By Solomon Azu
The Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Rev. (Mrs) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has described skills acquisition as a prerequisite to navigating the complexities of the current economic realities.
Making the assertion during the opening ceremony of the free Skill Acquisition and Digital Empowerment Programme organised by the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, Calabar in conjunction with the Office of Wife of the Governor, Rev. Otu stated that the skill acquisition programme is a “Vital initiative empowering individuals with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in today’s competitive world.”
The Governor’s Wife, who was represented by the wife of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Virginia Ironbar, informed those present that, “The programme is a testament to our commitment to capacity building, innovation, and economic growth. By acquiring new skills, you will unlock your potential, enhance your employability, and contribute meaningfully to your communities.”
She urged participants to be dedicated, persistent, open-minded and absorb the knowledge and expertise offered.
While thanking the facilitators and partners for their support and collaboration, she expressed her delight in partnering with the church to give free skills to residents of the State.
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Earlier in his opening remark, the Resident Pastor, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, Youth Church, Calabar, Pst. James Obok Ogede, informed the gathering that the free Skill Acquisition Programme started in 2015 and has since empowered over 2000 youths resident in Calabar.
Pst. Ogede stated that the skill acquisition is strategic and aimed at equipping youths to be self-reliant.
He emphasised that the skill acquisition is not for members of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry alone but open to all irrespective of religious affiliations and tribes.
He implored participants not to take the training for granted because it’s free but to ensure that the skill acquired at the end of the exercise is put into judicious use to better their lots.
Speaking in an interview, the Vice President II, National Council for Women Societies, Cross River State Chapter, Mrs Julia Agbor lauded the Governor’s wife for the partnership to empower youths in the State, describing her as a humanity champion.
Mrs Agbor informed that the Governor’s wife is keen on empowering women, youths and the vulnerable to be self-sufficient and raised the hope that at the end of her tenure, Cross River will be better off in terms of visible economic indices.
The three weeks free Skills Acquisition and Digital Empowerment is expected to cover baking and catering services, leather works, fascinators, ICT and digital business, beverage making, driving and barbing.
Present at the opening ceremony were: the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom Ukam, Special Adviser Programmes, Office of the wife of Governor, Mrs Queeneth Essien, Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Dr Inyang Asibong, among others.