Governor Bassey Otu’s administration is demonstrating its commitment to senior citizens’ well-being through a new partnership between the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) and the National Senior Citizens Center (NSCC). The collaboration will focus on empowering seniors through the Retiree Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI), a key component of the Governor’s “People First” mandate.
MEDA’s Director-General, Great Ogban, and his team recently met with National Senior Citizens Center (NSCC) Director-General, Dr. Mrs. Emem Omokaro, and her management team to solidify the partnership. Mr. Ogban emphasized the alignment of MEDA’s People First Initiative (POISED), which includes REDI, with Governor Otu’s vision for the state.
Terence Samuel Elemi, General Manager of RME, provided details about REDI, explaining its comprehensive approach to supporting individuals nearing retirement (within five years) and those already retired. The program offers crucial resources such as skills development, entrepreneurship training, access to funding, and health and wellness support. Mr. Elemi also announced Governor Otu’s approval for the project to begin with an initial cohort of 500 participants.
Dr. Omokaro expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting the NSCC’s established framework for senior citizen assistance. To ensure effective implementation, she proposed the creation of a policy framework and a technical team. This team will include stakeholders from relevant ministries (Health, Social Work, Job Creation, and Entrepreneurship), along with representatives from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Cross River State Planning Commission, and MEDA. Dr. Omokaro pledged the NSCC’s full support in developing the policy framework and expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration.
Also present at the meeting were Mr. Omini Oden, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications (NSCC); Mr. Adebayo Adebisi, Head of Research and Planning (NSCC); Elder Samuel Awan, Head of Entrepreneurship and Continuous Engagement (NSCC); and Nissi Ibiang, Lead, Corporate Communications and Client Services (MEDA).
