Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, has approved the second phase implementation of the Retiree Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI), set to benefit an additional 500 civil servants in Cross River State. The approval was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the management of the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA) to the newly appointed Head of Service, Mr. Orok Okon, as part of efforts to strengthen engagement with civil servants.
In his opening remarks, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of CRSMEDA, Great Ogban, congratulated Mr. Okon on his appointment, describing him as an administrator with deep institutional knowledge. Ogban also acknowledged the Head of Service’s support for the Civil Service Technology Empowerment for Capacity and High Performance (CIVTECH) program, which focuses on equipping civil servants with essential ICT skills to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Ogban announced that Governor Otu had approved the second phase of REDI, explaining that it would target civil servants with less than two years of active service remaining. He said the programme would cover beneficiaries across the three Senatorial Districts of the state. According to him, the initiative is designed to prepare workers for life after retirement by providing entrepreneurship education and practical skills aimed at reducing post-retirement poverty.
Responding, the Head of Service, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Glory Odu Orji, commended CRSMEDA for its consistent commitment to enterprise development across the state. He highlighted the impact of REDI, including the grant of Five Hundred Thousand Naira to each of the 500 beneficiaries under the new phase.
Mr. Okon stated that his administration is driven by a three-pronged strategy of professionalism, digitization, and cultural change. He said this approach is intended to make the civil service more attractive, efficient, and results-driven while upholding high standards.
He added that the Federal Government, through the Federal Civil Service, plans to transition to paperless documentation by 2026, stressing importance of embracing the CIVTECH program.
