By Onwa Ekor
Determined to tackle post-retirement poverty, Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has officially flagged off the second phase of the Retiree Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI).
The program, which comprises 1,500 participants, will run for a cumulative period of four weeks across the three senatorial districts of the State.
Otu, represented by the Director-General/CEO of the state Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CR-MEDA), Great Ogban, disclosed that the second phase of the scheme remains a direct ripple effect of the positive impact recorded during the initial phase.
He urged all participants to capitalize on the initiative to secure their financial future.
To ensure the sustainability of these new ventures, the governor highlighted a two-tier financial support system, which will see participants receiving initial capital courtesy of the state government upon completion of the program, while CR-MEDA will provide access to single-digit loan facilities to help retirees further upscale their businesses.
In a goodwill message, the pioneer Director General of MEDA, Dr. Ignatius Atsu, noted that the agency’s mandate remains focused on driving the growth of MSMEs by providing essential business development training and technical expertise.
He explained that the Agency is now in its 15th year of operation, following its establishment in 2011 by former governor Liyel Imoke.
Among those in attendance at the event were, REDI Coordinator, Terence Elemi; Manager, Corporate Affairs and Client Services (MEDA) Nissi Ibiang and Centre Manager, Enterprise Development Center, Lawrence Ekpezu.
Participants expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, pledging to utilize the training to build successful enterprises.
A retiree, Mrs. Edim Eyo Archibong, shared her enthusiasm for the program, informing that she intends to seize the opportunity to significantly enhance her business acumen.
