The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has expressed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 and other youth-driven initiatives in the state.
Governor Otu, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made this known on Monday while receiving Mrs. Claire Omizegba-Henshaw, Team Leader and Head of the Inclusive Growth Unit, alongside other officials, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Calabar.
Speaking during the meeting, Odey noted that Cross River State is richly endowed with untapped potential and remains one of the safest subnational entities in the country, making it conducive for business and investment. He emphasized that the current administration is intentional about changing the development narrative and improving the socio-economic status of citizens, particularly young people.
Describing the programme as timely, the deputy governor stated that NJFP 2.0 aligns with the administration’s “People First” mantra, especially in empowering youths. He identified key areas for collaboration to include the digital economy, creative economy, energy, and leadership development. According to him, the state government has already empowered thousands of youths through targeted initiatives.
Earlier in her remarks, Mrs. Omizegba-Henshaw explained that the delegation’s visit was to seek the state’s formal participation in the NJFP 2.0, including institutional support, and to explore ways to scale and sustain youth employment in a strategic, transparent, and efficient manner.
She stressed the importance of government involvement in raising awareness and ensuring that opportunities reach all eligible youths, including those who are underserved or disadvantaged. She further noted that despite the state’s abundance of natural resources, there must be deliberate efforts to ensure equitable access to opportunities.
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), she explained, is designed to support graduates as they navigate complex labour markets and access meaningful employment after graduation. The initiative serves as a bridge connecting fresh graduates to work opportunities across both public and private sector institutions.
The meeting was attended by the former Deputy National Coordinator of the National Cash Transfer Office, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong, Director-General of the State’s Microfinance Enterprise Development Agency, Great Ogban, as well as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Dr. Inyang Asibong, among others.
