Cross River State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Comrade Asu Okang has announced the state government’s readiness to start paying 7,500 Naira monthly stipend to 5,000 unemployed youths engaged under the Youth Employment and Social Support Operations (YESSO), a Federal Government-World Bank assisted programme.
This was made known while briefing a handful of guests particularly student groups who paid him courtesy visits at his office on Thursday in Calabar.
Comrade Okang disclosed that Cross River State Executive Council has given express approval for the release of 109 million naira counterpart fund to compliment the 450 million naira already paid into the state government’s account by the World Bank to kick start the programme.
Receiving an award from the Faculty of Arts Students Association of the University of Calabar (FASA UNICAL) presented by her president, Comr Ime Prosper
According to the Commissioner, the YESSO scheme will kick off in September this year in line with Governor Ben Ayade’s commitment to help eradicate poverty at the grass root level by addressing the high rate of youth unemployment in the state.
“It doesn’t take your entire day or academics, it’s for young people to meet their basic needs to avoid the core dryness that gives rise to social vices” Said Okang.
He further explained that when fully implemented the YESSO scheme will engage young people from age 18-35 in various jobs like office cleaning, traffic control, grass cutting, etc.
See more pictures from the courtesy visits below;
Receiving Student Union Government of the University of Calabar (SUG UNICAL) led by its president, Comr Afufu Anthony Ogar
Interview session with the editorial team of Inside Campus Africa Magazine led by her publisher Mr Agare Israel
Receiving the Cross River State representative to the reality show The Labour Room
Receiving members of the Youth Wing of Brotherhood of the Cross and Stars
Receiving the Association of Institute of Public Policy and Administration Students of the University of Calabar (AIPPAS UNICAL) led by her president, Comr Francis Ogbaj