…Says certificate is just a tool, not destination

The wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has charged beneficiaries of the state-wide skills empowerment programme to convert the skills acquired into sustainable businesses instead of waiting for white-collar jobs.

Bishop Otu gave the charge in Calabar at the grand finale of the vocational training programme implemented by Jenellas Signature Decoration and Event in partnership with the Her Excellency Empowerment Initiative.

The ceremony, themed “Empowering Lives Through Skills, Creativity and Enterprise,” marked the graduation of 192 youths and women trained in decoration, crafts and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady, represented by the state Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, Bishop Margaret Ene-Ita said the programme was designed to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity among youths, women and vulnerable groups in the state.

“Today is not merely the end of a training programme. It is the beginning of a new chapter of opportunity and self-reliance,” she said.

“Your certificate or skill is not the destination. It is a tool. If you have learned decoration, let your creativity become a business. If you have acquired entrepreneurial skills, use them to build an enterprise.”

She urged the graduates to shun dependency and embrace discipline, integrity and financial prudence, noting that small beginnings should not be despised.

“Do not underestimate the power of small beginnings. Many successful businesses began with one person, one skill, one idea and one courageous decision to start,” she added.

In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Jenellas Signature Decoration and Event, Mrs. Esther Akiba, described the graduation as a milestone of commitment and perseverance.

“Each of our 192 graduands has demonstrated that with opportunity, dedication and the right support, individuals can acquire valuable skills, build confidence and take meaningful steps towards economic independence,” Akiba said.

“It is not just the end of training, but the beginning of a journey that I hope will lead many of you to become skilled decorators, entrepreneurs, employers of labour and people who can positively impact their families and communities.”

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Julius Okputu, commended the initiative, saying it will help fill a critical skills gap in the state.

The graduates were presented with certificates, starter packs and cash grants to help them kick-start their businesses.