Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has officially flagged off a statewide registration drive for the Federal Government's Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP). The initiative is designed to promote youth economic inclusion and address the pressing issue of unemployment among young people in the state.
Flag-Off Ceremony in Calabar
The ceremony, held in Calabar, brought together representatives from government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, and youth organisations. Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, highlighted the timeliness of the initiative, noting that rising youth unemployment poses serious socio-economic and security challenges that require urgent intervention.
Governor Otu commended the Federal Government and its partners for introducing YEIDEP and extending its implementation to Cross River State. He assured that his administration would provide the necessary support to ensure the programme's success. According to him, the state remains committed to youth development and will mobilise young people across communities to participate actively.
He stated: "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 Ministry 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."
He added: "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. I encourage all youths of Cross River State to enrol or register themselves for this great initiative."
Federal Government Support
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mohammed Abdullahi, expressed appreciation to the state government for its support. He described YEIDEP as a strategic initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment and its associated social and economic risks. He noted that the programme stands out due to its structured collaboration with development partners and its focus on sustainable economic empowerment for young people.
Call for State Collaboration
Kennedy Iyere, the convener of the initiative, called on state governments nationwide to collaborate with the Federal Government in implementing YEIDEP. He warned 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 said.
Iyere also 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. He presented symbolic items to the state government to encourage participation in the initiative.
Financial Partners in Attendance
Representatives from several financial institutions attended the event, including Keystone Bank, Fidelity Bank, Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Access Bank, Union Bank, Wema Bank, and Ecobank. They reaffirmed their roles as financial partners in the programme.
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.
