Flag-off of RHEI Phase II in C'River: Stakeholders Commend FG, Urge Beneficiaries to Embrace Wealth Creation

 Flag-off of RHEI Phase II in C'River: Stakeholders Commend FG, Urge Beneficiaries to Embrace Wealth Creation

©Eriacy Confidence Oba

The second phase of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) was officially flagged off on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Calabar, Cross River State capital, with dignitaries lauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for the initiative and encouraging beneficiaries to maximize the opportunities.

In his address, the State Coordinator of the NDE, Dr. J.B. Obiuwevbi, described the flag-off of the Phase II as another milestone in the fight against unemployment, poverty and crimes in Cross River State. He explained that the program was designed not just to train participants but to equip them with the right mindset, skills, and linkages to sustainable means of livelihood.

On his part, the Special Adviser on Wealth Creation & Job Placement to Governor Otu, Pst. Comr. Bright Ewona, commended President Tinubu for what he described as a landmark employment and empowerment initiative designed to reduce unemployment and poverty among Nigerian youths. He also hailed the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for giving timely support and collaboration to the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in implementing the program across the state.

Ewona urged the beneficiaries to be committed to the training, stressing that many of them are already on their journey to financial independence. “ This one better pass white collar jobs,” he said, encouraging participants to embrace entrepreneurship and skill development as a pathway to prosperity.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Dr. Julius Kijuo, charged the trainees to remain focused and disciplined throughout the training process. He noted that the Otu-led administration has prioritized youth empowerment and employment, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and assured that the state government will continue to partner with relevant agencies to create opportunities for young people.

Also contributing,  the First Lady of Cross River State, Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Otu, applauded the Federal Government and NDE for prioritizing youth empowerment, noting that her office remains passionate about initiatives that uplift families and communities. The First Lady who was represented by Pastor Mrs. Odo Bassey encouraged the trainees to see themselves as future employers of labor rather than job seekers.

Similarly, the representative of the National Productivity Centre in Cross River State, Mr. Uche Kingsley, stressed the importance of dedication and hard work in turning acquired skills into wealth. He assured that the Centre will continue to collaborate with the NDE and other stakeholders to promote productivity among Nigerian youths.

In their goodwill messages, the Head of Finance and Accounts Department of NDE in Cross River, Mr. Anthony Moloa, and the Head of Special Public Works (SPW) Department, Mrs. Peace Effiong, both highlighted the significance of the initiative in addressing the unemployment challenge. They called on participants to take ownership of the process by applying diligence and creativity to their training and subsequent ventures.

The flag-off ceremony brought together key stakeholders, government officials, and beneficiaries who expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative would transform lives and strengthen the socio-economic fabric of Cross River State.