Senior secondary school students in the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State are showing renewed interest in entrepreneurship following the launch of the People First Entrepreneurship Clubs and Competitions. The initiative, introduced by the state government through the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA), is designed to build entrepreneurial skills and business creativity among young people.
Students from thirty government schools across the district took part in a masterclass where they shared innovative business ideas and discussed ways to turn their creativity into sustainable ventures. The program aims to help students understand how small businesses can grow into larger enterprises, a step that could support job creation and economic development in the state.
Many of the students praised the initiative and urged the government to expand it to all senatorial districts. Egbegwu Great-Favor from Agbo Comprehensive Secondary School, Egbori, said the entrepreneurship clubs should be replicated statewide so more students can gain valuable hands-on experience in business development.
Efem Gift Alaga from Community Secondary School, Itigidi, shared, “Entrepreneurship is about creating jobs and bridging the gap of unemployment.” She explained that the training inspired her to be more deliberate in helping her mother manage her local tabletop business. Agbor Favor Lifa from Yalankum Community Secondary School described it as his “first time learning about entrepreneurship” and thanked the state government for the opportunity.
The masterclass was led by Nissi Ibiang, Manager of Corporate Affairs and Clients’ Services at MEDA, who encouraged students to focus on action rather than just ideas. She urged them to identify problems within their communities and develop business solutions, noting that true entrepreneurship comes from problem-solving and innovation.
Program Coordinator Enwongo-Abasi Okon explained that the pilot phase is meant to nurture young minds and promote business development. According to her, one hundred schools will compete later for prizes worth up to 1 Million Naira and other rewards.
The event was attended by major education officials from the Central Senatorial District, including Education Secretaries Ekpae Ogar (Ikom), Enyianani Odohi (Abi), Arop John (Boki), Amba Ndifon (Etung), Mmanake Ubi (Yakurr), Ekoyi Ayami (Obubra), and Coordinating Supervisory Director Caroline Okongor.