The Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Eyoanwan Bassey Otu has collaborated with Mountain and Fire Miracle Ministries (MFM) to provide a free skills training program aimed at promoting financial independence.
She 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 skills acquisition programme, 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, represented by the Chief of Staff’s wife, Dr. Virginia Ironbar, stated that the program shows their dedication to boosting skills, innovation, and economic development.
“Learning new skills can help individuals reach their full potential, improve their chances of finding work, and make a positive impact in their communities,” she noted.
She encouraged participants to maintain dedication, persistence, an open mind, and to embrace the knowledge and expertise being shared. She also expressed gratitude to the facilitators and partners for their support and collaboration, and stated her enthusiasm for working with the church to provide free skills to state residents.
Earlier in his opening remark, the resident Pastor, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, Youth Church, Calabar, Pastor James Obok Ogede, informed that the free skills acquisition programme started in 2015 and has since empowered over 2,000 youths resident in Calabar.
Ogede stated that the skill acquisition is strategic and aimed at equipping youths to be self-reliant. He emphasized 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 ensures 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.
Agbor informed that the Governor’s wife is keen about 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, 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.
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