The Cross River State Government, under the leadership of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, has launched the Retiree Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI), demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the well-being of senior citizens.
Head of Service, Prof. Innocent Eteng, officially opened the inaugural two-week training program today, focusing on mindset transformation and business development for the first cohort of retirees.
Prof. Eteng, who himself enrolled in the program, highlighted the REDI initiative as a key component of the government’s comprehensive support for retirees, citing the recent approval of Ten Billion Naira for gratuity payments and the consistent payment of pensions. “This program reflects His Excellency’s dedication to ensuring a fulfilling post-service life for our esteemed senior citizens,” he stated.
Great Ogban, Director General of the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA), emphasized the program’s alignment with the administration’s “People First” agenda, promoting entrepreneurship across all demographics.
The REDI program has garnered widespread support, with Essesien Bassey Edem, Chairman of the MEDA Board; Comfort Oko, Senior Special Adviser to Her Excellency on Administration; and Barr. Lawrence Ekpezu, Center Manager of the Enterprise Development Center (EDC), all expressing their commitment to its success. REDI Coordinator, Terence Elemi, assured participants of a smooth and enriching learning experience.
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The training curriculum is specifically tailored to accommodate the cognitive needs of retirees, fostering an engaging and interactive learning environment.
