Amb. Awatt Caleb Ekpenyong
Special Adviser To The Governor Of Cross River State On Local Content
Ambassador Awatt Caleb Ekpenyong is widely regarded as one of Cross River State’s most dynamic, visionary, and result-oriented leaders. Renowned for his passion for youth empowerment, community development, and institutional strengthening, he represents a new generation of public servants whose work continues to shape lives across the state and beyond.
Born on May 8, 1984, in Calabar, into the family of Late Elder Adah Ekpenyong Awatt of Eniong Abatim, Odukpani LGA, Ambassador Awatt’s life journey has been marked by discipline, purpose, and a lifelong commitment to service. His academic foundation began at Aye International Nursery and Primary School, continued at Hope Waddle Training Institution, and advanced to the University of Calabar, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration in 2023. His educational path reflects a leader focused on excellence, strategic thinking, and transformative impact.
A distinguished youth advocate, Ambassador Awatt is the Founder and Executive Director of the Youth Success Institute (YSI), a premier leadership development institution dedicated to raising, mentoring, and equipping young Nigerians. He has consistently championed platforms that amplify youth voices and opportunities. He is the Visioner of the Cross River State Youth Parliament and the pioneering Speaker of the APC Youth Parliament, Cross River State. His leadership also birthed the historic South–South Presidential Youth Summit at TINAPA in 2013—an achievement that earned him a nomination for a Presidential Award by the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) and his subsequent decoration as a Peace Ambassador.
Ambassador Awatt’s influence extends to the global stage. As the Cross River State Representative to the United Nations–Habitat Global Youth Program, he engaged in high-level dialogue, fostered international partnerships, and advocated inclusive solutions to youth and development challenges. His outstanding leadership has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Youth Ambassador for Peace Award (AFLPM), Youth Federation for Global Peace Award, National Leadership Service Award, Life Resources Network Award, West African Civil Society Award, and the AU-ECOSOCC Continental Award.
He currently serves in several key leadership capacities, including:
Member, Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF)
Chairman, Back to South Alliance
Proprietor, Citizens Academy
Secretary-General, Voice of God Christian Mission
Presently, Ambassador Awatt Caleb serves as the Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Local Content, where he brings unmatched innovation and strategic depth to governance. Under his leadership, the Office of Local Content has introduced several impactful programs, including the Education Cross River Initiative, Citizens Academy Scholarship Scheme, Education Marshalls Project, and multiple development-focused platforms designed to strengthen institutional capacity and expand opportunities for Cross Riverians.
His latest flagship initiative—VOSEP CROSS RIVER (Vocational Skills and Empowerment Program)—is a groundbreaking empowerment model designed to equip youths and women with high-value, employable skills. VOSEP aligns with the People’s First Agenda of His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, ensuring that empowerment is practical, inclusive, and sustainable. Through VOSEP, participants will gain competencies in industrial welding, garment production, digital literacy, agricultural processing, solar technology, cosmetology, leatherwork, CCTV/satellite installation, heavy-duty vehicle operation, and several other competitive trades—supported by startup capital and employment pathways to boost local content across the state.
Supporting the Office of the SA on Local Content is therefore more than a civic responsibility—it is an investment in the future of Cross River State. With Ambassador Awatt’s proven leadership, VOSEP CROSS RIVER is positioned to reduce unemployment, expand economic opportunities, and prepare citizens to compete in an increasingly skill-driven global economy.
Through visionary leaders like Ambassador Awatt Caleb Ekpenyong, Cross River State is not only addressing today’s challenges but preparing its people for the opportunities of tomorrow.