The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration to youth empowerment through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and sustainable job creation as beneficiaries of the IHS Project Empower Phase One graduated after completing intensive vocational and entrepreneurial training in Calabar.
Represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede, at the graduation and closing ceremony held at Prof. Eyo Ita House, Calabar, the Deputy Governor said the People First administration would continue to partner with private organisations and development institutions to equip young people with practical skills for self-reliance and economic productivity.
Congratulating the graduates, Odey described the successful completion of the programme as a significant milestone that would position them to establish viable businesses, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Cross River State.
He commended IHS Nigeria Limited and the Field of Skills and Dreams (FSD) Vocational Training and Entrepreneurship Academy for complementing the state government’s human capital development agenda through practical vocational training and entrepreneurship development.
“Our administration remains committed to creating opportunities that empower our young people to become self-reliant, productive and successful entrepreneurs. We will continue to collaborate with credible organisations and private sector partners to expand access to skills acquisition, create sustainable jobs and strengthen local industries in line with the People First agenda of Governor Bassey Otu,” he said.
The Deputy Governor urged the graduates to put the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme to productive use by establishing businesses, creating employment opportunities and becoming agents of economic transformation within their communities.
Earlier, the Executive Director and Coordinator of the Field of Skills and Dreams (FSD), Mrs. Omowale Ogunrinde, said the IHS Project Empower Calabar 2026 Free Training Programme was designed to equip young people with practical vocational skills, mentorship, business support and starter packs to enable them attain financial independence.
She disclosed that participants underwent an intensive three-week hands-on training facilitated by experienced instructors and consultants across various vocational fields.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Cross River State Microfinance Enterprise and Development Agency (MEDA), Mr. Great Ogban, commended IHS Nigeria and its partners for investing in youth development and lauded Governor Otu for prioritising the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Ogban assured the graduates of MEDA’s continued support through business registration, mentorship, capacity building, as well as access to grants and loan opportunities to help them establish and expand their enterprises.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Kingsley Orok described the training as life-changing, noting that participants acquired practical skills in solar installation, electronics repair, make-up and gele tying, as well as toiletries production, including liquid soap, bleach, creams and balms, thereby opening new pathways to entrepreneurship and self-employment.
The ceremony culminated in the inspection of products and practical projects executed by the graduates, led by the Deputy Governor’s representative, Hon. Patrick Egbede, showcasing the practical competencies acquired during the training programme.
By Ukongikwen Adie
