A new digital skills program called BIASE BOLD is set to launch for 100 young people in Biase Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria, through a partnership between The Evidence Group's Biase Chapter, the state's Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) and the Cross River State ICT Hub. The flag-off ceremony is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Conference Hall of Prof. Eyo Ita House in Marian, Calabar.
What the program covers
BIASE BOLD stands for Building Opportunities Through Learning and Digital Skills, and runs under the theme "Every Ward. Every Youth. One Digital Future." Organizers say the 12-week curriculum will be free to selected participants and will include training in artificial intelligence, digital content creation, data analysis, digital marketing and agricultural technology, commonly known as agritech. Beyond technical instruction, the program is expected to include mentorship, onboarding to freelance work platforms, and support aimed at helping participants find internships, employment or start small enterprises.
Who is involved
Mr. Edem Bassey, initiator of The Evidence Group and listed as Special Guest of Honour, is expected to attend the ceremony along with Great Ogban, convener and coordinator of the group's Biase Chapter, plus other local government officials. Participants who complete the program are expected to receive credentials jointly recognized by Biase Local Government Area and the Cross River State ICT Hub, according to organizers.
What remains unclear
As of this report, organizers have not released an application link, formal eligibility criteria or registration dates. Those details are expected to follow after the October 30 launch event. Young people in Biase interested in applying should watch for official updates from The Evidence Group, MEDA or the Cross River State ICT Hub rather than relying on secondhand information, since selection procedures have not yet been made public.
Why it matters
Local digital skills programs like this one are often framed as a response to limited formal job opportunities in Nigeria's local government areas, particularly for young people seeking pathways into freelance or tech-enabled work. The practical impact of BIASE BOLD will depend on execution details not yet disclosed, including how participants are selected, what support continues after the 12 weeks end, and how credentials translate into actual income-generating opportunities for graduates.