The Cross River State Government has commenced a training programme targeted at equipping 2,000 young people with skills needed to pursue careers in the oil and gas industry.
The initiative, themed “Skill Up in the Season of Sweetness,” will provide participants with CPD-accredited certificate and diploma programmes covering different areas of the sector.
Governor Bassey Otu launched the programme on Thursday, with the state House of Assembly Speaker, Elvert Ayambem, standing in for him at the event.
Ayambem said the training was designed to give beneficiaries practical knowledge and recognised qualifications that could improve their chances of securing opportunities within the energy sector.
He noted that the programme forms part of the administration’s People First Agenda, with emphasis on developing human capital and creating opportunities for young people.
The Speaker said participants could explore career opportunities in areas such as engineering, logistics, safety, environmental management, procurement, maintenance and data services, alongside exploration and production.
“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 said.
Otu described the initiative as an investment in the future of the beneficiaries, their families and communities, stressing that skilled youths would also contribute to the economic development of the state.
He urged the trainees to remain committed throughout the programme and continue developing their skills after completing the training.
According to him, the qualifications could help the beneficiaries advance professionally, establish businesses and participate more actively in the wider economy.
“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,” Otu said.
The governor thanked the organisers and technical partners for their contributions, while urging the beneficiaries to put their newly acquired knowledge to practical use.
He also encouraged the youths to “skill up, stand out and contribute meaningfully to the Season of Sweetness,” and become good representatives of Cross River State in their chosen careers.