As encomium continues to trail Governor Otu’s recent 800m agro-business startup grant to youths, and distribution of tractors and other equipment to rural farmers, foremost Cross River entrepreneur, James Alicha has hailed Otu’s Agro-initiatives in the state.
He said in Ogoja, weekend, that the initiatives were bold and ambitious moves to empower the youth and stimulate economic growth in the state.
“Providing 400 youths with N2 million each to kickstart their agro businesses is indeed a bold and ambitious attempt to overhaul the economy through agricultural entrepreneurship. The incentives given to rural farmers particularly the distribution of tractors only further reinforced the governor’s determination to diversify the economy of the state through agriculture”, Alicha said.
He described the N800 million youths in agriculture grant and the distribution of farming inputs and machines to rural farmers as cornerstones of the governor’s strategy to foster entrepreneurship and combat the pressing issues of unemployment and poverty in the state.
Alicha who praised Governor Otu for his visionary leadership and commitment to youth development said: “These empowerment initiatives are not just financial investments; they represent transformative opportunities for our young people. It will enhance their livelihoods and create a ripple effect of economic growth within our communities and beyond.”
“The empowerment program is meticulously designed to equip young individuals with essential skills, training, and resources necessary for establishing and growing their own businesses. Governor Otu’s initiative comes at a critical time, addressing the urgent need for sustainable job creation in a challenging economic landscape”, he observed.
“In conjunction with the #800m youth empowerment initiative, the recent distribution of tractors to farmers marks a significant step toward modernizing agriculture in Cross River State. This move is expected to enhance productivity and efficiency among local farmers, enabling them to increase their output and contribute to food security in the state, Alicha added.
These life-changing ventures, according to Alicha, are anticipated not only to provide jobs for the beneficiaries but also to invigorate local economies through increased agricultural production and additional employment opportunities.
He emphasized that these initiatives demonstrate a clear understanding of the vital role that young entrepreneurs and farmers play in driving innovation and economic progress.
“Continued support for such initiatives is essential,” Alicha urged, calling on other stakeholders and community leaders to foster an environment that encourages entrepreneurship among the youth, adding: “With the right resources, training, and mentorship, the young people of Cross River State can become formidable contributors to our economy.”
He reiterated that the empowerment of these young entrepreneurs and the support for local farmers signified a commitment to tackling youth unemployment and poverty while laying the groundwork for sustainable economic development in Cross River, submitting that the initiatives marked a significant step in the state’s efforts to harness the potential of its youth and agricultural sector, fostering a generation of innovators and leaders who will contribute to the overall advancement of Cross River State.
