Cross River State has commenced a training programme to equip 1,000 youths with skills in electric vehicle (EV) repairs and maintenance as the state prepares to expand its adoption of clean energy and modern transportation.
The Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme (CRYES) Chairman, Dr Kalita Joseph Aruku, announced the initiative during the official flag-off ceremony on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, describing it as part of efforts to prepare young people for emerging opportunities in the electric mobility sector.
The chairman of CRYES said the programme was designed to provide participants with technical knowledge and practical skills to position them as technicians, entrepreneurs and innovators in the growing electric vehicle industry.
He attributed the initiative to the vision of Governor Bassey Otu, saying the administration’s commitment to youth development and green technology was creating opportunities for Cross River youths to participate in the transition to sustainable energy and modern transport systems.
According to him, the state is positioning its young people to become part of the technical workforce required to maintain and service electric vehicles as their adoption increases.
As part of its electric mobility initiative, the state has procured 10 50-seater electric buses, 20 14-seater electric buses, 100 electric saloon cars, 500 electric tricycles and 200 electric motorcycles.
The CRYES chairman said the investment was intended to support the state’s transition towards cleaner transportation while creating opportunities for young people to acquire relevant technical skills.
Dr Aruku said the programme aligned with the state government’s People First Agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment, job creation and economic development.
The chairman also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu, particularly the Federal Ministry of Education, for its role in making the initiative possible.
He commended Shema Energy Limited, the programme’s technical training partner, for its expected role in providing practical instruction to the selected trainees over the coming months.
The chairman said collaboration among the state government, the Federal Ministry of Education and the private sector was essential to developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting emerging industries.
Addressing the 1,000 participants, he urged them to approach the training with discipline, dedication and a commitment to learning.
He said the knowledge and diagnostic skills they would acquire could improve their employment prospects and create opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic independence.
“You have been chosen out of thousands to be the pioneers of a green technological revolution in Nigeria,” he said.
Aruku added that the electric vehicle sector offered opportunities for skilled technicians and business owners as the country explored cleaner energy solutions and modern transportation technologies.
The chairman reaffirmed CRYES’s commitment to supporting Governor Otu’s People First Agenda through initiatives aimed at sustainable youth development, employment and industrial advancement.
The programme is expected to contribute to the development of local technical expertise needed to maintain electric vehicles and support the expansion of e-mobility in Cross River State.
