Baskadia

By ETTAH EMMANUEL O In a bid to foster youth development and job creation in Cross River State, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Youth Development. Dr. Julius Kijuo, paid a courtesy visit to the new Cross River State Coordinator of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr. Anthony Moloa, on January 27, 2025, at the Federal Secretariat, Calabar.

The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between the state govt and the federal agency in providing training and employment opportunities for the youth. During the meeting, Dr. Kijuo highlighted the importance of reviving the three vocational training centers that once operated across the three senatorial districts of the state under the NDE. He lamented that these centers, which previously served as hubs for youth empowerment, are no longer functional under the federal government’s mgt. .

He further Stated that His Excellency Apostle,Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu the Executive Governor of Cross River state is working tirelessly in making sure Young people in Cross River state are gainfully employed, Train and Empowered respectively in Consonant to his mantra "People's First". In response, Mr. Anthony Moloa expressed gratitude for the visit and commended Gov.Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Otu for his commitment to youth empowerment and infrastructural development in Cross River State.

He acknowledged the critical role the NDE plays in reducing unemployment and reiterated the agency’s willingness to collaborate with the state government. Mr. Moloa further revealed that the three vocational training centers in the state were vandalized during the EndSARS protests, leaving only one currently operational. However, he assured Dr. Kijuo of the agency’s readiness to work with the state Govt to restore these training centers and expand skill acquisition programs for the youth.

The partnership between the Cross River State Government and the NDE is expected to enhance job creation, equip young people with relevant skills, and contribute to the economic growth of the state. With the proposed revival of the training centers, thousands of youths stand to benefit from vocational and entrepreneurial training that will position them for self-reliance and sustainable employment. This renewed synergy marks a significant step toward tackling unemployment in Cross River State