Official Portal of the Cross River State Government — His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu
CRS OFFICIAL POLICY DECK

Empowering Dreams, Building Our Future.

At the core of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration is a sacred promise: “The People First.” This mantra is a blueprint for compassionate governance and sustainable development.

Who We Are

Compassionate Governance in Action

The Cross River Youth Empowerment Scheme (CRS-YES) is the flagship manifestation of Governor Bassey Edet Otu's promise. 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 jobs—we are building a resilient, self-sustaining, and prosperous Cross River State.

Cross River State is a land of abundant beauty and even more abundant potential. However, we recognize that our greatest natural resource isn't our soil or our forests—it is our youth.

CRS-YES is a transformative initiative designed to bridge the gap between potential and prosperity. We serve as a catalyst for economic independence, moving beyond traditional "empowerment" to offer a comprehensive ecosystem of skill acquisition, resource provision, and mentorship.

Our Vision

To cultivate a vibrant and self-sustaining ecosystem in Cross River State where empowered youth are driving innovation, creating sustainable livelihoods, and contributing significantly to the state’s economic renaissance.

Our Mission

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

Beyond the Certificate

We understand that a skill without a support system is a missed opportunity. That is why every CRS-YES participant benefits from:

Financial Literacy

Learning how to grow and manage wealth.

Mentorship

Connecting with industry leaders who have walked the path.

Innovation Hubs

Access to physical spaces for collaboration and incubation.

Sustainability

Every project is designed with an eye on environmental consciousness and long-term viability.

Dr. Kalita Joseph Aruku - Chairman, Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme
Dr. Kalita Joseph Aruku
Chairman, CRS-YES
Scheme Leadership

Message from the CRS-YES Chairman

"The future of Cross River State belongs to the bold, the skilled, and the innovative. Under the direct supervision of His Excellency Governor Bassey Otu, CRS-YES 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
Chairman, CRS-YES
The Framework

The 7 Pillars of Transformation

Guided by the "People First" mandate, our scheme is built on seven strategic pillars designed to align local talent with global opportunities:

Select Your Pillar
We are training a new generation of solar technicians, CNG conversion specialists, and EV mechanics to lead the transition to clean energy.
Empowering youth with the assets—from mini-buses to tricycles—needed to keep our people and goods moving safely and efficiently.
Moving from subsistence to abundance. We provide training in climate-smart farming, aquaculture, and poultry, backed by modern mechanization like hand tillers and threshers.
Scouting and nurturing the champions of tomorrow. We provide structured training and pathways to global stages, including European professional sponsorship.
In a globalized world, we ensure our youth are fluent in the language of the future—from coding and web development to cybersecurity and data science.
Igniting the spirit of entrepreneurship through seed funding, machinery support (sewing, baking, printing), and expert mentorship.
Training master craftsmen in foundational skills and advanced techniques like 3D tiling and epoxy flooring to build the infrastructure of a modern state.

Join the Movement

Under the leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Cross River State is no longer just "waiting" for the future—we are building it. Whether you are a young dreamer looking for a start, a seasoned professional looking to mentor, or a partner looking to invest, there is a place for you here.