The Cross River State Government has launched a vocational skills empowerment initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment and promoting inclusive economic growth across the state.
The programme, known as the Vocational Skills Empowerment Programme (VOSEP), was unveiled as part of the administration’s People First agenda under Governor Edet Otu, with a focus on equipping youths and women with market-relevant and income-generating skills.
Speaking at the launch, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Awatt Caleb, said the initiative was designed to translate governance into tangible opportunities by investing in human capital development. According to him, VOSEP will provide hands-on, competency-based training that prepares beneficiaries for today’s competitive labour market.
He explained that participants drawn from the state’s 18 local government areas would undergo an intensive six-month training programme covering vocational, technical, and digital skills, alongside entrepreneurship and financial responsibility training.
“The objective is to move young people from job seekers to job creators. We are building skills that respond directly to market demand and positioning beneficiaries for sustainable economic independence,” Awatt said.
The programme offers training in diverse skill areas including information and communication technology, graphic design and digital printing, cinematography, electrical installation, tailoring and fashion design, plumbing, hairdressing and beauty services, catering, leather works, welding and fabrication, driving and logistics, as well as dry cleaning and laundry services.
Awatt noted that beyond skills acquisition, the initiative seeks to create a pool of skilled manpower to support the state’s transition into a technology-driven and industrially competitive economy.
He added that by empowering youths and women to establish viable enterprises, VOSEP would help stimulate local economies, reduce unemployment, and promote self-reliance across communities in the state.
The programme, officials said, aligns with the Otu administration’s commitment to people-centred development, economic inclusion, and long-term productivity in Cross River State.
