Cross River begins oil, gas skills training for 2,000 youths

Some of the beneficiaries of the training.

The Cross River State Government has commenced an oil and gas skills training programme for 2,000 youths in the state.

The programme, organised under the theme, “Skill Up in the Season of Sweetness,” provides CPD-accredited certificate and diploma training for beneficiaries from across the state.

The programme was launched on Thursday by Governor Bassey Otu, who was represented at the event by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem.

Representing the governor, Ayambem said the initiative would provide participants with practical skills and professional qualifications relevant to opportunities in the oil and gas industry.

He said the initiative was part of the administration’s People First Agenda, particularly its focus on human capital development and youth empowerment.

According to him, opportunities in the oil and gas sector include engineering, logistics, safety, environmental management, procurement, maintenance and data services, in addition to exploration and production.

“The responsibility of government is to ensure that young people acquire the knowledge, technical competence and professional credentials required to compete effectively for opportunities in the evolving global energy sector,” he said.

Otu said the training of 2,000 youths through CPD-accredited certificate and diploma programmes was an investment in the beneficiaries, their families and communities, as well as the productive capacity of the state.

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He urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and continue learning, adding that the certificates could support professional development, entrepreneurship and participation in the wider economy.

The governor said his administration would continue to introduce programmes aimed at expanding access to skills, enterprise opportunities and employment.

“We are building a state in which talent is recognised, skills are rewarded, and young people are equipped to become employers, professionals and contributors to sustainable development,” Otu said.

He commended the organisers and technical partners for their support and urged the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge acquired in their professional pursuits.

The governor also urged the participants to “skill up, stand out and contribute meaningfully to the Season of Sweetness,” while encouraging them to represent Cross River State in their professional activities.