Jubilation In Calabar Over Training Of 1000 Youths On ICT, Entrepreneurship
Emmanuel Alfred
There was massive jubilation in Calabar on Monday morning, over the Training of 1000 youths from Cross River state on Information Communication Technology(ICT), and Entrepreneurship Development.
The training held in Ogoja, Ikom and Calabar respectively, covering areas of GSM repairs, hardware and software plus Entrepreneurship development. The program was facilitated by Honourable Legor Idabo representing Obudu Obanliku Bekwarra Federal Constituency and chairman House Committee On Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Committee.
Opinions expressed by both participants and organizers of the training are in celebration of the efforts made by the Member representing Obudu Obanliku Bekwarra Federal Constituency, Honourable Logor Idogbo and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), as well as the declaration of a 3 years tax exemption offer to all participants, by the Cross River state government.
Addressing participants at the graduation ceremony of the 1000, participants in Calabar, Honourable Legor Idabo charged the participants to ensure 60 to 70 per cent results from the program.
“I commend NCDMB for the program, this program has been runned in Bekwarra, Obudu Obanliku, so because of the benefits we had, I thought it wise to make it statewide. The selection of participants were selected via a transparent process.
“All participants are entitled to Start up stipends, well furnished shops and a laptop, each. Also, a N125,000 cash startup capital will be givenenin less thanbtwi weeks,” Legor explained.
He added when addressing the participants that, “We expect that you won’t take this opportunity for granted. The Bill Gates and others do not have two heads. We are expecting 60 to 70 per cent results from you”.
Also speaking, Governor Ayade represented by his deputy, Ivara Esu said participants are offered a three year tax exemption courtesy of the state government.
“we are going to give you 3 years Tax exemption, you will not collect taxes. The state will protect you from multiple taxation. We are going to encourage you to have funds from the Bank of Industry and from the Malaria fund. Keep your own side of the bargain as an attempt to make you independence. Live up to expectations”, he promised.
All though the executive secretary of the NCDMB, Engineer Simbi Kesiye Wabote, had earlier charged the participants to, “take this as a life changing experience and use it to Chang your life. Use the entrepreneurial skills to start a new life. Dream big and contribute to the goal of NCDMB, Nigeria and the glob.”
Some of the participants expressed happiness for the opportunity and pledged to weave their best out of it. Although some criticized the NCDMB for some lapses in the program, others said in such a program, you can’t guarantee 100 percent perfection.
