IHS Nigeria has trained and equipped 100 youths in Cross River State with vocational and entrepreneurial skills as part of efforts to promote self-reliance, job creation and economic development.
The beneficiaries graduated under the company’s Project Empower 2026 after completing a three-week training programme focused on solar installation, electrical works, makeup and beauty services, and toiletries and soap production.
The initiative was implemented in partnership with the Field of Skills and Dreams Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurship Academy and the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Calabar, Associate Director, Government Relations and External Affairs, IHS Nigeria, Gbolahan Thomas, said the programme demonstrated the company’s commitment to investing in people and communities through sustainable development initiatives.
Thomas said the training was designed to provide participants with practical and income-generating skills that would enable them to establish businesses, improve their livelihoods and contribute to their communities.
He added that Project Empower was aligned with IHS Nigeria’s sustainability priorities, which focus on environmental responsibility, community development, education, economic growth, ethics and governance.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for our graduates. The knowledge and skills you have gained are powerful tools, but your success will also be shaped by your resilience, discipline, integrity and willingness to keep learning,” he said.
Thomas noted that since its launch in 2010, Project Empower had expanded across several Nigerian states through partnerships aimed at creating economic opportunities and supporting sustainable development.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Field of Skills and Dreams, Omowale Ogunrinde, said the programme received about 399 applications before 100 participants were selected through a screening process.
She explained that the beneficiaries underwent intensive practical training from June 8 to June 26 and received starter packs to help them begin their businesses immediately after graduation.
Ogunrinde added that participants would continue to receive mentorship through a dedicated WhatsApp platform, while IHS Nigeria would provide additional equipment after three months and offer cash grants and free Corporate Affairs Commission registration after six months to beneficiaries who demonstrate commitment to their businesses.
Representing the Cross River State Government, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Patrick Egbede, praised IHS Nigeria for partnering with the state to address youth unemployment through skills development and entrepreneurship.
Egbede said the programme aligned with Governor Bassey Otu’s people-focused development agenda and assured that the government would continue to support initiatives that create opportunities for young people.
“The government welcomes every genuine partnership that will take our youths off the streets through skills development and entrepreneurship,” he said.
A beneficiary, Emmanuel Etim, expressed appreciation to IHS Nigeria, Field of Skills and Dreams and the Cross River State Government, saying the training had provided participants with the skills and confidence needed to become self-reliant.
He pledged that the beneficiaries would make effective use of the knowledge and starter kits provided while using their skills to create employment opportunities for others.
