BAKASSI—A proposed byelaw seeking to establish the Bakassi Vocational Training Institute has scaled second reading at the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly, with its sponsor, Rt. Hon. Bassey Esoho Ekpo, describing it as a “bold step toward tackling youth unemployment, poverty and insecurity” in the area NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
Presenting the proposed byelaw during plenary on Wednesday, Rt. Hon. Ekpo said the initiative was conceived to empower young people, women, and artisans with practical skills that would promote self-reliance and reduce dependence on white-collar jobs.
According to her, “for too long, our sons and daughters have drifted to cities in search of skills they should have learned here within Bakassi. Today, we propose to build that institution for all — a place where talent will be harnessed, commerce will be taught, and dignity restored to every honest trade.”
She explained that the proposed institute would serve as a hub for vocational and technical training in areas such as welding, coding, tailoring, agriculture, baking, and small-scale enterprise management. Beyond economic empowerment, she noted that the centre would also promote peace and security by curbing youth restiveness.
“Most of our conflicts are born during communal and territorial strife — fuelled by deep poverty and unemployment. The institute will help our youths carve a niche for themselves, rather than resort to crime,” Ekpo told the House.
Honourable members commended the lawmaker for the initiative, describing it as timely and strategic in addressing the root causes of social unrest in the local government.
The bill, titled A Proposed Byelaw to Establish the Bakassi Vocational Training Institute and for Other Matters Connected Therewith, was thereafter committed to the Committee on Rural Development and Women Affairs for further legislative action.
If passed, it would mark a major step in institutionalising skill development and entrepreneurship training within Bakassi Local Government Area.
