Embrace Skill Acquisition To Cure Poverty – Mrs Otu
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – The Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Reverend Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, says skills acquisition remains the cure for poverty if residents and the state must enjoy improved welfare and socio-economic growth.
Insisting that having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession will help people to navigate the complexities of the current economic realities, Mrs Otu said it is important to unlock one’s potential towards enhanced employability, and meaningful contributions to the society.
Rev Otu, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the free Skill Acquisition and Digital Empowerment Programme organized by the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFMM), Calabar in partnership with the Wife of the Governor’s Office, described skill acquisition as a “vital initiative” to empower individuals with the “knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in today’s competitive world.”
According to her; “The programme is a testament to our commitment to capacity building, innovation, and economic growth. By acquiring new skills, you will unlock your potential, enhance your employability, and contribute meaningfully to your communities.”
Represented by Dr Virginia Ironbar, wife of the Governor’s Chief of Staff at the occasion, Mrs Otu challenged participants to stay focused, dedicated, persistent, and open-minded to imbibe the knowledge and expertise offered by all the facilitators.
The Governor’s wife, who appreciated the facilitators and partners for their support and partnership, was full of joy collaborating with the MFMM to offer free skills to residents of the State.
In his remarks, the Resident Pastor of MFMM, Youth Church, Calabar, Pastor James Obok Ogede, disclosed that the free Skill Acquisition Programme, which was flagged off in 2015, has so far empowered over 2000 youths in Calabar, the Cross River capital.
Explaining that skill acquisition is not only strategic, but also meant to empower the youths and make them self-reliant, Pastor Ogede said the empowerment programme is open to all irrespective of their religious affiliations and tribes, and not just members of the Church alone.
He urged participants to fully embrace the programme and ultimately put to great use all the training garnered to improve their welfare and living standards.
At the sidelines of the programme, Vice President II, National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Cross River State Chapter, Mrs. Julia Agbor commended Mrs Otu for the collaboration to empower Cross River youths.
Describing the Governor’s wife as a ‘humanity champion’, Mrs Agbor applauded her efforts at empowering women, youths, and the vulnerable for self-sufficiency.
She expressed the hope that Cross River would be better placed in terms of visible socio-economic development and growth indices at the end of her husband’s tenure.
Areas covered by the three weeks of free Skills Acquisition and Digital Empowerment include baking and catering services, beverage making, and driving.
Others are leather works, fascinators, barbing, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and digital business
Dignitaries who attended the opening ceremony include the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Ijom Ukam; Special Adviser Programmes, Office of the wife of Governor, Mrs. Queeneth Essien; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Dr. Inyang Asibong, among others.
