By: David Akate
The magnanimity of the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu has increased in radiation and spread as he empowers 200 Cross Rivarians on Point of Service (POS ) business.
Distribution of the empowerment materials to jubilant beneficiaries took place recently for the Southern Senatorial District at the Headquarters of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment in Calabar.
The complete package of the POS business outfit included a machine, table, an umbrella and 2 plastic chairs as well as a start up fund to beneficiaries.
While launching the programme, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Patrick Egbede disclosed that The Governor's approval and subsequent release of funds for the project was in fulfilment of his electoral promise to wage a frontal war against poverty.
The Commissioner further stated that by this display of generosity, the Governor aims at empowering the individuals as well as creating an avenue for further employment as the business expands.
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Mr. Egbede informed the gathering that the pilot phase of the project would not be the terminal point but would be expansive to accommodate more interested persons in the future.
Elaborating on the criteria for selection, the Commissioner said that the list was curled up from the registered people by the Wealth Creation Desk Officers located in all the Local Government Areas of the State who indicated interest in POS business.
According to him all categories of the registered people including artisans, widows and widowers, the physically challenged and farmers would be addressed accordingly in the near future.
Commissioner Egbede congratulated beneficiaries and urged them to be diligent in the business in order to accomplish the Governor's desire to create wealth and employment in all facets of human endeavor .
He commended the partnering financial institution ,Parallex Bank for its commitment to the project and advised the beneficiaries to strictly adhere to the teams of agreement to activate the business immediately as the bank would monitor the progress and provide counseling and support always.
In his remark, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr Bassey Akiba advised beneficiaries not to frustrate government's good intentions but to commence the business promptly and generate wealth for the wellbeing of their individual families and the society in general.
The Branch Manager , Parallex Bank. Calabar, Mr. Success Daico assured the bank's readiness to effectively partner with the State Government to ensure the accomplishment of the project.
He advised the beneficiaries to take advantage of the bank's openness to garner free support and counseling for maximum utilisation of the empowerment drive.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Effiom Akabom expressed gratitude to the governor for the generosity and promised proper and effective use of the facilities provided.
The Programme is scheduled to continue at the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts at a later date.
