Secondary school students in Cross River State are poised to gain invaluable entrepreneurial skills through the People First Initiative for Secondary School called the People First Enterprise Club and Competition, spearheaded by the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA). This initiative was unveiled during a recent courtesy visit by MEDA officials to the Ministry of Education.
Enwongho-Abasi Okon, General Manager, Capacity Building and Enterprise Development at MEDA and Program Coordinator, emphasized the program’s potential to empower young students with practical business knowledge.
“These Enterprise Clubs will provide a platform for students to explore their entrepreneurial potential, develop business acumen, and gain hands-on experience,” Okon stated.
Great Ogban, Director-General of MEDA, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with Governor Bassey Otu’s vision of fostering entrepreneurship at all levels, contributing to a robust business ecosystem within the state. He commended the Commissioner for Education, Sen. Stephen Odey (PhD), for his significant contributions to the educational sector.
Sen. Odey warmly welcomed the People First Enterprise Club and Competition, noting its synergy with the Ministry of Education’s mission to equip students with essential enterprise development skills. He pledged full support for the program’s implementation across the state, emphasizing the seamless transition for beneficiaries to the newly established University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE).
“This initiative perfectly complements our efforts to provide students with the tools they need to succeed in the modern economy,” Sen. Odey said. “The UEE will serve as a natural progression for these young entrepreneurs.”
The state’s commitment to educational advancement was further highlighted by the recent upgrade of the College of Education, Akamkpa, to the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE), with admissions currently underway. Additionally, the state has successfully digitalized its admission processes and witnessed a notable improvement in recent WAEC results.
Also present at the meeting were Barr. Francis Oyije, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, and Mrs. Okama Amos, Director of the School Board, both of whom expressed their unwavering support for MEDA’s efforts to nurture entrepreneurship at an early age.
The People First Enterprise Clubs and Competition marks a significant step towards empowering Cross River State’s youth and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.