By Elijah Ugani
The Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme has invited young people across the state who are interested in plantain chips and peanut production to apply for equipment under the forthcoming People’s First Mass Empowerment Programme.
The initiative is aimed at supporting young Cross Riverians who are already involved in the businesses or have a genuine interest in starting or expanding enterprises in the sector.
According to the Chairman of the Cross River State Youth Empowerment Scheme, Dr. Kalita Joseph Aruku, selected beneficiaries will receive equipment to enable them to start or upscale their businesses.
Interested applicants have been advised to provide their name, desired trade, ward and Local Government Area (LGA) when applying. They are also encouraged to attach supporting evidence demonstrating their involvement or interest in the requested trade.
Dr. Aruku said the information would assist the scheme in ensuring a fair distribution of the empowerment items across communities and promoting inclusiveness in the selection process.
He, however, stressed that applying does not guarantee selection, as beneficiaries will be chosen based on the programme’s criteria and available resources.
The scheme also cautioned individuals who have previously been shortlisted to receive an empowerment item against applying for the programme.
The initiative is part of efforts under the People’s First Mass Empowerment Programme to provide young people with practical support and opportunities to establish or strengthen small businesses across Cross River State.