By Onwa Ekor
The Cross River Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency, CR-MEDA, has opened talks with the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, to roll out technical skills programmes and enterprise opportunities across the state.
The engagement began with a high-level courtesy visit by MEDA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Great Ogban, to ITF Director-General and CEO, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, at Skills House in Abuja.
Both agencies said the meeting was aimed at building a sustainable framework for collaboration.
Under the proposed partnership, ITF will support Cross River to establish Digital Fabrication Centres for Glass and Wood, and to set up Skills Academies in each of the state’s three Senatorial Districts.
Ogban commended ITF for what he described as transformative work in skills development.
He singled out the SUPA initiative and the existing Digital Fabrication Centres as key platforms for equipping young artisans with technical competence, excellence and integrity.
“These centres will give our youth practical, industry-relevant training while also providing national and international certifications.
“That is how we boost employability, entrepreneurship and competitiveness for our people both at home and abroad,” Ogban said.
He expressed optimism that the partnership will position Cross River as a hub for technical excellence and modern economic opportunities.
ITF leadership pledged commitment to the partnership, noting that certified skills training will align directly with MEDA’s mandate to build a productive local enterprise ecosystem.
Officials said the goal is to ensure that skills, innovation and entrepreneurship translate into sustainable livelihoods.
The meeting had in attendance Mr. Alakija Kayode Surajudeen, Director of Special Duties Office; Mr. Ekuri Ekuri Asu, Technical Assistant to the DG of MEDA; and Mr. Ambally Abdulbashir Seun, Personal Assistant to the DG of ITF.
Both agencies disclosed that further engagements will hold in the coming days to finalise the implementation framework and scope of the collaboration.
