Cross River Launches Vocational Skills Empowerment Programme (VOSEP) To Equip Youths And Women With Market Ready Skills
By Victoria Omini
In a deliberate effort to translate governance into measurable opportunities for citizens, the Cross River State Government has officially launched the Vocational Skills Empowerment Programme, VOSEP, a strategic initiative aligned with the People First vision of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
The programme, initiated and driven by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Content, Ambassador Awatt Caleb, reflects the administration’s strong commitment to youth empowerment, inclusive growth, and sustainable economic development across the State.
Built on the understanding that human capital development remains the foundation of any progressive society, VOSEP is designed to equip youths and women with practical vocational, technical, and digital skills that meet the realities of today’s economy. Beneficiaries drawn from the eighteen Local Government Areas are being positioned not only for employment but for active participation in Cross River’s growing digital and productive sectors.
Ambassador Awatt Caleb, while outlining the objectives of the initiative, noted that the programme prioritizes hands on, competency based training that will foster long term economic independence. The first batch of selected beneficiaries is set to undergo a rigorous six month training programme structured to develop technical proficiency, entrepreneurial discipline, and financial responsibility.
The skill areas offered under VOSEP are extensive and carefully aligned with market demand. They include ICT, graphics design and digital printing, corporate branding, cinematography, electrical installation, tailoring and fashion design, driving and logistics, plumbing, hair dressing and styling, catering services, leather works and shoe making, dry cleaning and laundry services, as well as welding and fabrication. This broad scope ensures inclusivity while creating pathways into emerging industrial opportunities within and beyond the State.
Beyond skills acquisition, the initiative is designed to cultivate a transformative mindset among participants. The goal is to move young people from being job seekers to becoming value creators, capable of establishing enterprises, generating employment, and stimulating economic activity within their communities.
The programme also seeks to build a reservoir of skilled manpower to support Cross River State’s transition into a modern, technology driven and industrially competitive economy. By empowering beneficiaries to build profitable ventures, earn sustainable incomes, and contribute to civic responsibilities, VOSEP strengthens the foundation for a productive and self reliant society.
In essence, VOSEP represents governance with purpose. It embodies the People First philosophy of Governor Bassey Edet Otu by placing opportunity, empowerment, and human dignity at the heart of development. Through the Governor’s leadership and the focused implementation by Ambassador Awatt Caleb, the programme stands as a transformative platform poised to convert trainees into skilled professionals and successful entrepreneurs, ensuring that the future of Cross River State is shaped by empowered citizens ready to innovate, lead, and thrive.
