By Kingsley Agim and Ukongikwen Adie
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development and social equity with the official launch and disbursement of ₦250 million in grants to 500 retirees under the Retiree Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI).
Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Governor Otu flagged off the grant disbursement ceremony on Wednesday, at Hogis Royale Hotel, Calabar. Each beneficiary received a ₦500,000 grant to establish small and micro-scale businesses, marking a significant step in repositioning senior citizens as active players in the state’s economy.
Describing REDI as an “expanded reciprocity” for retirees who dedicated their most productive years to the state’s service, Governor Otu noted that the initiative aligns with his administration’s “People First” agenda, which prioritizes human capital development, economic inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods.
“This government values our retirees and is committed to ensuring they remain economically relevant. Through REDI, we provide not just financial support but also the entrepreneurial training necessary to thrive in private enterprise,” the Governor stated.
He disclosed that the disbursement represents the first phase of the initiative, with subsequent phases scheduled to roll out in the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts. He also assured retirees of continued government support, including access to soft loans through the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA).
Since assuming office, Governor Otu revealed, his administration has prioritized the welfare of retirees, ensuring prompt monthly pension payments and reducing a 14-year backlog of unpaid gratuities to just four years. He also highlighted the enactment of the Cross River State Senior Citizens Centre Law, which provides for the establishment of specialized wellness and support centres in Calabar, Ikom, and Ogoja.
“My administration is for everyone, especially the vulnerable. With your continued prayers and support, we will build a prosperous and resilient state that future generations will be proud to inherit,” he affirmed.
In his remarks, Director General of MEDA, Mr. Great Ogban, described the REDI programme as a transformative pillar of Governor Otu’s “People First” vision. He recounted the successful graduation of 500 retirees in June from an intensive entrepreneurship training programme, culminating in the current disbursement of grants.
“This initiative is not just about financial empowerment; it is a catalyst for economic regeneration. Each nano-business seeded through REDI will create jobs, stimulate local economies, and inspire others,” Ogban said.
He further announced that the next phase of REDI will train and empower 1,000 additional retirees, 500 each from the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts, thereby scaling up the economic impact across the state.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Florence Oluohu, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Otu for giving retirees “a new lease of life” through the initiative. “This programme is a game-changer. Many of us now have the means to begin self-sustaining ventures. I appeal to the government to expand it further to accommodate more retirees,” she said.
The event drew the presence of labour leaders, affiliate unions, senior government officials, and public-spirited individuals, all of whom commended the programme as a rare demonstration of strategic compassion and sustainable governance.
With this landmark initiative, the Otu-led administration has underscored its commitment to rebuilding Cross River State through policies that recognize the dignity and enduring contributions of every citizen, past and present.
