By Onwa Ekor
In a bid to prepare young people for emerging opportunities in the oil and gas sector, Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, recently flagged off a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) accredited training programme for 2,000 youths.
The empowerment programme, tagged “Skill Up in the Season of Sweetness,” was held at the State Library Complex, Calabar.
Otu, who was represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, described the programme as significant, noting that it brings opportunity directly to 2,000 young Cross Riverians through structured training and internationally relevant certification.
He said the theme speaks directly to his administration’s vision of a Cross River where young people are not merely beneficiaries of government programmes, but active participants in the state’s economic transformation under the People First agenda.
According to him, the oil and gas industry remains a major component of Nigeria’s economy, with opportunities extending beyond exploration and production to engineering, logistics, safety, environmental management, procurement, maintenance and other specialised fields.
“Our responsibility as a government is therefore to ensure that our young people acquire the knowledge, technical competence and professional credentials required to compete effectively for these opportunities,” Otu said.
The governor noted that the training, which will award Certificate and Diploma qualifications, represents an investment not only in individuals but in families, communities and the future productive capacity of the state.
He charged beneficiaries to approach the opportunity with discipline and seriousness, stressing that the certificate should not be seen as a destination but as a foundation for continuous professional development, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in the economy.
“To the 2,000 beneficiaries, this is your opportunity to skill up, stand out and contribute meaningfully to the Season of Sweetness,” he said.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the governor on Oil and Gas, Ukpong Umoh, said the programme is designed to prepare young people to become valuable contributors to the state’s economy, especially as the sector requires properly trained personnel to meet its challenges.
Also speaking, the Director of Research Gateway Professional Institute, Mr. ThankGod Arong, disclosed that the training would be extended to the three senatorial districts of the state.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Political Affairs, Mr. Dunamis Archibong, said the initiative is a clear demonstration of Otu’s deliberate efforts to transform the lives of young people in the state.
