The Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development, Dr. Julius Kijuo KSJI has led a delegation to inspect the vandalized National Directorate of Employment (NDE) Skills Acquisition Center in Ewa Ekeng Street, Calabar, Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State.
The inspection was conducted in collaboration with the Senior Special Assistant on Infrastructure, Southern Senatorial District, Mr. Patrick Ita and representatives from NDE Cross River State Office, Mrs. Florence Ogar and Mr Orok Asuquo Effiong.
The delegation's visit aimed to assess the level of destruction caused to the center during the End-SARS protest and explore possible interventions by the state government. Dr. Kijuo emphasized that His Excellency Sen Prince Bassey Otu the Executive Governor of Cross River State remains resolute in his commitment to youth development, starting that, "The Governor is not ready to compromise anything that will deprive the youth of Cross River State from being developed in different aspects of life."
"The destruction of this center has had a devastating impact on our youth, depriving over 500 young people annually of training and empowerment opportunities," Dr. Kijuo noted.
Mr. Ita expressed sadness over the destruction, assuring the youth that the Governor's priority is to provide the best for them. "We will work tirelessly to ensure that this center is restored and our youth can access the skills training they need to succeed," he said.
Representatives from NDE, led by Mrs. Florence Augustine Ogar and Mr. Orok Asuquo Effiong reaffirmed the organization's commitment to maintaining its collaboration with the Cross River State Government in empowering citizens. "We are committed to working with the state government to provide opportunities for young people to acquire skills and become self-reliant," Mrs. Ogar stated.
The inspection highlights the government's efforts to revitalize youth development programs and provide opportunities for young people in the state.