The Cross River State Government has announced the selection of 1,000 young Cross Riverians for a six-month training programme in electric vehicle repairs and maintenance as well as tricycle coupling.
The programme, according to the Chairman of the Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme, Dr. Kalita Joseph Aruku, is part of efforts by the state government to develop the manpower required to maintain its growing investment in electric mobility.
Aruku said Governor Bassey Edet Otu had initially approved the training of 100 young Cross Riverians in electric vehicle repairs and maintenance and tricycle coupling.
However, following strong interest from residents seeking to participate in the programme, the governor directed that the scope of the training be expanded to accommodate more beneficiaries.
The expanded programme is being implemented in partnership with the Federal Government and Shema Energy.
According to Aruku, the training, which has an estimated value of more than ₦600,000 per student, will be provided free of charge to all selected beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries will undergo six months of training and receive a monthly stipend throughout the duration of the programme.
He also announced that, contrary to the initial arrangement, the training will now be conducted in two locations, Calabar and Ogoja, to make participation more accessible to beneficiaries across the state.
“Congratulations to all beneficiaries,” Aruku said, while assuring other young people who were not selected that additional empowerment opportunities were being planned.
“If it has not reached you, it does not mean it has passed you,” he said, adding that another major training programme was in the offing.
Aruku reaffirmed the commitment of the Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme to implementing programmes aimed at equipping young people with relevant technical skills and expanding economic opportunities across the state.
