International Youth Day : CRSG Set to Promote Skill Acquisitions, Create Employment Among Youths

By Akpan Udo-Inyang
CALABAR -The Cross River State Ministry of Youth and Skill Acquisition has said that it is set to promote skills acquisition that responds to real economic opportunities.
The Ministry is also ready to prepare young people not only to seek employment, but also to create employment,the Commissioner for Youth and Skill Acquisition, Mr Ijom Ukam has revealed.
Speaking at this year’s International Youth Day in Calabar, Ukam, maintained that it is increasingly focused on skills, opportunity, experience, partnership, enterprise and participation.
He advised youths in Cross River to acquire skills, build networks, develop themselves, innovate, create, volunteer, participate in communities, take advantage of legitimate opportunities and most importantly, believe that they can be part of the solution to the challenges confronting our State and our country.
Ukam, who stressed the need and importance of strategic partnerships with the United Nations in advancing youth development, said the partnership is significant because it connects young people to opportunities beyond traditional government programming.
According to Ukam, “Our partnership and collaboration around the United Nations Nigerian Jubilee Fellowship Programme demonstrates what can be achieved when government, international development partners and institutions work together to create opportunities for young people.”
The Youth and Skill Acquisition boss also maintained that for Cross River State, it strengthens their exposure to professional environments and the demands of today’s labour market.
While appreciating the development partners for their commitment to youth development, Ukam, called for even stronger partnerships going forward stating that the message is clear, “Government cannot—and should not—do it alone, ” he stressed.
He explained that “the scale and complexity of youth challenges require government, development partners, the private sector, civil society, academia, communities and young people themselves to work together.”
Emphasising on the theme “Different Contests, Common Aspirations: Advancing the People-First Agenda Through Sustainable Youth Development” the commissioner, said “this year’s International Youth Day provides an opportunity to reflect on where we are as a State as well as what we have achieved.”
It also reflects on “the challenges that remain, and, most importantly, what we must do diffetently to ensure that the energy, creativity, talents and aspirations of our young people become powerful instruments for sustainable development.”
He added that “Young people are partners in development. They are entrepreneurs, innovators, athletes, creatives, farmers, technology developers, community organizers, professionals, volunteers and future leaders.”