A hundred and fifty-five graduates of the West African Construction and Fabrication Academy in Cross River State on Thursday received automatic employment into the civil service commission.
Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, assured them of the employment during the graduation ceremony of the first batch of trainees at the institution in Calabar.
Governor Ayade said the institute was established to address the dearth of middle-level skilled manpower in the state.
He tasked the graduates to use their skills effectively and face the future with optimism.
“Do not be frustrated by today’s circumstances, go chase your goals with the skills you have received here.
“The only person who can fail you is yourself. As graduates, realise that your hard work and good heart will take you very far. You are the destiny changers of yourselves and your families. You can change what you want for yourselves. We share the same history and morality.”, said Ayade.
Speaking further, he said “For all 155 of you who have graduated today, l give you automatic employment into the state civil service. You are the engineers of the Ministry of Works. Congratulations.”
While addressing the attendees, the state Commissioner for Youth Development and Skill Acquisition, Signor Omang Idiege, thanked the governor for establishing the Academy to “cushion the effects of idleness among youths.
He said the academy will help provide financial freedom to the youths and reduce the rate of youth unemployment in the State.
