by crossriverwatch admin
The Cross River State Government is set to harness the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment to its shores by investing in local content development through skill acquisition and vocational training.
This was made known at The Bridge Leadership Foundation’s 2013 Career & Founder’s Day event which held at the Cultural Center, Calabar recently. Speaking at the event, The Economic Adviser to the Cross River State Government, Prof. Ndem Ayara pointed out that so far ten (10) private investors have come into the state to invest in the different sectors of Construction, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Energy & Power as well as Agro Processing.
He presented an Industry Survey conducted by the state to ascertain areas of skill dearth, employers’ needs and existing human capital to meet these needs. Prof. Ayara highlighted the areas where skilled manpower is needed as well as the potentials of the service industry to provide auxiliary services to such firms and the populace.
In addition, he announced the partnership with the Highbury College in the United Kingdom to establish a Polytechnic where interested and qualified young people will be trained to meet the employment demands of the investing companies.
This rounded off a self development initiative of the organizers, The Bridge Leadership Foundation which discussed the theme, ‘The Crisis of Leadership’. Speakers at the event engaged participants under four sub-themes namely: Leadership Alternatives (Social Entrepreneurship: Finding Solutions & Making Impact) facilitated by Ola Orekunrin, CEO, The Flying Doctors’; and (The Role of Creativity, Innovation & Action) by Oluseun Onigbinde, Ashoka Fellow & Founder, BudgIT.
Other speakers included: O’ Seun Odewale, Fellow at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University & Personal Assistant to the Governor of Ekiti State who spoke on (Personal Leadership through Influence: Who/What Influences You?) and (Restoring Institutional Leadership through Responsibility & Professionalism) was discussed by Emilia Asim-Ita, Senior Consultant, Strategy & External Relations, ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited.
Sharing practical examples of personal experience, the speakers inspired attendees at the event to be prepared to identify and take up an opportunity in time.
The Career Day was aimed at inspiring and empowering young people in choosing the right career paths and making informed decisions. It was also aimed at providing a platform for young Nigerians and graduates who are; seeking to enter the job market, at the start of their career or aspiring to be entrepreneurs, to learn from accomplished entrepreneurs and professionals, home and abroad who have made major achievements in different sectors in the society.
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