The Cross River State Government has given ₦800 million in grants to 400 people in Calabar.
Each beneficiary, including farmers and ex-Bakassi Defence Force members, received ₦2 million after agricultural training.
The Cross River State Government has released ₦800 million in grants to 400 beneficiaries, including farmers and ex-members of the defunct Bakassi Defence Force, to boost youth empowerment and food security.
Each participant received ₦2 million on Wednesday in Calabar after completing an intensive training on innovative and integrated agricultural value chains at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State.
Governor Bassey Otu said the initiative, under his administration’s “People First” agenda, is designed to channel young people’s energy from unproductive pursuits into meaningful ventures. He described the grants as a deliberate investment in human capital and not a display of the state’s wealth.
According to him, agriculture was chosen because of its crucial role in food sufficiency and job creation. He emphasized that the seed funding is meant to test beneficiaries’ commitment and that the government will consider providing additional support based on their performance.
Otu also assured former agitators that they are seen as active contributors to the state’s progress rather than as outsiders.
Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Patrick Egbede, praised the program as a significant step toward wealth creation and job generation. He disclosed that alongside the agricultural training, 100 young people have also been trained in ICT skills such as web development and programming to broaden empowerment opportunities.
He added that monitoring teams have been set up across the state’s senatorial districts to ensure accountability and to identify outstanding beneficiaries for further support.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Mary Ekuri and Solomon Essien expressed appreciation to the governor and promised to invest the funds in projects that will benefit both themselves and their communities.
