As part of strategic preparations for the reclaim of its oil wells, the Cross River State Government has commenced the training of 2,000 youths in the Oil and Gas sector.
Governor Bassey Otu, who flagged off the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) on accredited training on Thursday in Calabar, stated that the initiative is designed to ensure that Cross Riverians are technically competent and professionally certified to take over the oil assets when reclaimed.
 Represented by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Governor stated that the programme, themed “Skill Up in the Season of Sweetness (SUSOS)”, is a core component of his People First human capital development agenda.
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to human capital development and economic inclusion.
 “The training of 2,000 youths through CPD-accredited programmes represents an investment not only in individuals but in families, communities and the future productive capacity of Cross River State,” Otu said.
He noted that opportunities in the sector go far beyond exploration.
“The oil and gas sector offers vast opportunities beyond exploration and production, including engineering, logistics, marine services, safety, environmental management, procurement, maintenance and data services,” he added.
Earlier, Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas, Mr. Ukpong Umoh, said the programme is about positioning youths for economic relevance.
 “The oil and gas sector is bigger than crude oil. It requires competent, disciplined and properly trained people. We are here to prepare our young people not just to look for jobs, but to become valuable contributors to the economy,” Umoh said.
On his part, Director of Research Gateway Institute, organisers of the training, Mr. ThankGod Arong Onda, disclosed that each beneficiary received a N500,000 scholarship fully sponsored by the state government, amounting to over N700 million.
“According to Les Brown, it is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared. The question is after the struggle to reclaim our oil wells, how ready are we as youths to take over?
 “That is why we are here,” he said, adding that the orientation in Calabar will be followed by trainings across the 18 local government areas, with zonal sessions in Ogoja and Ikom before the grand finale and graduation.
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