Cross River State has launched a new youth-focused empowerment initiative aimed at tackling unemployment and helping young people build sustainable careers through vocational and entrepreneurship training.
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The programme, known as the Vocational Skills Entrepreneurship Programme (VOSEP), was unveiled by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content as part of efforts to expand skills development opportunities across the state.
According to state officials, the initiative will provide participants with practical vocational training alongside entrepreneurship and business management education designed to prepare them for self-employment and modern workplace demands.
The government said the programme aligns with the economic and youth development agenda of Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration, which has repeatedly emphasised job creation, local content development and youth empowerment as major priorities.
VOSEP is expected to begin its first phase in May and run until July 1, 2026. Training sessions will take place at selected advanced vocational training centres located across different parts of Cross River State.
Officials explained that participants would undergo intensive hands-on training in specialised skill areas intended to improve employability, encourage innovation and help beneficiaries establish small businesses capable of contributing to the state’s economy.
Speaking during a media briefing on the initiative, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb, said the programme was approved to create practical opportunities for youths to become financially independent.
“The governor approved this initiative because he believes the youths deserve opportunities that will help them become productive and financially independent,” Awatt said.
He explained that beyond technical training, successful participants would also be linked to intervention funding opportunities provided by both state and federal government agencies to support business growth and enterprise development.
According to him, the inclusion of entrepreneurship and business management training is intended to ensure beneficiaries are not only equipped with vocational skills but also understand how to manage and grow profitable ventures.
Awatt urged young people across Cross River State to take advantage of the programme, describing it as an opportunity to gain valuable experience and practical knowledge needed to compete in today’s economy.
He noted that unemployment remains a major challenge for many young Nigerians and said initiatives like VOSEP could help reduce dependence on white-collar jobs while promoting self-reliance and local enterprise development.
The launch of VOSEP comes at a time when several state governments across Nigeria are increasing investments in technical and vocational education as part of broader efforts to address rising youth unemployment and stimulate economic growth through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.
