As the drive for entrepreneurship among young people continues to gain momentum, the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA) has officially inaugurated the People First Entrepreneurship Clubs and Competition for secondary schools in the Southern Senatorial District. The launch saw participation from 40 invited schools, each receiving enterprise kits, certificates of participation, training manuals, and logbooks to support their entrepreneurial endeavors.
In his welcome address, Great Ogban, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of MEDA, emphasized that this initiative aims to instill a culture of entrepreneurship in the youth. He highlighted that the People First Entrepreneurship Clubs and Competition is designed to cultivate the next generation of business leaders in the state, aligning seamlessly with the vision of His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, to promote entrepreneurship at all levels.
Dr. Mrs. Glory Effiong, the Accountant-General of the State, praised the initiative for its potential to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit among students. She encouraged participants to fully engage with the program and hinted at plans to introduce artisanal training programs—such as welding, fabrication, carpentry, and fashion designing—specifically for secondary students.
Enwongo-Abasi Okon, the program coordinator, shared that each participating school will be assigned a mentor and a volunteer, ensuring ongoing monitoring and evaluation to provide advisory support to the students throughout the program.
Also in attendance was the Executive Secretaries of Education in the Southern Senatorial District including Rosemary Bassey, Calabar South; Paul Etim, Akpabuyo; Sir Itaya Bassey, Akamkpa; Bishop Victor Ekpei, Biase; and Margaret Okon, Odukpani, all of whom lauded initiative.
The inauguration event also featured an entrepreneurship masterclass, a mini business pitch session, and breakout discussions with students from all seven local government areas in the Southern Senatorial District.
