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Otu Launches Devt Program for Cross River Retiring Civil Servants

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From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

In a bold step towards ensuring a secure and fulfilling post-retirement life for civil servants, Governor Bassey Otu of cross river state has unveiled the Retiree Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI).

The program, 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.

The REDI initiative reflects Governor Otu’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by retirees, offering them a platform to transition seamlessly into entrepreneurial ventures.

Speaking at the launch, the Director General of MEDA, Great Ogban, emphasized the transformative nature of the program, 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.”

The program 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.

The Head of Service, Obol Innocent Eteng 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.

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, these 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.

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.

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IFC’s $50m Lagos Free Zone Investment Indicates Confidence in Tinubu’s Reforms – TMSG

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Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG), says the 50 million dollars equity investment in the Lagos Free Zone by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is a vote of confidence in President Tinubu’s reforms.

In a statement on Tuesday by Mr Emeka Nwankpa, its Chairman, TMSG said the investment was a major indicator that the country’s business environment was gaining interest across the investment world.
According to him, it is an affirmation of Nigeria’s readiness for big business under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“That a reputable body like the IFC deemed it fit to commit a whopping 50 million dollars equity investment in a private business initiative in the country is no mean feat.
“Clearly, it is a stamp of approval by the international community that Nigeria is a good place to invest, a place where there is a guarantee of returns on investments.“But for us, it is a signal that the country is truly ready for big business as a result of ongoing reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration.”This is contrary to a few misconceptions in purely partisan quarters about the policies.”Nwankpa said that it was interesting that IFC’s equity investment was for the development and expansion of Nigeria’s first deep-sea port at the privately-run Lagos Free Zone.He added that the investment, the largest single financial commitment by IFC in recent years, was designed to address critical infrastructure gaps.”It will as well attract local and global businesses, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.“We are convinced that the decision to invest in the free zone will unlock new opportunities for businesses in the deep sea port that is already acknowledged to have world-class facilities.“We agree with President Tinubu that it is a testament to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as the ongoing efforts by his administration to attract foreign direct investment.“We also commend Tolaram, the owners of the Port-based industrial zone, which recently acquired Guinness and turned its financial fortunes around in just six months, for their continued efforts at showing that Nigeria is a good place to invest,” he said.He added that Nigeria’s business environment had recorded incremental improvement in the last few months in response to the federal government’s policies, noting that Nigeria remained Africa’s biggest investment capital.(NAN)

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BREAKING: Edwin Clark Dies at 97

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Former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Edwin Clark, is dead.

According to a statement released by his family, the chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF died on Monday night,

He was 97 years old.
“The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.

) Sen.
Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday 17th February , 2025.
’’

“Born in Kiagbodo, in the Ijaw area of what is now Delta State, late Clark attended primary and secondary schools at Effurun, Okrika and Afugbene before completing further studies at the Government Teacher Training College, which later became Delta State University, Abraka.

Thereafter, he worked briefly as a school teacher before traveling abroad to earn a law degree.

“He worked with the administrations of military governor Samuel Ogbemudia and head of state, General Yakubu Gowon between 1966 and 1975. In 1966, he was a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region province, David Ejoor and was appointed Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975.

“May his soul rest in peace, Amen.”

“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”

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Lagos Lawmakers Demand Investigation into DSS Interference 

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The Lagos State House of Assembly has called for a thorough investigation into the Department of State Services (DSS) for its undue interference at the complex on Monday.

Mr Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security, and Strategy, made this statement in Lagos on Monday.

Report says that there was chaos at the Assembly on Monday, with lawmakers and staff clashing with DSS personnel upon arrival.

The complex was closed for several hours before legislative staff forced open the chamber’s doors.

Ogundipe said the presence of armed DSS operatives undermined the sanctity of the assembly and obstructed lawmakers from fulfilling their constitutional duties.

He called on relevant authorities to investigate this unwarranted restriction and ensure such incidents do not happen again.

Ogundipe stressed that the DSS’s presence infringed upon the legislature’s independence and directly attacked democratic governance.

The lawmaker also noted a DSS publication about a letter dated Feb. 14, titled ‘Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA.’

Ogundipe explained that the DSS released a letter from the Acting Clerk, requesting security presence at the Assembly complex, to justify their actions.

He stated that when lawmakers and staff arrived, they found the Speaker’s, Deputy Speaker’s, and Acting Clerk’s offices locked by DSS operatives, and the legislative chamber sealed.

Ogundipe emphasised that while the House had previously sought security from the DSS, the request never included invading offices or restricting access to the chamber.

“The letter requesting security never instructed the DSS to invade the legislative chamber or lock offices,” he clarified.

He added, “Today’s events raise serious concerns about undue interference in legislative affairs.”

Ogundipe reminded that lawmakers had lawfully removed the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and continued to support Speaker Mojisola Meranda’s leadership.

The lawmakers remain committed to enacting laws that promote the development and progress of the state. (NAN)

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