The Director-General of the Coalition of Cross River State Youths, Etem Okimba, on Monday visited participants of the state’s Youth Empowerment Oil and Gas Training Programme in Ogoja, urging them to maximise the opportunity for skills acquisition and career growth.
The visit took place at the Ogoja Council Secretariat Centre, where Okimba interacted with the trainees under the government-sponsored initiative organised through the Office of the Special Adviser on Oil and Gas in collaboration with the Research Gateway Professional Institute.
According to a statement by David Adrian, Chief Press Secretary to the DG COCRISY, the CPD-accredited programme aims to equip 2,000 young Cross Riverians with practical, industry-relevant skills in the oil and gas sector.
“The DG urged the participants to take the training seriously, attend their sessions diligently, acquire the necessary skills and make the most of the opportunity to improve their knowledge, employability and future career prospects,” Adrian said.
He added that Okimba encouraged the trainees to appreciate the Cross River State Government’s commitment to youth development under Governor Bassey Otu, describing the initiative as one of several programmes creating opportunities for young people across the state.
Themed “Skill Up in the Season of Sweetness (SUSOS),” the programme offers certificate and diploma training in areas such as Health, Safety and Environment, Tank Farm Operations, Pipeline and Storage Maintenance, Oil and Gas Metering, Emergency Response, Security and Surveillance, First Aid, Mechanical Safety and Procurement Processes.
Adrian quoted the DG as reaffirming COCRISY’s support for initiatives promoting youth empowerment, capacity building, economic inclusion and sustainable development in the state.
“He further charged the trainees to remain focused, disciplined and committed to learning, emphasising that the skills and knowledge acquired through the programme can serve as a strong foundation for their future participation in the oil and gas industry and other emerging sectors,” the CPS stated.
