Cross River State Empowers 400 Youths with ₦2m Agricultural Grants

News in brief:

-The Cross River State Government has disbursed ₦800 million in grants to 400 youths to support agricultural ventures and entrepreneurship.

-Beneficiaries, who received training, will use the ₦2 million each to drive food production, reintegration, and economic growth in the state.

The Cross River State Government has disbursed ₦800 million in grants to 400 youths, including former members of the defunct Bakassi Defence Force and farmers, as part of its reintegration and empowerment drive. Each beneficiary received ₦2 million to boost agricultural ventures and entrepreneurial activities.

The grant beneficiaries had earlier completed intensive training at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State, where they were equipped with skills in innovative and integrated agricultural value chains. The programme is designed to provide modern farming techniques and business knowledge to help the youths build sustainable livelihoods.

Who It Concerns

Governor Senator Bassey Otu, who presented the grants, said the initiative aligns with the state’s “People First” agenda. He explained that the programme aims to redirect youthful energy from destructive behaviour into productive activities, particularly in agriculture.

“No society thrives when its most vibrant demographic is left unguided,” Otu said, assuring beneficiaries that there is no stigma attached to their participation. “This empowerment program targets the youth as a critical force for societal progress, turning potential liabilities into development assets.”

Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Patrick Egbede, described the graduation of the 400 trainees as a milestone in job creation and economic growth. Beneficiaries such as Mrs Mary Ekuri and Solomon Essien expressed gratitude, pledging to invest the funds responsibly in line with the governor’s vision.

Training and Reintegration Through Agriculture

The empowerment scheme reflects the administration’s focus on human capital development. The training at CSS Farms, recognised for its modern agricultural technologies and sustainable practices, exposed the participants to mechanised farming and value chain integration.

By combining grants with training, the state hopes to enhance food sufficiency, reduce youth restiveness, and promote wealth creation. Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to entrepreneurship as a tool for economic stability and social harmony.

What You Should Know

The Cross River–CSS Farms partnership, which began under former Governor Ben Ayade, is part of a long-term strategy to reposition agriculture as a commercial sector. Through this collaboration, the state has invested in training for value chains such as cassava, maize, soybeans, cocoa, and aquaculture.

The programme is supported by mechanisation services, input supply, seed multiplication, and market linkages. Initiatives like Project Grow have also been launched to accelerate land allocation and support farmers with equipment, helping drive youth participation in agribusiness and reinforcing the state’s diversification agenda.