CROSS River State Government has empowered 200 indigenes with Point of Service (POS ) business.
The distribution of the empowerment materials to jubilant beneficiaries commenced today, Tuesday for the Southern Senatorial District at the Headquarters of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment in Calabar.
Each if the beneficiaries will get a complete package of a POS machine, table, an umbrella and 2 plastic chairs as well as a start up fund.
While launching the program, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Patrick Egbede, said 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 said the empowerment scheme is aimed at creating an avenue for further employment and expand micro business.
Egbede disclosed that the pilot phase of the project would not be the terminal point but would be expansive to accommodate more interested persons.
Elaborating on the criteria for selection, the Commissioner said the list was drawn 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 the various categories of the registered people including artisans, widows and widowers, the physically challenged and farmers would be accommodate in near future.
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 a remark, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr Bassey Akiba, advised the 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 of 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 other beneficiaries Mr Effiom Akabom expressed gratitude to the governor for the generosity and promised proper and effective use of the facilities provided.
The program is scheduled to continue at the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts on a later date.
Beagle News
