From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Governor Bassey Edet Otu has unveiled the Retiree Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI), a post-retirement life for civil servants.
The programme launched in collaboration with the Cross River State Medium Micro-Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) and other key partners, is tailored to equip retiring and recently retired civil servants with entrepreneurial skills and resources for economic independence.
Speaking at the launch, Director General of MEDA, Great Ogban, emphasised the transformative nature of the programme, saying: “REDI is about empowering our senior citizens to embrace new opportunities and lead fulfilling lives after their years of service. By equipping them with entrepreneurial skills and resources, we aim to reduce post-retirement poverty and create a thriving ecosystem of self-reliant retirees.”
REDI offers targeted training in leadership, capacity building, and skill acquisition, providing retirees with the tools to launch and manage their own businesses successfully. Open to civil servants within three years of retirement and those who retired within the past three years, REDI is poised to redefine retirement as a phase of renewed productivity and financial stability.
Obol Innocent Eteng, Head of Service, lauded Governor Otu’s vision, describing REDI as a direct reflection of his dedication to the welfare of Cross Riverians.
“REDI ensures our retirees transition into a dignified and prosperous retirement. This initiative embodies Governor Otu’s philosophy of putting people first and prioritizing their well-being,” Eteng remarked.
Governor Otu’s administration has consistently championed the cause of civil servants, introducing a series of impactful measures, notable, the allocation of ₦10 billion to clear the backlog of gratuities owed to retirees; implementing long-overdue promotions for state and local government workers; increasing salaries to meet the national minimum wage standard, among others.
With the launch of REDI, the efforts are further solidified, highlighting the governor’s determination to honor the contributions of civil servants and ensure they enjoy the rewards of their labor.
The REDI launch event was graced by prominent government officials, including Elder Obeten Obeten Enang, Director of Administration (Head of Service Office); Martin Unoh, Director of Accounts (Head of Service Office); and Enwongo-Abasi Okon, General Manager of MEDA.
The initiative has received widespread commendation from stakeholders, who see it as a proactive solution to the challenges faced by retirees. By empowering retirees to become financially self-reliant, REDI is not just addressing immediate concerns but also contributing to the state’s broader economic growth.
Governor Otu’s vision goes beyond the immediate; it is a roadmap to a future where civil servants, past and present, are celebrated and supported. The REDI program symbolizes his administration’s focus on creating opportunities, fostering dignity, and ensuring prosperity for all Cross Riverians.
With REDI now in motion, Cross River State is setting a new standard in public service welfare, proving that retirement is not an end, but a new beginning filled with possibilities.