The Cross River State Government has launched a skills development programme for 2,000 youths to equip them with professional qualifications and practical knowledge for careers in the oil and gas industry.

The programme, tagged “Skill Up in the Season of Sweetness,” offers CPD-accredited certificate and diploma training to selected beneficiaries from across the state.

Governor Bassey Otu launched the initiative on Thursday, with the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, representing him at the event.

Ayambem said the programme was designed to give participants technical skills and recognised qualifications that could improve their access to employment and business opportunities within the energy sector.

He said the initiative aligned with the administration’s People First Agenda, particularly its emphasis on youth empowerment and human capital development.

According to him, career opportunities in the oil and gas industry extend beyond exploration and production to areas such as engineering, logistics, safety, environmental management, procurement, equipment maintenance and data services.

“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 investing in the training of 2,000 young people would benefit not only the participants but also their families and communities while strengthening the state’s workforce.

He urged the beneficiaries to approach the programme with commitment and continue developing their skills after completing the training.

The governor said the qualifications could support participants seeking employment, pursuing professional advancement, starting businesses or contributing to the wider economy.

He added that his administration would continue to implement programmes aimed at improving access to vocational skills, enterprise opportunities and employment for young people across the state.

“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.

The governor commended the programme organisers and technical partners for supporting the initiative and encouraged beneficiaries to apply the knowledge acquired in their professional and entrepreneurial pursuits.

He urged the participants to make effective use of the opportunity and represent Cross River positively as they advance in their respective careers.