UNDP Raises Alarm Over Low NJFP Enrollment, Targets Unemployment Through Inclusive Innovation in Cross River

 

At a media and stakeholders’ engagement in Calabar on Wednesday, the 29th Day of April 2026, 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.

The engagement, which took place yesterday, April 29, 2026, at Prof. Eyo Ita House, brought together key stakeholders across government, finance, and the development sector to chart a collaborative path toward job creation and innovation.

A renewed push to tackle unemployment through innovation was also highlighted, with a strong focus on identifying and supporting unconventional innovators, particularly women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from marginalised communities.

Speaking during the event, Catherine emphasized that the initiative is designed to promote practical, community-driven solutions that address real-life challenges. She cited examples such as a solar-powered wheelchair developed by a person living with disability, alongside renewable energy innovations emerging from communities grappling with power shortages.

“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 stated.

She further stressed the importance of collaboration within the innovation ecosystem, noting that existing structures 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 added.

Other stakeholders present included the Director General of the State Microfinance Enterprise Development Agency, Great Ogban, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Dr Inyang Asibong, alongside representatives of banks and non-governmental organisations.

The delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 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.