Photo: Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equipping young people with relevant skills and professional qualifications so they can participate meaningfully in the state’s emerging economic opportunities.
The Governor stated this on Thursday at the Youth Empowerment Oil and Gas Training and CPD-Accredited Empowerment Programme for 2,000 youths of Cross River State, held under the theme, “Skill Up in the Season of Sweetness (SUSOS)”.
The Governor was represented at the event by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Ayambem described the programme as timely and significant, noting that it takes practical opportunities directly to young Cross Riverians through structured training and internationally recognized certification in the oil and gas sector.
He said the initiative aligns perfectly with the administration’s People First Agenda and its strong emphasis on human capital development, adding that the oil and gas industry offers vast opportunities beyond exploration and production, including engineering, logistics, safety, environmental management, procurement, maintenance, and data services.
According to Governor Otu, the responsibility of government is to ensure that young people acquire the knowledge, technical competence, and professional credentials required to compete effectively for opportunities in the evolving global energy sector.
He explained that the training of 2,000 youths through CPD-accredited Certificate and Diploma programmes represents a strategic investment not only in individuals, but in families, communities, and the overall productive capacity of the state.
Governor Otu charged the beneficiaries to approach the training with discipline, seriousness and a commitment to continuous learning, emphasizing that the certificates should serve as a springboard for professional growth, entrepreneurship, innovation and meaningful participation in the wider economy.
He assured Cross River youths that his administration will continue to support and initiate programmes that expand access to skills, enterprise opportunities and productive employment.
“We are building a State in which talent is recognised, skills are rewarded, and young people are equipped to become employers, professionals and contributors to sustainable development,” the Governor said.
The Governor commended the organisers and technical partners for their dedication to youth empowerment, and urged the beneficiaries to translate the knowledge gained into competence, confidence and economic value.
The Governor further challenged the beneficiaries to “skill up, stand out and contribute meaningfully to the Season of Sweetness,” while urging them to become worthy ambassadors of Cross River State wherever their professional journeys may take them.
