The Cross River State Government has commenced specialised training for 2,000 youths in oil and gas-related skills.
The programme is designed to prepare the youths for employment, entrepreneurship and other opportunities in the sector, as the state continues its efforts to reclaim its oil-producing status.
For Cross River, the push to reclaim its oil assets is being matched with another preparation, developing the people who could participate in the industry if the state succeeds.
The Skill Up in the Season of Sweetness programme provides professional certificate and diploma training for 2,000 youths, in areas linked to the oil and gas value chain.
Representing Governor Bassey Otu at the launch, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, says the investment in skills is part of the administration’s broader human capital development strategy.
But the programme is not limited to preparing young people for jobs in oil exploration and production.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Oil and Gas, Ukpong Umoh, says the industry offers a much wider range of opportunities requiring specialised knowledge and technical competence.
The training covers areas including engineering, logistics, marine services, safety, environmental management, procurement, maintenance and other specialised fields.
And for the organisation delivering the training, the emphasis is on ensuring the beneficiaries are equipped before the anticipated opportunities arise.
The programme begins with orientation in Calabar before training is extended across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas, including zonal sessions in Ogoja and Ikom.
Each beneficiary is also receiving a state-sponsored scholarship for the professional training.
For the youths receiving the opportunity, however, the value of the programme goes beyond the certificate.
The real test now is what comes after the classroom, whether the skills acquired can translate into jobs, businesses and a stronger local presence in an industry Cross River is positioning its people to enter.
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Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu
