By Edem Ekpo
Governor Bassey Otu’s administration has provided direct employment for more than 4,000 young people across the 18 local government areas of Cross River State, according to the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Darlington Bassey.
Speaking with journalists in Calabar on Monday, Bassey said the recruitment drive was designed to plug manpower gaps created by mass retirements in the system while also offering youths a sustainable source of livelihood.
He described the initiative as a departure from “perennial handouts disguised as jobs,” noting that true empowerment comes through productive engagement that strengthens public institutions and boosts the economy.
“This bold step is both people-oriented and strategic. It provides gainful employment while reducing youth restiveness by channeling their energy into meaningful work,” he said.
The LGSC boss added that the commission is prioritizing training and capacity building for the new recruits to ensure efficiency and professionalism in service delivery.
Bassey urged the beneficiaries to justify government’s confidence in them through discipline and commitment to duty, stressing that their performance would determine future opportunities for others.
He praised Governor Otu for what he described as a visionary approach to governance, saying the policy reflects a firm commitment to youth empowerment and institutional growth.
Observers note that with unemployment posing a major challenge in Nigeria, Otu’s job creation initiative could serve as a model for other states, particularly in demonstrating how local government structures can be used as effective vehicles for tackling joblessness and boosting grassroots development.