Empowering Nigerian youth — YouLead launched in Calabar, Nigeria

On November 18, Cuso International Chief Executive Derek Evans, joined the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Perry Calderwood, and the Honourable Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, to officially launch the YouLead project in Calabar, Nigeria. More than 150 people attended the event.

YouLead project is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth in Nigeria to generate long-term, well-being for all Nigerians. The $15.25 million dollar program will last five years and is made possible by the generous support of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.

"The YouLead project will improve the prospects for employment and entrepreneurship of young women and men in Cross River State’s agriculture, tourism, forestry and fisheries sectors,” said Chief Executive Derek Evans during his remarks. “And do so by respecting the need to create environmentally sustainable jobs as we grow the opportunities in the small business sector. The project will also support state government institutions developing policies and programs for the natural resource sector.”