Governor Otu Empowers 400 Cross River Youths, Ex-Agitators with ₦800 Million Grants to Tackle Unemployment, Insecurity
Governor Otu Empowers 400 Cross River Youths, Ex-Agitators with ₦800 Million Grants to Tackle Unemployment, Insecurity
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News | Credit: The Leader
In a bold move to address economic inequality, youth restiveness, and unemployment in Cross River State, Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu has launched a landmark empowerment programme worth ₦800 million. The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday in Calabar, targets 400 beneficiaries, including 200 farmers and 200 former members of the defunct Bakassi Defence Force, providing them with critical support for reintegration, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
Each beneficiary, having successfully completed an intensive training programme on Innovative and Integrated Agricultural Value Chains at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State, received ₦2 million in seed capital to either establish or expand their businesses.
Governor Otu: “Youth are the Pulse of Society”
Speaking at the event, Governor Otu underscored the strategic intent behind the initiative, describing it as a deliberate investment in human capital rather than a mere show of financial capability.
“Today’s empowerment programme is targeted at redirecting the strength of our youths from destructive tendencies to productive ventures. The youth are the pulse of society – versatile, dynamic, and capable of shaping the future,” the governor declared.
He further explained that agriculture was deliberately prioritised because of its central role in ensuring food security and promoting economic sustainability across Cross River State.
“We are poised to remove the negative character often associated with our young ones and transform them into veritable assets for development. The seed capital we are releasing today is only a test of your dexterity and commitment. Show us results, and we are ready to add more,” Otu assured.
The governor also called on the former agitators to embrace the initiative as an opportunity for social and economic reintegration, stressing that empowerment had been a key focus since his tenure in the National Assembly.
A Step Towards Sustainable Development
Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede, praised the initiative as a milestone in the administration’s drive to promote job creation and economic diversification.
“It gives me great pleasure to celebrate the graduation of 400 Cross Riverians from the CSS Farms training. The knowledge and skills gained will empower them to impact their communities positively while contributing to the state’s economy,” Egbede noted.
He also revealed that beyond agriculture, the state government recently trained 100 youths in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), covering areas such as web development and programming, to widen empowerment opportunities across sectors.
To ensure accountability, monitoring committees have been set up across senatorial districts to track the utilisation of the funds, with additional financial support available for beneficiaries who demonstrate transparency and measurable progress.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mary Ekuri expressed appreciation to the state government for the life-changing opportunity.
“This programme has equipped us with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to uplift our families and contribute meaningfully to our dear state. We are committed to putting the support to good use so the benefits ripple across our communities,” she said.
Analysts Hail Programme as Model for Inclusive Growth
Policy analysts have described Governor Otu’s initiative as a model for inclusive economic development, noting that the combination of skill acquisition, seed funding, and monitoring mechanisms could significantly reduce unemployment and youth restiveness if sustained over time.
The governor’s emphasis on agriculture aligns with broader national calls for economic diversification, especially as Nigeria seeks to reduce its overreliance on oil revenues and improve food security.
Observers also point out that empowering former agitators helps consolidate peace in previously volatile areas, creating a foundation for long-term stability and growth.
Looking Ahead
As Cross River State positions itself as a hub for agricultural innovation and youth entrepreneurship, stakeholders are optimistic that initiatives like this will produce ripple effects across the local economy, from increased food production to reduced crime rates and expanded job opportunities.
With Governor Otu promising continued support for successful beneficiaries, the ₦800 million empowerment programme could mark the beginning of a broader transformation agenda across the state.
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