The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Federal Government and the European Union, has intensified efforts to boost youth employment and innovation in Cross River State through the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0) and other youth-driven initiatives.
At a media and stakeholders’ engagement in Calabar, on Wednesday, former Cross River Commissioner for Health and ex-Deputy National Coordinator of the National Cash Transfer Office, Dr Janet Ekpenyong, decried the state’s low participation in the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0, revealing that only about 150 youths have registered.
She called for intensified awareness and mobilisation, urging the media and stakeholders to broaden sensitization efforts. “When you go out, become ambassadors of this initiative, spread the word and encourage others to register,” she said, noting that early enrolment would enable beneficiaries to access opportunities ahead of the programme’s official launch while supporting efforts to curb social vices through youth engagement.
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Providing further insight, UNDP Team Lead and Programme Director, Mrs Claire Omizegba-Henshaw, said NJFP 2.0 was designed to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and labour market demands.
She revealed that over 12,000 graduates were placed under NJFP 1.0, but feedback from employers highlighted deficiencies in soft skills and workplace readiness, necessitating improvements in the new phase.
“NJFP 2.0 introduces a more robust system with digital training, employability skills, mentorship, and psychometric assessments to ensure fellows are job-ready and can be readily absorbed by employers,” she explained.
According to her, the programme now offers a monthly stipend of ₦150,000, increased from ₦100,000 in the first phase, and is open to Nigerian graduates aged 30 and below with a degree or HND, alongside a valid NYSC certificate or exemption.
She emphasised that academic class of degree is not a barrier, noting that the programme prioritises competence, skills, and potential.
Also speaking, Innovation Specialist for the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme, Catherine, underscored the importance of grassroots innovation in addressing unemployment.
“The Young Africa Innovates Programme is designed to solve unemployment through innovation, particularly by identifying atypical innovators, women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from marginalised communities,” she said.
She highlighted practical, community-driven solutions, including a solar-powered wheelchair developed by a person with disability, as well as renewable energy innovations emerging from areas with power challenges.
“We are looking for people solving real problems in their communities, not just conventional tech innovators. Beyond that, we are also seeking partners, universities, financial institutions, traditional and religious leaders, who can help us identify and support these innovators,” she added.
Catherine stressed the need for collaboration within the innovation ecosystem, noting that existing efforts should be strengthened rather than duplicated.
“We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We need to understand what already exists in Cross River and build on it. That is why we are here, to identify innovators, partners, and opportunities within the state,” she said.
Other stakeholders present included the Director General of the State Microfinance Enterprise Development Agency, Mr Great Ogban, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Dr Inyang Asibong, Banks representatives, NGO’s, among others.
The UNDP delegation called for stronger collaboration to ensure increased participation, describing NJFP 2.0 as a strategic intervention aimed at preparing young Nigerians for the evolving world of work while strengthening small businesses and the broader innovation ecosystem.
