CRSG Releases N150m For SMEs

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke has released cheques worth over N150 million to Cross Riverians to start their business, as part of his administration’s effort to reduce unemployment among youths.
Speaking at the occasion organised by Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA), at the Main Bowl of the Cultural Centre Complex recently, on the theme: “Entrepreneurship: the viable option to Youth Empowerment,” Governor Imoke commended MEDA for the event and noted that, there is no easy way to success, but that what Government is doing is creating opportunity for business development in the State.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on investment promotion, Mr. Gerald Ada had said the essence of the programme was to create job opportunity for the youths and Cross Riverians adding, that so far, over Two Thousand Five Hundred (2,500) youths are already beneficiaries through MEDA, and that Two Thousand Seven Hundred (2,700) new jobs have already been created.
Mr. Ada therefore, encouraged the youths to take advantage of the opportunity created to reduce unemployment, noting that, if youths are serious, opportunities are always available to empower them.
According to MEDA, the objective of the programme included; promoting a change in the perception and general attitude of Cross Riverians, re-orienting them towards Private Enterprise by encouraging the entrepreneural spirit and a deliberate movement away from looking for paid employment.
It was also to facilitate linkages with business associates like Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, NASSI NASME, and others.