By Pastor Bill Francis Bill
His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, has approved the empowerment of 4,500 youths across the state's 18 Local Government Areas through the Cross River State Youth Development Summit and Empowerment 2026. The landmark initiative, coordinated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development, led by Dr. Julius Obanghe Kijuo, KSJI, is designed to equip young people with practical skills, entrepreneurship opportunities, and sustainable economic empowerment. The programme will also extend support to traders and market women, reflecting the administration's commitment to inclusive economic growth
Speaking after a strategic meeting with local and international development partners, Dr. Julius Kijuo described the initiative as one of the largest youth empowerment programmes ever undertaken in Cross River State. According to him, Governor Otu has demonstrated uncommon commitment to youth development by bringing together reputable partners to provide world-class training, mentorship, and empowerment opportunities. Reaffirming his administration's vision, Governor Otu stated: "The youths are the future of our dear state. My administration will continue to invest in their growth, skills, and economic empowerment to build a stronger and more prosperous Cross River State."
The meeting attracted key development partners, including Mr. Edmund C. Onwuliri, Director General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), who pledged the agency's full participation in the summit and empowerment programme; Mr. Bassem Fayad of MATTA Group, Lebanon, who assured international investment support; Mr. Uche Otudor, President of World Baseball5 Africa, who confirmed Cross River State as the host of annual Baseball5 activities to strengthen the sports economy; Hon. Hamza Ibrahim, Director General of the N-SIP Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, who pledged strategic collaboration; and Dr. Rita Akpan of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB), who applauded Governor Otu's commitment to education and youth advancement.
Participants will receive training in 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, and Entrepreneurship for Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs). To ensure transparency, accessibility, and equal participation, Governor Otu has directed that the training and empowerment exercise be conducted across the three senatorial districts of the state. Registration and application details for eligible participants will be announced soon.
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Ambassador Pastor Bill Francis Bill SA to His Excellency Sen Dr Apostle Governor Prince Otu on Community Communications
