Gov Ben Ayade appoints 19-year-old as Personal Assistant

19-year-old Louis Okon, has been appointed by Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade as his Personal Assistant on Technical (Data Management) Affairs, making him the youngest political appointee in Nigeria.

Okon was amongst the additional 427 aides appointed by Governor Ayade in Calabar on  Monday. Those appointed include chairmen and members of boards of agencies as well as special assistants.

Confirming his appointment, Louis took to his Instagram page to thank the Governor and his wife, Dr. Linda Ayade.

“Earlier today, the Governor of Cross River State, Sir Ben Ayade @sirbenayade, through his Chief Press Secretary, announced me as Personal Assistant on Technical (Data Management) Affairs,” Okon said.

“It is indeed a great honour to me to serve my State and work under His Excellency in this capacity. I am humbled as I prepare to resume work as perhaps the youngest political appointee in our country at age 19yrs. Indeed, my appointment reemphasizes His Excellency’s belief in the youth, and his determination to create a youth inclusive administration and to bring us to the fore of affairs as he seeks to develop our dear State. As I prepare to serve, I am particularly thankful to God Almighty, the Executive Governor and Her Excellency, @drlindaayade for this opportunity, and to Cross Riverians at large. I will always be grateful” he added.

Louis Okon is the first of two children to Barr & Mrs Orok Okon from Duke Town in Calabar South local government area of Cross River State.

He holds a Diploma in African Studies, Writing & Rhetoric & Entrepreneurial Leadership from AFRICAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Participated in the Sustainable Development and Social Entrepreneurship Session of the Yale Young Global Scholars Program, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; July 2018.