By Kelvin Obambon
The Research Gateway Professional Institute has commenced the verification process for hundreds of young applicants vying for a spot in the collaborative 2,000 Cross River Youth Empowerment Programme.
The initiative is being executed in partnership with the Office of the Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Bishop (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, and aims to equip youth aged 18 and above with professional and vocational skills.
The verification exercise, which begins today at Hope Waddel, Calabar, is a crucial step towards ensuring that the training benefits those committed to self-development and good governance within the state.
Speaking during the exercise, Rev (Dr) ThankGod Arong, the Chief Executive Officer of Research Gateway Professional Institute, stressed the importance of self-reliance as a means of supporting governmental efforts.
“Even in the season of sweetness, Research Gateway thought it wise that while you look out for what the government can do for you, you should also look at what you can do to help the government by empowering yourself with a skill in hand,” Arong stated.
He added that the programme, which covers four different ventures, is fundamentally based on self-development. “When opportunity meets preparation, it gives room for productivity. We are interested in empowering our people first, to get the skill in hand and be ready for any opportunity that is coming, and especially as the year is coming to an end,” he said.
The CEO clarified that eligibility is strictly tied to residency and civic engagement. Applicants are required to provide a photocopy of their certificate of origin and their polling unit details. “This training is strictly for Cross Riverians, and so we want to verify their status. We must know that you are from Cross River and that you are also a registered voter,” he said.
The successful applicants will undergo training scheduled to begin on November 3, 2025, and conclude on November 29, 2025. According to Dr. Arong, the certification provided is globally recognized, holding significant value.
“We are not giving you the regular, locally-recognized certificate. We are giving you a CPD-accredited certificate that you can use even if you want to leave the country,” he said, noting its worth is equivalent to N140,000 for similar accreditation outside the state.
“First of all, the empowerment is to make sure you are a global artisan, and then make you available for any opportunity that is coming your way,” he said.
The graduation ceremony for the beneficiaries is slated for December 11, 2025, at the Cross River State Library Conference Hall. The CEO confirmed that further financial or material empowerment for the successful graduates will be decided by the government.
