To ensure a secure and fulfilling post-retirement life for civil servants, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu has unveiled the retiree entrepreneurship development initiative.
The programme, launched in collaboration with the Cross River State Medium Micro-Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) and other key partners, is tailored to equip retiring and recently retired civil servants with entrepreneurial skills and resources for economic independence.
The initiative a statement issued on Wednesday by Gill Nsa, spokesman to Gov. Out, said reflects the governor’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by retirees, offering them a platform to transition seamlessly into entrepreneurial ventures.
Speaking at the launch, the Director General of MEDA, Great Ogban, emphasized the transformative nature of the programme, saying: “REDI is about empowering our senior citizens to embrace new opportunities and lead fulfilling lives after their years of service.
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“By equipping them with entrepreneurial skills and resources, we aim to reduce post-retirement poverty and create a thriving ecosystem of self-reliant retirees.”
“The programme offers targeted training in leadership, capacity building, and skill acquisition, providing retirees with the tools to launch and manage their own businesses successfully.
“The programme is open to civil servants within three years of retirement and those who retired within the past three years, REDI is poised to redefine retirement as a phase of renewed productivity and financial stability.”
Head of Service, Obol Eteng, lauded Gov. Otu’s vision, describing the initiative as a direct reflection of his dedication to the welfare of Cross Riverians.
“REDI ensures our retirees transition into a dignified and prosperous retirement. This initiative embodies Governor Otu’s philosophy of putting people first and prioritizing their well-being.
“Governor Otu’s administration has consistently championed the cause of civil servants, introducing a series of impactful measures, notable, the allocation of ₦10 billion to clear the backlog of gratuities owed to retirees, implementing long-overdue promotions for state and local government workers, and increasing salaries to meet the national minimum wage standard, among others,” Eteng remarked.
