The Cross River State Government has announced plans to empower no fewer than 4,500 young people across the state's 18 local government areas through the 2026 Cross River State Youth Development Summit and Empowerment Programme.
The initiative, which is being coordinated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development, headed by Dr. Julius Obanghe Kijuo, is designed to equip participants with practical skills, encourage entrepreneurship, and create sustainable economic opportunities for young people across the state.
Speaking during a meeting with development partners, Dr. Kijuo described the programme as one of the most ambitious youth empowerment initiatives ever undertaken in Cross River State. According to him, the summit will combine skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development, technology training, and empowerment support to prepare beneficiaries for self-reliance.
He noted that the administration of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu remains committed to investing in the future of young people through programmes that promote innovation, employment, and economic growth.
Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to youth development, stressing that empowering young people remains one of his government's priorities.
"The youths are the future of our dear state. I will do everything within my administration to ensure they are empowered for all-round development," the governor said.
The meeting also attracted several national and international development partners, who pledged support for the programme and commended the state government's commitment to youth transformation.
Among those present was the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr. Edmund C. Onwuliri, who promised the agency's full participation in the summit, including skills training and empowerment initiatives.
Representing MATTA Group, Lebanon, Mr. Bassem Fayad assured the state government of foreign partnership and investment support aimed at expanding opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Also speaking, the President of World Baseball5 Africa, Mr. Uche Otudor, announced plans to position Cross River State as the annual host of Baseball5 competitions in Africa, describing sports as another avenue for youth employment and economic development.
The Director-General of the National Social Investment Programme's Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Hon. Hamza Ibrahim, praised the initiative and assured the state government of collaboration.
Similarly, Dr. Rita Akpan of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) said the governor's commitment to education and youth development motivated the board's decision to partner with the state.
According to the organisers, beneficiaries will receive training in several high-demand sectors, including digital marketing and content creation, welding and fabrication, tourism economy, green economy and renewable energy, programming, robotics and drone technology, digital and modern agricultural technology, as well as entrepreneurship and small business development.
The empowerment programme will also extend to traders and market women as part of efforts to promote inclusive economic growth across the state.
To ensure fairness and accessibility, the training sessions will be conducted across the three senatorial districts in line with Governor Otu's directive for a transparent selection process.
The state government said further details, including application procedures, eligibility requirements, and training schedules, will be announced in the coming days.
Post A Comment: