Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan-Enoh, has urged Cross River residents to move beyond criticism and use advocacy to drive sustainable development, influence public policy and deliver measurable benefits to communities.

Owan-Enoh made the call in Calabar at the weekend while delivering the keynote address at the maiden Advocacy Awards 2026, organised to recognise individuals and institutions for their contributions to leadership, humanitarian services, community development and advocacy.

Speaking on the theme, “From Advocacy to Action: Turning Voices Into Impact in Cross River State,” the minister said constructive advocacy remained an important tool for strengthening relations between government, citizens and development stakeholders.

He said advocacy should not be limited to pointing out problems, but should also promote constructive engagement, solution-oriented communication and support for initiatives capable of improving people’s lives.

“We must embrace advocacy as a tool for sustainable development. It helps to advance community development, shape public policy and strengthen relations between government, citizens and other development stakeholders,” he said.

Owan-Enoh’s call came as a new media platform, Advocacy Headlines, was unveiled at the event to spotlight and document leadership, good governance, humanitarian interventions, community development and other forms of social impact in Cross River and beyond.

Convener of the initiative, Awade Friday, said the platform was established to create greater public awareness of individuals and institutions using their voices, positions, resources and influence to promote positive change.

Awade said the initiative had been in development for about five years before taking shape through the Advocacy Awards and the planned media platform.

He said Advocacy Headlines would go beyond the presentation of awards and certificates by documenting impactful initiatives and promoting a culture in which responsible advocacy and community service were recognised and encouraged.

“The Cross River Advocacy platform will go beyond presenting trophies and certificates. It is established to promote a culture where effective advocacy is recognised, documented and encouraged,” he said.

Awade added that the official news website of the platform would be launched in the coming weeks.

He said the award recipients were honoured for their contributions to public service, community development, humanitarian work, professional excellence and causes extending beyond personal interests.

The convener explained that the October launch was also intended to reflect the ideals of Nigeria’s Independence, including freedom, responsibility, nation-building and the shared obligation of citizens to contribute to societal development.