By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme, CRYES, in collaboration with the Federal Government and Shema Energy Limited,
on Wednesday in Calabar flagged off a six-month training programme for 1,000 youths in Electric Vehicle, EV, repairs and maintenance.
At the flag off, governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Patrick Egbede, said that the initiative reflected the administration’s commitment to preparing youths for emerging economic opportunities.
Describing the EV repairs initiative as an investment in human capital, Otu noted that increased adoption of electric vehicles would create demand for qualified technicians.
He said, “The training would lead to certification,” urging the technical partners to prioritise practical competence alongside theoretical knowledge, adding that the transition to cleaner energy could create jobs and promote environmental sustainability.
The Chairman of CRYES, Dr Kalita Aruku, said that the programme is designed to equip beneficiaries with technical skills for employment and entrepreneurship in the emerging electric mobility sector.
He lauded Governor Otu for prioritising youth empowerment and investing in clean energy and modern transportation, noting that the state had procured 10 50-seater electric buses, 20 14-seater electric buses, 100 electric saloon cars, 500 electric tricycles, and 200 electric motorcycles.
Aruku said that the investment underscored the need to train local technicians to maintain and operate the vehicles.
He appreciated the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, and Shema Energy for supporting the initiative.
He urged the trainees to remain disciplined and committed, describing the programme as an opportunity to achieve economic independence.
The Head of Training and Strategy at Shema Energy, Mr Dominic Usi, said that the programme would comprise three months of intensive training and three months of practical experience.
He said that participants would receive monthly stipends, subject to attendance verification through biometric capture on the programme’s online portal.
Usi added that trainees would complete practical assignments and assessments, with the curriculum covering three major areas, including diagnostics and mechatronics.
