IHS Nigeria trains 100 youths in C’River

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Telecommunications infrastructure company IHS Nigeria has trained and empowered 100 youths in Cross River State with vocational and entrepreneurial skills to promote self-employment and economic growth.

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The beneficiaries, who graduated under the company’s Project Empower 2026, received training in solar installation, electrical installation, makeup and beauty, as well as toiletries and soap production.

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The three-week programme was implemented in partnership with Field of Skills and Dreams Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurship Academy and the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency.

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Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Calabar on Monday, Associate Director, Government Relations and External Affairs, IHS Nigeria, Gbolahan Thomas, said the initiative reflected the company’s commitment to sustainable development through investments in people and communities.

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He said the programme was designed to equip participants with practical and marketable skills that would enable them to establish businesses, earn sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the development of their communities.

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Thomas noted that Project Empower aligned with the company’s sustainability strategy, which focuses on the environment and climate change, people and communities, education and economic growth, as well as ethics and governance.

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He said, “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.”

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He added that since 2010, IHS Nigeria had implemented Project Empower across several states, partnering with organisations to create economic opportunities and drive sustainable development.

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Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Field of Skills and Dreams, Omowale Ogunrinde, said the programme attracted about 399 applications, from which 100 beneficiaries were selected after a screening process.

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According to her, the participants underwent intensive practical training from June 8 to June 26 and were equipped with starter packs to commence their businesses immediately after graduation.

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She disclosed that the beneficiaries would continue to receive mentorship through a dedicated WhatsApp platform, while IHS Nigeria would provide additional equipment after three months and cash grants, alongside free Corporate Affairs Commission registration after six months for participants who remain committed to their businesses.

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Ogunrinde said, “The project is not ending today. In three months, beneficiaries will receive additional equipment, while those who sustain their businesses will also receive cash grants and business support after six months.”

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Representing the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Patrick Egbede, commended IHS Nigeria for partnering with the state to tackle youth unemployment through skills acquisition.

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Egbede said the initiative aligned with Governor Bassey Otu’s people-centred development agenda, stressing that the state government would continue to support partnerships that empower residents through entrepreneurship and vocational training.

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“The government welcomes every genuine partnership that will take our youths off the streets through skills development and entrepreneurship,” he said.

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Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Emmanuel Etim expressed appreciation to IHS Nigeria, Field of Skills and Dreams and the Cross River State Government for providing the opportunity to acquire practical skills capable of transforming their lives.

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Etim said the training had equipped participants with the knowledge and confidence to become self-reliant and create employment opportunities for others, assuring the organisers that the beneficiaries would make productive use of the skills and starter kits provided.

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