…Induct second batch for another 6 months training
By Kelvin Obambon
Cross River State Government in partnership with Skyrun International FZE has successfully graduated 20 youths that were trained in electrical and electronic repairs and installations for a period of six months.
The training was facilitated by the Ministry of Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, under its Skills-In-The-Hands/Skyrun Technical Training Programme.
The state governor, Prince Bassey Otu, while speaking at the graduation ceremony held in Calabar on Monday, congratulated the graduands and commended them for being of good behaviour throughout the period of the training.
The governor who was represented by the deputy speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, said the technical skills acquired in the training would give the graduands an edge in the competitive labour market. He urged them to use the new skills to better their lives and that of their immediate society and be good ambassadors of the state.
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Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, Barr. Odum-ljom Ukam, said the graduands went through rigorous and hands-on practical training at Skyrun International FZE Pre-Job Training Center located in Calabar.
Describing the programme as life-transforming, the Commissioner said the graduation of the first batch of interns was a remarkable milestone in the history of the Skills-In-The-Hands/Skyrun Technical Skills Acquisition Programme. He added that the ministry paid the trainees stipends throughout the 6 months they underwent the training.
“First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our graduates, the trailblazers who have successfully completed their training. Your dedication, resilience, and hard work have brought you to this significant moment. You have not only acquired technical skills but have also positioned yourselves as key contributors to the economic development of Cross River State and beyond.
“I also warmly welcome the second batch of interns who are commencing their journey today. By choosing to be part of this program, you have taken the first step towards building a future rich with opportunities. Remember, this is not just a training; it is an investment in your personal and professional growth, and the dividends will last a lifetime.
“Allow me to express my deepest appreciation to Skyrun and all our partners for their unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and skills acquisition. Your collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and Skill Acquisition is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in addressing unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship.
“I also wish to sincerely thank the management of Skyrun for offering automatic employment to all the successful graduands of the first batch of technical training and its commitment to continue to do same for all graduands of the technical training.
“The government of Cross River State, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu is steadfast in its commitment to reducing youth unemployment and creating a sustainable future for our young people. Initiatives like this reflect our strategic focus on equipping our youth with market-relevant skills to thrive in an ever-evolving world,” he said.
In his remarks, the General Manager, Skyrun International Nigeria, Guo Nan Nan, expressed happiness over the graduation of the first batch of 20 youths selected across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Nan said that the training and subsequent graduation of interns was in line with Skyrun’s philosophy of teaching youths how to fish rather than giving them fish. He disclosed that 85 percent of the company’s workforce is sourced from Cross River, and that Skyrun International FZE would retain the interns.
The GM thanked the ministry for finding Skyrun International FZE worthy for the technical collaboration and therefore pledged the company’s support to the success of the programme.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the graduands and the induction of second batch of interns for another 6 months of training.
Dignitaries in attendance were Hon. Bassey Bassey, Chairman House Committee on Youth; SA Budget, Otu Otu Ita; Hon. Ekuma Ngwu, Vice Chairman Biase LGA, among others.