Cross River Govt Set to Empower 20,000 Youths in YES Scheme (Apply Now)

Cross River Govt Set to Empower 20,000 Youths in YES Scheme

A bold and far-reaching youth development drive is underway in Cross River State, with plans in place to empower no fewer than 20,000 young people through a carefully designed Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES). The initiative is tailored to unlock the potential of youths by aligning empowerment opportunities with the state’s economic strengths and practical workforce needs. List of Grant, International Scholarship and Loan Empowerment Program 2026

He described YES as a transformative opportunity for young people across the state to build skills, create wealth, and contribute meaningfully to Cross River’s development.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, the Chairman of the scheme, Dr Kalita Aruku, explained that YES is structured around seven strategic thematic areas aimed at ensuring sustainable livelihoods and long-term economic growth. These areas include agriculture, the creative industry, sports, transport, skills acquisition, small-scale businesses, and education.

Dr Aruku said the programme is designed not just to provide temporary support, but to equip young people with the tools, training, and market access needed to thrive independently. In the agricultural sector, he noted that beneficiaries will undergo hands-on training and receive starter inputs, while being connected directly to reliable off-takers to guarantee sustainability and profitability.

Agriculture under the scheme will focus on poultry, piggery, fishery, and crop cultivation. According to him, youths participating in fishery will be fully supported with quality fingerlings, start-up funds, artificial ponds, and feeds after completing their training, giving them a strong foundation to succeed from day one. Those in poultry will also receive birds, feeds, and financial support to kick-start viable operations.

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For crop production, the scheme will prioritise cassava and maize due to their high demand and economic value. Dr Aruku disclosed that beneficiaries will be provided with improved, high-yield cassava stems, while maize farmers will benefit from a similar support structure. To ensure guaranteed markets, arrangements have been made to engage flour mills as off-takers, further strengthening the value chain.

Beyond agriculture, the creative industry component of YES will train youths in cinematography, directing, producing, scriptwriting, acting, and music. Dr Aruku said this move is aimed at empowering creative talents while positioning Calabar as a thriving hub for film and entertainment, complementing the state’s tourism potential.

In the area of small-scale businesses, beneficiaries will receive essential tools and equipment to expand their ventures and improve productivity. While acknowledging funding challenges, Dr Aruku expressed confidence in the unwavering commitment of Governor Bassey Otu to the programme, stressing that youth empowerment remains central to the administration’s people-first agenda.

FG: Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) 2026 (Up to N5 Million Grant)