The Cross River State government, under Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s “People First” agenda, disbursed ₦800 million in grants on September 24, 2025—₦2 million each to 400 beneficiaries, including 200 farmers and 200 former Bakassi Defence Force members.
This initiative, following intensive training at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State, aims to empower youth, redirect energies toward agriculture, and enhance food security.
Framed as an investment rather than handouts, it targets vulnerable groups to foster long-term productivity and reduce unrest.
Safeguards include monitoring committees across senatorial districts to ensure judicious fund use, with promises of additional funding for accountable beneficiaries.
Pre-disbursement training in July 2025 built skills, while Otu’s broader anti-corruption efforts—such as probing predecessors, eliminating ghost workers, and asset declarations—signal transparency.
Similar past programs, like ₦250 million for retirees and militant reintegration, have seen no major diversion reports.
Public reception on social media is positive, with no immediate fraud allegations.
However, Nigeria’s history of empowerment program failures due to graft, favoritism, and poor follow-up warrants skepticism. In Cross River, inherited issues from the Ayade era and calls for reforms highlight risks.
To ensure success, recommendations include real-time dashboards, external audits by EFCC/ICPC, community feedback, and long-term metrics. Otu’s intent is commendable, but execution will determine if it becomes a model or another unfulfilled promise.
