The Government of Cross River State has called on youths to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project.
Governor Bassey Otu made the call when he received a delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Calabar, the state capital.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, Governor Otu said the SAPZ project offers vast job and wealth creation prospects beneficial to the youth population.
Pledging unwavering support for the project’s commencement and execution, the governor urged youths to engage with relevant authorities for inclusion.
Speaking with the AfDB team lead, Mr Bernard Onzima, the Principal Agro-Industrial Processing Officer at the Bank, Governor Otu said the SAPZ strategic interventions aligned with his People First agenda, which focuses on wealth creation, rural transformation, and inclusive economic growth.
“The Cross River State Government is fully prepared to cooperate and ready to support the successful roll-out of the SAPZ programme. We are committed to provide institutional support, engage stakeholders, and create the environment for the project’s timely take-off and delivery,” he said.
“Also, it would interest you to know that this administration places premium importance on partnerships that guarantee inclusivity and sustainable development. As a People First government, we are committed to creating job opportunities for the people.”
“So, I urge the youths and women to avail themselves of the opportunities the SAPZ project offers and acquire the relevant skills to be self-reliant. This project has created job opportunities, and once completed, will open up the agricultural sector for hundreds of thousands to participate,” he added.
Governor Otu commended the Federal Government for selecting Cross River as a beneficiary of the SAPZ project and appealed to AfDB to ensure local content and community participation to foster ownership, reduce unemployment, and guarantee the project’s success.
AfDB to equip youths
In his remarks, Mr Onzima said the AfDB team visited to assess progress since Vice President Kashim Shettima performed the project’s groundbreaking a few months ago.
He said the visit was also to identify and resolve any implementation bottlenecks and evaluate preparations for the SAPZ initiative in the state.
Onzima noted the AfDB’s commitment to transforming Africa’s agricultural sector through the SAPZ model, which seeks to establish agro-industrial hubs, strengthen value chains, and create economic opportunities in rural areas, especially for young people.
“The African Development Bank is rolling out its 10-year (2023-2033) strategy through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme to curb youth restiveness, tackle unemployment, and equip young people with essential skills for the future,” he said.
He assured that the Bank would address any implementation challenges to ensure the project’s success in Cross River and other beneficiary states.
The courtesy visit was attended by the Secretary to the Government of Cross River State, Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh, members of the state executive council, and representatives of ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms and Planet Capital, among others.
PIAK