Cross River Trains 4,500 Youths in Diverse Skills

Cross River State Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu emphasized his administration's dedication to empowering young people by investing in their skills and future economic prospects. The assurance was made through Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, during a youth training and empowerment event where 4,500 youths were trained in diverse vocational and emerging skills.

Governor Otu acknowledged the administration's progress over its first three years but stressed that additional efforts were required to ensure comprehensive development across the state.

He underscored the crucial role of young people as stakeholders in Cross River's growth, vowing to strengthen partnerships with the youth and provide more opportunities for skill acquisition, self-reliance, and economic contribution. Otu commended the organizers for training 4,500 youths, highlighting this initiative as a vital investment in the state's future.

He also appreciated government officials and agencies, especially the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development and Mobilization, Dr. Julius Kijuo, for coordinating the program.

The training included practical skills such as digital marketing, entrepreneurship, welding, fabrication, electrical installation, robotics, drone technology, and artificial intelligence, equipping participants with competencies for both traditional trades and emerging sectors. Kijuo highlighted that the program aimed to provide young people with sustainable livelihoods through practical skills, rather than temporary aid.

He shared his personal journey through hardship and poverty, stressing that access to opportunities could transform the futures of youths from challenging backgrounds.

Kijuo expressed gratitude to Governor Otu and his wife for their support of youth-focused initiatives, emphasizing that the administration's investment in skills, dignity, and opportunities would empower young people to build sustainable futures. He encouraged the beneficiaries to apply their newly acquired skills to drive entrepreneurship, create employment, and contribute to economic development, demonstrating that young Cross Riverians could excel in the evolving global economy.