By Abasi Ita
The Vocational Skills Empowerment Programme, VoSEP, has received a boost following a partnership between the Cross River State Government’s Local Content Office and the University of Calabar Entrepreneurship Development Centre.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb, expressed optimism about the collaboration, describing it as a strategic step toward equipping youths with practical and market relevant skills.
The initiative is aimed at preparing residents, especially young people, to actively participate in the state’s evolving digital economy under the administration of Governor Bassey Otu.
As part of efforts to ensure a smooth rollout, Caleb embarked on a three day working tour of technical training centres across the state to strengthen institutional partnerships and assess available facilities.
At the University of Calabar Entrepreneurship Development Centre, the team was received by the Director of Business, Prof. Bassey Ebi, who pledged the centre’s full support for the programme.
Prof. Ebi noted that the initiative aligns with the institution’s goal of promoting entrepreneurship and skills acquisition, adding that it offers a pathway to self reliance and economic productivity for youths in the state.
He disclosed that beneficiaries of the programme would receive recognised certification upon completion to enhance their employability and professional standing.
In his remarks, Prof. Markson Aniedi Abasi described the programme as timely, given the growing concerns over unemployment and the shortage of practical skills among young Nigerians. He commended the state government for initiating the programme and assured of the centre’s commitment to its success.
Caleb explained that VoSEP will provide training in diverse fields including information and communication technology, welding and fabrication, solar installation, tailoring, fashion design, hair dressing, carpentry, leather works, tissue production, driving, food processing, laundry services and soap making.
The visit also featured an inspection of training facilities at the centre, with officials expressing confidence in the capacity of the institution to deliver quality practical training.
The partnership is expected to strengthen skills development efforts and create new opportunities for youth empowerment across Cross River State.