Calabar — The First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed her commitment to empowering youths, women, and men across the state with practical skills that promote self-reliance, income generation, and community development NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
Speaking through her representative, Mrs Nelly Elvert Ayambem, the First Lady described the annual programme as a strategic intervention to equip participants with vocational and digital skills at no cost.
Mrs. Ayambem noted that only committed participants will receive empowerment packages at the end of the programme, to ensure resources are channelled to those ready to use them productively.
The initiative, held at the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, IBB Way, Calabar, is organised in collaboration with the church and runs for three weeks. Participants will be trained in barbing, hairdressing, baking, cosmetology, solar installation, CCTV installation, and other vocational trades.
“At the end of their training, beneficiaries will not only have the skills to pursue their chosen vocation but will also receive starter packs and modest financial support to help them begin their businesses,” Dr. Esther Archibong the Wife of the Chairman of Calabar South LGA explained. She stressed that the programme is non-denominational and open to all residents of Cross River State, irrespective of religion or background.
Now in its third edition, the training has recorded remarkable growth in participation — from about 300 beneficiaries two years ago to over 1,000 last year — with organisers expecting even higher numbers in 2025.
Miss Fanny Odey, Project Manager for the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), shared testimonies of previous beneficiaries who now run small businesses or have secured jobs in hospitals, restaurants, and other establishments. “With your degree or not, you can have something to do to earn a living,” she said.
Training sessions begin immediately after the flag-off and will combine theoretical and practical learning, culminating in empowerment support for deserving participants.
Dr. Archibong urged youths and women to seize the opportunity, describing the First Lady as “a humanitarian icon who does this everywhere she goes” and who is committed to touching lives across the state.
