The Cross River government and the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited have begun satellite tech and digital communication training for 200 youths.

The five-day training workshop, with the theme ‘Building Grassroots Innovation in Satellite Technology’, was declared open by Governor Bassey Otu on Tuesday.

Speaking at the programme, designed to equip participants with practical skills in digital technology, Mr Otu said that the workshop aimed to advance the state’s digital future.

Mr Otu further stated that the training was designed to build manpower to meet global technology demands.

“50 participants were selected for the Space Hackathon, and 150 others for the VSAT training. All the participants were drawn from across the local government areas of the state.

“This training is not just about skills; it is about building manpower to meet global technology demands. The labour market in cable and telecom is growing rapidly. This training positions the participants to take advantage of available opportunities as installers, technicians, and entrepreneurs,” he said.

The managing director of NIGCOMSAT, Jane Egerton-Idehen, described the training as timely and commended the state government for making it possible.

Represented by Maurine Izekwe, a deputy director at the establishment, Jane Egerton-Idehen stated that the Cross River government had shown great interest in the well-being of its people.

“We sent out proposals to different states, but only the Cross River government took action. This shows the government’s commitment towards youth development,” she said.

She said that the programme had two major tracks, such as VSAT and Space Hacks 2025.

“The VSAT is designed to equip participants with the skills to assemble and install satellite systems, while the Space Hacks encourages youth to create local solutions through space technology.

“We expect participants to be able to set up a full VSAT system by the end of this training; take it seriously. The state government and NIGCOMSAT have invested heavily in this,” she said.

Also speaking, the commissioner for youth development and skills acquisition, Ukam Odum-Ijom, reiterated the state government’s commitment to youth development through digital skills acquisition.

“We have so many youths in Cross River, but a few of you were chosen to acquire this knowledge; the intention is to empower you to become self-reliant,” he said.

(NAN)