaries present were Elder Omini Inyang, Caucus Leader of the Good People of Ijom; Dr. Sunday Ottoh, immediate past Ugep Youth President; Uket Jacob Abam, popularly known as Olympian Jake, Founder and Executive Director of Discover Ugep Hub; Ewi Ephraim Wiper, Mr Leboku 2025; His Youthfulness, Stanley Elu, Ikom Youth President; Dr. Gabriel Ujong; Mrs Esther Ubi Ewo; Dr. Usani Joseph, Head of Administration, Oden Ewa Foundation; Chief Austin Ebi, representing Honourable Alex Egbona; and Pst. Michael Obeten, Pastor of Times Christian Chapel International, Ugep.
A cultural performance by the Nnabong Secret Society followed the introduction of guests, showcasing an aspect of Ugep's indigenous cultural heritage. The performance was followed by the rendition of the Nigerian National Anthem.
Ahead of the inauguration, the Ikom Youth President, His Youthfulness Stanley Elu, addressed the gathering, calling on young people to take responsibility for the development and progress of their communities. He emphasised that the older generation had already played its part and encouraged the incoming leadership and the wider youth community to take ownership of their collective responsibilities.
He concluded his remarks with a prayer, asking God to grant the newly elected executive council the wisdom and grace required to move Ugep forward.
The ceremony subsequently proceeded to the formal inauguration of the newly elected executive council. Elder Spirit Ibiang introduced the members of the incoming administration, after which Barrister Ikpi Ebong administered the inaugural oath, formally ushering the executives into their respective offices.
A major highlight of the event was the formal swearing-in and induction of Comrade Ikpi Eyong Ofem as Ugep Youth President.
The occasion was attended by former Ugep Youth Presidents, including Elder Otu Otu Ambruce, Dr. Sunday Ottoh and Ikpi Okon. Their presence brought together former and incoming leadership at an event marking the transition to a new administration. Also in attendance were Bassey Inah, Chairman of the Constitution Committee, and Comrade Balimwe Ekpe, Youth President of Yakurr Chapter.
As part of the proceedings, Otu Ofem Eyong read the president's citation, after which Barrister Ikpi Ebong administered the oath of office and conducted the swearing-in exercise.
Following the administration of the oath, Comrade Balimwe Ekpe, alongside caucus members, former youth presidents and serving executives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, formally inducted the new Ugep Youth President. The exercise was accompanied by the presentation of certificates of return to the newly inaugurated president.
In a further ceremonial presentation, Mr Sylvester Nsot formally introduced Comrade Ikpi Eyong Ofem to members of the high table and the Clan Head in attendance.
In his remarks, the newly inaugurated president expressed his commitment to giving his best in service to the Ugep youth community and the wider society. He pledged to ensure that Ugep is left better than he met it, signalling his intention to make meaningful contributions to the community during his tenure.
The programme also featured an award presentation by the newly inaugurated president in recognition of distinguished individuals. His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, received the first award presented during the ceremony. The presentation formed part of the programme's recognition of individuals acknowledged for their contributions and standing within the community.
The event drew to a close with closing remarks and prayers, followed by refreshments for guests.
The inauguration and induction formally mark the commencement of Comrade Ikpi Eyong Ofem's administration as Ugep Youth President, placing before the new leadership the responsibility of representing the interests of young people and contributing to the wider development of the community.
As the new executive council assumes office, attention will turn to its leadership priorities, engagement with stakeholders and efforts towards advancing the collective aspirations of Ugep youths.
Discover Ugep congratulates Comrade Ikpi Eyong Ofem and members of his executive council on their inauguration and induction, wishing them wisdom, unity and a successful tenure in service to the Ugep youth community.
Discover Ugep — Preserving our past. Inspiring our future.
