The Cross River State Government, through the Ministry of Youth Development, has officially flagged off its Educational Collaboration and Overseas Exchange Program at the SOHO-SKYRUN Industrial Complex, Calabar, in partnership with SOHO-SKYRUN. The program is designed to provide Cross River youths with international training opportunities at Zhenjiang College, focusing on industrial innovation, technical education, and entrepreneurial development.
The initiative marks a major stride in the administration of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, towards empowering young people through global exposure, skills acquisition, and industrial collaboration.
During the flag-off ceremony held at the SOHO-SKYRUN Industrial Complex, Mr. Ogar Denis Ogidi, Assistant General Manager of SOHO-SKYRUN, Calabar Free Trade Zone, expressed deep appreciation to the Cross River State Government for its vision in investing in the future of young people through such strategic international partnerships.
“This collaboration demonstrates the power of partnership between government and industry. Through this exchange program, our youths will gain world-class training and experience that will empower them to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Cross River State. SOHO-SKYRUN is proud to serve as a bridge connecting local talent to global opportunities,”
— Ogar Denis Ogidi, AGM, SOHO-SKYRUN, Calabar Free Trade Zone.
In her remarks, Mrs. Saed Binta Dantsoho, Director of the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ), commended the synergy between the Ministry of Youth Development and SOHO-SKYRUN, describing it as a model partnership that promotes youth capacity building and international collaboration.
“The Calabar Free Trade Zone remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower young people and strengthen industrial growth. This flag-off signals the beginning of a journey that will not only transform the lives of participating youths but also bring positive impact to the state’s industrial and economic development,”
— Mrs. Saed Binta Dantsoho, Director, CFTZ.
Delivering his keynote address, the Honorable Commissioner for Youth Development, Cross River State, Hon. Odum-Ijom Ukam (Esq), emphasized that the program is part of the Ministry’s broader vision to prepare Cross River youths for global competitiveness through education, exposure, and innovation.
“This flag-off marks a new chapter in our quest to build globally skilled youths. Through the Educational Collaboration and Overseas Exchange Program, we are investing in a future where young people from Cross River State will lead in technology, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. We deeply appreciate SOHO-SKYRUN and Zhenjiang College for their partnership and commitment to this shared vision,”
— Hon. Odum-Ijom Ukam (Esq), Commissioner for Youth Development, Cross River State.
The program will see an initial group of selected youths travel to Zhenjiang College in China to undergo intensive technical and vocational training. Upon completion, they are expected to return to the state to apply their knowledge in local industries and contribute to Cross River’s growing drive toward industrialization and youth empowerment.
This collaboration further aligns with Governor Otu’s “People First” agenda, which prioritizes education, youth development, and human capital investment as key pillars for sustainable growth in the state.
