By Balimwor Ekpe
The Cross River State Government has launched the “SKILLS IN THE HANDS” program to combat youth unemployment and encourage self-reliance.
The program, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in collaboration with SKYRUN International (NG) with a flag-off ceremony on Monday in Calabar, seeks to ensure that young individuals have the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, representing the Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, emphasized the value of public-private partnerships in empowering citizens at the event. He highlighted the need for collaboration between the government and organizations like SKYRUN International (NG) to provide opportunities for skills development, adding that such an initiative would make participants self-reliant, productive, and gainfully employed.
Rt. Hon. Ayambem stressed that, in today’s world, practical skills are just as important as education. He expressed gratitude to SKYRUN International (NG) for their collaboration and assured them that the government would make every effort to facilitate their operations within the state.
Furthermore, Ayambem praised the Ministry of Youth and Sports for its forward-thinking approach to youth empowerment and also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to implementing youth-friendly policies and initiatives aimed at harnessing the potential of the state’s young population.
