The Cross River State Government, under the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, hosted the Cross River Students Entrepreneurship, Employability, and Mentorship Summit (CR-SEEMS 2024) on Tuesday. Themed “After Studies, What Next?”, the summit aimed to bridge the gap between academics and the professional world, equipping students and graduates with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities required for post-graduation success.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Peter Odey (represented by a delegate), the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, and various government officials, entrepreneurs, and students from across the state.
Key Highlights
Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Mr. Joseph-Kelvin Enyam, opened the event with a call to action for participants to take full advantage of the summit. Emphasizing the importance of bridging academia and industry, he announced plans for post-summit mentorship initiatives. “Our aim is to ensure you transition seamlessly from the classroom to the workforce or entrepreneurship. Take this information seriously as it will shape your future,” he urged.
Mr. Enyam further highlighted the government’s commitment to youth development, attributing the success of the event to the unwavering support of Governor Bassey Otu, the Deputy Governor, and the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly.
Deputy Governor Peter Odey, represented at the event, commended the theme of the summit as timely and relevant. Reflecting on his journey from being a student to becoming a teacher, he urged students to embrace entrepreneurship, adaptability, and integrity in navigating the challenges of the real world. “Success today isn’t just about certificates; it’s about the skills you acquire, the values you uphold, and the opportunities you create,” he said.
He encouraged attendees to prioritize focus, diligence, and honesty, adding that the state government is committed to providing platforms and policies to support entrepreneurship and employability. “Take full advantage of mentorship opportunities, and don’t shy away from starting small,” the Deputy Governor advised.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, delivering the keynote address, stressed the importance of planning for life after graduation. He emphasized the need for students to think beyond their academic qualifications, develop technical and soft skills, and identify hidden talents. “Education is not the end of your journey but the beginning of a new chapter. Identify your passions, solve problems, and be bold enough to start small,” he said.
Citing examples of successful individuals who ventured into fields outside their formal education, the Speaker encouraged diversification and creativity. He also advised young people to shift focus away from politics as a primary career path, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
Call to Action and Future Plans
The summit concluded with a pledge by organizers to create mentorship groups for participants, aligning them with seasoned professionals in various industries. The government also highlighted initiatives such as the Cross River State Entrepreneurship Training Program to support young entrepreneurs with grants, training, and mentorship.
About CR-SEEMS
The Cross River Students Entrepreneurship, Employability, and Mentorship Summit is an annual initiative designed to equip students and graduates with the tools needed for success in an ever-evolving world.
With the resounding success of this year’s summit, Cross River State continues to reaffirm its commitment to nurturing the potential of its youth for a brighter future.