Official Portal of the Cross River State Government — His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu
C
C-RYES
Cross River Youth Empowerment
GOVERNING BODY OFFICIAL

Empowering Dreams, Building Our Future.

The Cross River Youth Empowerment Scheme (C-RYES) is the flagship manifestation of Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s sacred promise: “The People First.” We serve as a catalyst for economic independence, bridging the gap between potential and prosperity.

The Heartbeat of "The People First" Agenda

At the core of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration is a blueprint for compassionate governance and sustainable development. We believe that putting the people first means prioritizing the energy, creativity, and potential of our youth.

By investing in the hands and minds of our young citizens, we aren't just creating short-term jobs—we are building a resilient, self-sustaining, and prosperous Cross River State. We recognize that our greatest natural resource isn't our soil or our forests—it is our youth.

Our Vision

To cultivate a vibrant and self-sustaining ecosystem in Cross River State where empowered youth drive innovation, create sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to the economic renaissance.

Our Mission

To equip Cross River State youth with cutting-edge skills, provide access to essential capital resources, and foster a supportive environment to thrive as active community contributors.

Beyond the Certificate

We understand that a skill without a robust support system is a missed opportunity. That is why every C-RYES participant benefits from a complete ecosystem:

Financial Literacy

Learning how to budget, track earnings, manage cash flows, and grow long-term business wealth.

Industry Mentorship

Connecting one-on-one with verified leaders and entrepreneurs who have walked the path.

Innovation Hubs

Access to modern physical spaces for collaboration, high-speed internet access, and business incubation.

Eco-Sustainability

Ensuring every single start-up project is designed with an eye on conservation and long-term viability.

Dr. Kalita Joseph Aruku - Chairman, Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme
Dr. Kalita Joseph Aruku
Chairman, C-RYES
Scheme Leadership

Message from the C-RYES Chairman

“

"The future of Cross River State belongs to the bold, the skilled, and the innovative. Under the direct supervision of His Excellency Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, C-RYES was designed not just as another vocational training program, but as an institutional launchpad.

Our vision is crystal clear: we want to translate raw energy into tangible wealth. We are ensuring that no youth walks away with only a certificate; every single eligible beneficiary receives the specialized machinery, toolkits, and capitalization to launch commercial self-sustainability from day one. Let's build a prosperous state together."

Dr. Kalita Joseph Aruku
Executive Chairman, Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme
The Framework

The 7 Pillars of Transformation

Every pillar is engineered to align local grassroots talent with global market opportunities, combining accredited hands-on workshops, financial support, and startup machinery.

Select Your Pillar
We are training a new generation of certified solar technicians, CNG conversion specialists, and EV mechanics to lead the transition to clean energy. Graduates are equipped to design, install, and maintain micro-grids, solar systems, and clean mobility fleets across the state.
Empowering youth with the actual assets—from mini-buses to tricycles—needed to keep our people and goods moving safely and efficiently. Training covers fleet management, smart logistics, safety protocols, and commercial navigation.
Providing training in climate-smart farming, advanced aquaculture, and automated poultry production. All training is backed by the distribution of modern mechanization tools, including hand tillers, automated threshers, and high-yield seed kits.
Scouting and nurturing the champions of tomorrow. In partnership with the Ministry of Sports Development, we provide structured athletic training and direct sponsorship pathways to elite global stages, including European professional football clubs.
Ensuring our youth are fluent in the language of the future. Rigorous training across Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Web & Mobile App Development, and AI Video Editing & Animation.
Providing seed funding, business plan incubation, and essential machinery support (such as industrial sewing machines, commercial baking ovens, and printing systems). Every trainee receives hands-on mentorship from established founders.
Training master craftsmen in foundational skills and highly lucrative advanced finishing techniques, including POP ceiling installations, 3D tiling, and premium epoxy flooring designs.