By Our Reporter
In a historic move that sets a new benchmark for youth empowerment in Nigeria, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has launched an unprecedented initiative to export homegrown football talent directly to European leagues.
The initiative dubbed “From Cross River to Europe,” and coordinated through the Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES)—is designed to transition young football athletes from local pitches to global stages. By providing a structured pathway for professional development, the programme effectively eliminates the barriers of a lack of opportunity that have long stifled the dreams of gifted Nigerian football youths.
Dr Kalita Joe Aruku, Chairman of the YES initiative, hailed the Governor’s visionary leadership during a press briefing. “Governor Bassey Otu is a trailblazer. No government in the history of Nigeria has ever taken the bold step of directly sponsoring young football talents to Europe,” Dr Kalita stated.
“We promised the people that under the ‘People’s First‘ mandate, we would empower our youth in their specific areas of strength. Today, we are delivering on that promise,” he added.
Beyond individual empowerment, the scheme is strategically designed to ensure institutional sustainability. A portion of the players’ future remuneration will be channelled back into the state, creating a steady stream of foreign exchange.
“The era of our talented players watching their dreams die due to a lack of support is officially over,” Dr Kalita added.
The scheme will operate in close partnership with the Cross River State Ministry of Sports to identify and groom the next generation of football icons.
