Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has flagged off a statewide registration drive for the Federal Government’s Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), aimed at promoting youth economic inclusion and addressing unemployment.
- +Otu flags off FG’s YEIDEP registration in Cross River
The flag-off ceremony, in Calabar, the state capital, brought together representatives of government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, and youth organisations.
The flag-off ceremony, in Calabar, the state capital, brought together representatives of government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, and youth organisations.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, described the initiative as timely, noting that rising youth unemployment poses serious socio-economic and security challenges that require urgent intervention.
He commended the Federal Government and its partners for introducing the programme and extending its implementation to Cross River State, assuring that his administration would provide the necessary support to ensure its success.
According to him, the state remains committed to youth development and will mobilise young people across communities to participate in the programme.
He said: “As a state, we have prioritised our commitment to youth development and economic inclusion. YEIDEP is a laudable initiative by the federal government through the Federal Minsitry of Youth Development for the economic engagement, inclusion and productivity of our youths. As a state that cares about its youths, Cross River will do all it takes to ensure the successful implementation of YEIDEP for the benefits of its youth and the economic development of our state.
“For the huge benefits YEIDEP holds for the youths and government of Cross River State, it is my pleasure therefore, to declare open, the YEIDEP Registration Drive, as a state-wide exercise, starting from today and I encourage all youths of Cross River State to enrol or register themselves for this great initiative”, he affirmed.
Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, represented by Mohammed Abdullahi, his chief of staff, expressed appreciation to the state government for its support, describing YEIDEP as a strategic initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment and its associated social and economic risks.
He said the programme stands out due to its structured collaboration with development partners and its focus on sustainable economic empowerment for young people.
Kennedy Iyere, the convener of the initiative, called on state governments to collaborate with the Federal Government in implementing YEIDEP, warning that persistent youth unemployment could heighten social instability.
“Nigeria’s high youth unemployment is no longer just a social or economic problem but a human and national security threat, this is one reason among many why Governors should press to collaborate with the federal government for the implementation of YEIDEP in their various states”,
He highlighted the Cooperative Youth Farmers and Agro-Allied Entrepreneurs Programme (CYFAEP), a sub-scheme under YEIDEP, as a key driver of agricultural-based employment and youth empowerment.
Iyere also presented symbolic items to the state government to encourage participation in the initiative.
Speaking also, Helen Oritsejafor, founder of Spring Sky Finance Company Ltd, pledged support for the initiative, noting that its effective implementation would help address unemployment and reduce social vices associated with economic hardship.
She urged governments at all levels to embrace the programme to achieve meaningful and lasting impact.
