As part of his effort at addressing economic inequality and curbing youth restiveness, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, yesterday, doled out N800 million to 400 Cross Riverians, including 200 farmers and 200 former members of the defunct Bakassi Defence Force, to support their reintegration, agricultural ventures, and entrepreneurial pursuits.

The beneficiaries, who recently concluded intensive training on Innovative and Integrated Agricultural Value Chains at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State, each received N2 million in seed capital to either establish or expand their businesses.

Speaking at the event yesterday in Calabar, Otu described the initiative as a deliberate effort to redirect the energy of young people from destructive tendencies toward productive and transformative ventures.

“Today’s empowerment programme is targeted at redirecting the strength of our youths from destructive to productive ventures. The youth are the pulse of society – versatile, dynamic, and capable of shaping the future,” the governor said.

He emphasised that the intervention was not a show of abundant state resources but a strategic investment in human capital designed to turn “societal liabilities into development assets.” According to him, agriculture was deliberately chosen as the focus because of its pivotal role in food security and economic sustainability.

“We are poised to remove the negative character often associated with our young ones and transform them into veritable assets for development. The seed capital we are releasing today is only a test of your dexterity and commitment. Show us results, and we are ready to add more,” Otu assured.