Governor Otu Flags Off Federal Government’s YEIDEP Registration In Cross River

Cross River State governor, Bassey Edet Otu, has flagged off a statewide registration drive for the Federal Government’s Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), aimed at promoting youth economic inclusion and addressing unemployment.

The flag-off ceremony, held in Calabar, brought together representatives of government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, and youth organisations.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, described the initiative as timely, noting that rising youth unemployment posed serious socio-economic and security challenges that required urgent intervention.

He commended the Federal Government and its partners for introducing the programme and extending its implementation to Cross River State, assuring that his administration would provide the necessary support to ensure its success.

According to him, the state remained committed to youth development and will mobilise young people across communities to participate in the programme.

He said: “As a state, we have prioritised our commitment to youth development and economic inclusion. YEIDEP is a laudable initiative by the federal government through the Federal Minsitry of Youth Development for the economic engagement, inclusion and productivity of our youths. As a state that cares about its youths, Cross River will do all it takes to ensure the successful implementation of YEIDEP for the benefits of its youth and the economic development of our state.”

“For the huge benefits YEIDEP holds for the youths and government of Cross River State, it is my pleasure therefore, to declare open, the YEIDEP Registrstion Drive, as a state-wide exercise, starting from today and I encourage all youths of Cross River State to enrol or register themselves for this great initiative,” he affirmed.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mohammed Abdullahi, expressed appreciation to the state government for its support, describing YEIDEP as a strategic initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment and its associated social and economic risks.

He said the programme stands out due to its structured collaboration with development partners and its focus on sustainable economic empowerment for young people.

Also speaking, Kennedy Iyere, the convener of the initiative, called on state governments nationwide to collaborate with the Federal Government in implementing YEIDEP, warning that persistent youth unemployment could heighten social instability.

“Nigeria’s high youth unemployment is no longer just a social or economic problem but a human and national security threat, this is one reason among many why Governors should press to collaborate with the federal government for the implementation of YEIDEP in their various states,” he stated.

He highlighted the Cooperative Youth Farmers and Agro-Allied Entrepreneurs Programme (CYFAEP), a sub-scheme under YEIDEP, as a key driver of agricultural-based employment and youth empowerment.

Iyere also presented symbolic items to the state government to encourage participation in the initiative.

Representatives of several financial institutions, including Keystone Bank, Fidelity Bank, Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBANK), Access Bank, Union Bank, Wema Bank and Ecobank, attended the event, reaffirming their roles as financial partners in the programme.

Founder of Spring Sky Finance Company Ltd, Helen Oritsejafor, pledged support for the initiative, noting that its effective implementation would help address unemployment and reduce social vices associated with economic hardship.

She urged governments at all levels to embrace the programme to achieve meaningful and lasting impact.

“YEIDEP is a critical social and economic intervention whose robust implementation will help the country to address and overcome high youth unemployment and the social risks and criminal vices associated with it. I am happy to be part of this great initiative and its robust implememntstion. My own outfit, the Spring Sky Finance Company Ltd, is well positioned to provide the services required,” Oritsejafor stated.