Bassey Otu, Cross River governor, has empowered over 400 repentant agitators from the ex-Bakassi Defence Force and 200 farmers with N2m grants each.
The Governor urged the youths to direct their energy to productive ventures rather than destructive ones, Otu stated
The 400 Cross River Ex-Bakassi Defence Force had graduated from the intensive training on innovative and integrated agricultural value chain at Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) farms in Nasarawa, a feat that was fully sponsored by the administration of Prince Bassey Otu.
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Empowering them at Hogis Royale hotel, Calabar, the governor maintained that one of the hallmarks of a responsible government is its commitment to integrating the yearnings of the people into its overall development plan, admitting that one of such yearnings is the economic empowerment of the citizenry.
According to Otu, “any failure to properly harness and articulate the potential of our youths will leave them with no option than anti-social vices and activities which usually dent the progress, harmony and peace of the society.”
He remarked that the said disbursement of N800m as grants to sub farmers and former members of the Bakassi Defence force remains a value-laden gesture predicated on the strategic human capital posture of his administration.
Otu affirmed that the initiative will curb youth restiveness and other anti-social behaviour, which are completely negative to society, adding that the agricultural value chain was deliberately chosen as the preferred sector for the training and empowerment due to its benefits and the need to attain food sufficiency before the end of his administration.
The governor also said, “the coast is clear for every youth who is willing to shun violence and embrace the various self employment opportunities created by the state government as we are poised to transforming the character of our young ones from being societal liabilities to veritable developmental assets.”
Continuing, Otu assured that the former members of the Bakassi Defence Force will not be stigmatised in any way, as he will do everything possible to ensure that they are properly integrated into society.
“The seed capital you receive today,” the governor said, “is to test your character and commitment, once we see what you have done with these, we are ready to add another one.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede, pointed out that the intensive training programme on innovative and integrated agricultural value chain, an initiative of the governor, was designed to equip trainees with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the agricultural sector.
According to him, agriculture remains a critical sector in the state economy, hence he is optimistic that investing in it would yield significant returns.
“I am confident that the knowledge and skills acquired by these trainees/ graduands will enable them to make meaningful impact in their lives, families, communities and contribute to the state economic growth,” the Commissioner assured.
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Representative of the Bakassi Defence force, Obongette Ini Okon aka Virus, thanked the governor for the gesture, promising that, “we have changed and will not go back to our past, and we will ensure that the state remains in peace.”
For a beneficiary farmer, Solomon Edem Essien, “I lack words to express my gratitude to you, our governor. You are truly a governor, indeed, a talker and doer. We want to assure you that these funds are not for chieftaincy recognition of marriage but to help us be self-reliant.
