Cross River State has signalled its readiness to partner with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0, a youth-focused initiative that provides graduates with a monthly stipend of about ₦150,000 alongside structured work placements and training.
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The commitment was made by Governor Bassey Otu, who was represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, during a courtesy visit by UNDP officials led by Claire Omizegba-Henshaw, Team Leader and Head of the Inclusive Growth Unit, at Government House in Calabar.
Speaking during the meeting, Odey said the state remains positioned for strategic partnerships that can unlock its economic potential, particularly through youth-driven programmes. He noted that Cross River is “richly endowed with untapped opportunities” and continues to maintain a conducive environment for investment and enterprise development.
He described NJFP 2.0 as aligning with the administration’s “People First” agenda, adding that the programme offers a pathway to empower young graduates with practical skills and real sector experience. “We are intentional about improving the socio-economic conditions of our people, especially youths, and this collaboration speaks directly to that goal,” he said.
Odey further highlighted priority areas for collaboration under the programme, including the digital economy, creative industries, energy, and leadership development, noting that the state has already implemented several youth empowerment initiatives in recent years.
In her remarks, Omizegba-Henshaw said the UNDP delegation visited to secure the state’s formal participation in NJFP 2.0 and to explore mechanisms for scaling youth employment in a more structured and transparent manner. She emphasised that government support is critical to ensuring wider awareness and access, particularly for underserved groups.
“The programme is designed to help young graduates transition into the labour market by connecting them with meaningful work opportunities across both public and private sectors,” she said.
She also stressed the need for deliberate policies that ensure equitable access to opportunities, noting that natural resource abundance alone does not automatically translate into inclusive growth.
The meeting was attended by key state officials, including representatives from enterprise development and social intervention agencies, signalling broader institutional alignment toward youth employment and economic inclusion.
