Rita Enemuru, Reporting
CALABAR — The Cross River State Government has declared a fresh offensive against youth unemployment, unveiling a comprehensive framework designed to generate sustainable jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and equip young people with life-changing skills across the 18 local government areas of the state.
The announcement came on Monday during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Calabar, where the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Odum Ijom Ukam, flanked by senior ministry officials and leaders of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Council, outlined the government’s renewed commitment to youth empowerment.
The occasion also served to unveil activities lined up for the 2026 International Youth Day, celebrated under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” – a theme the Commissioner described as a clarion call resonating with the shared dreams of young people for employment, dignity, social inclusion, skills acquisition, innovation, and active participation in governance.
‘Government Cannot Do It Alone’
Barr. Ukam lamented the myriad challenges confronting the state’s youth population, including soaring unemployment rates, underemployment, poor access to finance, digital exclusion, and a glaring mismatch between acquired skills and market demands.
He stressed that these obstacles are too complex for the government to tackle single-handedly, issuing an urgent appeal for a coalition of partners from the private sector, development agencies, and civil society.
“Government cannot and should not do it alone,” Ukam declared passionately. “The task of nurturing our youth is a collective responsibility that must be shared by all stakeholders.”
He emphasised that youth development demands an all-hands-on-deck approach, involving government at all levels, development partners, the private sector, civil society, academia, and community leaders.
Practical Experience Through Jubilee Fellowship
The Commissioner revealed that the ministry has identified the Nigerian Jubilee Fellowship Programme as a veritable platform to provide young Nigerians with practical, hands-on experience through structured internships in modern workplaces.
He explained that this initiative would bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, making Cross River youths more competitive in the global job market.
Beyond Ceremonial Attendance
In a call for a paradigm shift, Ukam insisted that youth involvement in governance must transcend the mere ceremonial attendance at official events.
“Government also wants young people to have a voice beyond attendance at official programmes,” the Commissioner asserted, adding that youths must be integrated into the conception, design, implementation, and evaluation of policies meant for them.
He promised that the forthcoming International Youth Day activities would provide a vibrant platform for young people to showcase their businesses, creativity, technological innovations, and invaluable contributions to their communities.
An Appeal to Private Capital
The Commissioner made a direct appeal to private investors, urging them to view the youth as a viable and lucrative investment rather than a liability.
“We appeal to private investors, financial institutions, technology companies and development partners to support youth-led enterprises, provide internships and apprenticeships, expand digital opportunities and invest in programmes capable of producing lasting results,” he pleaded.
A Framework for Lasting Change
Ukam further disclosed that the ministry’s new framework will focus intensely on skills utilisation, employment generation, entrepreneurship development, and fostering a culture of innovation and participation.
He assured that these interventions would be evenly distributed across all 18 local government areas, ensuring that no community is left behind in the march towards economic prosperity.
A Call to Action for Youths
The Commissioner urged Cross River youths to take their destiny into their own hands by acquiring relevant skills, building robust networks, and embracing a spirit of volunteerism and community service.
He reassured them of the government’s resolve to work with critical partners to guarantee that every young person is carried along in the state’s developmental agenda, promising that the new framework marks the beginning of a sustained effort to transform the youth landscape in Cross River State.
