The Director-General of the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA), Mr. Great Ogban, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu. Describing the governor’s tenure as a “season of sweetness,” Ogban highlighted plans to strengthen the business ecosystem and foster economic growth across the state.
During an official visit to the Cross River State chapter of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) in Calabar, Mr. Ogban engaged with business owners to better understand their challenges and explore potential government interventions through his agency. This visit was part of his broader tour to assess and interact directly with entrepreneurs across the state.
NASME’s Vision for Economic Growth
In his welcome address, NASME Chairman, Mr. James Alicha, expressed his gratitude to Governor Otu for appointing Mr. Ogban to lead MEDA, describing him as someone with deep insights into the state’s business landscape. Alicha emphasized NASME’s mission of driving economic development in Cross River State by promoting small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) activities, which are crucial for revenue generation and sustainable growth.
Highlighting the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, Mr. Alicha noted the difficulties in accessing affordable funding and the high cost of securing loans. He also stressed the importance of government support in alleviating these hurdles to enable SMEs to thrive.
Appeals for Targeted Support
During the session, NASME’s women leader, Dr. Ekaete Vincent, called for increased access to loans and grants tailored to women entrepreneurs, who primarily manage small-scale businesses in the state. She emphasized that empowering women would significantly boost the local economy.
Echoing her sentiments, the youth leader, Mr. Declan Ogar, stressed the critical role of young people in driving economic transformation. He urged the government to invest in youth-focused initiatives that would encourage their active participation in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
MEDA’s Strategic Commitment
Mr. Ogban commended NASME for its dedication to maintaining a vibrant business community in Cross River State. He assured the association of MEDA’s partnership in realizing Governor Otu’s vision of building a robust and viable business sector.
Outlining the agency’s plans, Ogban revealed that MEDA would develop a strategic framework to incorporate the digital and creative industries into the state’s economic agenda. He also announced forthcoming initiatives to provide loans and grants aimed at helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses, ensuring that Cross River remains a hub for innovation and commerce.
