Coneri Blog

Cross River GEEP Program Manager Visits Calabar Markets, Reiterates Government's Commitment To Sustaining The Initiatives

The Program Manager for the Cross River State Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Mrs. F***y Odey, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, visited major markets in Calabar to engage traders and to reaffirm government’s commitment not only to the commencement of the third phase but also to the sustainability of the programme.

Markets visited during the exercise included Watt Market, Marian Market, and Ikot Ishie Market, where Mrs. Odey interacted with traders, addressed concerns, and highlighted the benefits of the schemes.

She explained that the visit was designed to strengthen the relationship between the GEEP team and beneficiaries of the previous phases of the TraderMonie and MarketMonie loans, while also assuring those yet to benefit of their inclusion in the forthcoming third phase. Mrs. Odey emphasized that the scheme, one of the Federal Government’s flagship social intervention programmes implemented across states, is aimed at providing interest-free loans and support to traders, artisans, and small business owners to boost their businesses and promote economic growth. She added that hundreds of traders in the state have already benefitted, with more set to benefit in the upcoming phase.

“The government remains committed to the economic empowerment of its people, especially our hardworking traders who drive commerce in our state. Those who are yet to benefit should be rest assured that they will be captured in the third phase,” Mrs. Odey stated.

Some beneficiaries of the previous phases, in their separate remarks, expressed gratitude to the Federal and State Governments for sustaining the programme. They pledged their continued support and prayers for the success of the present administration, noting that the loans and other supports had positively impacted their businesses. They further urged government not to relent in its efforts to provide sustainable livelihoods for the people, particularly those at the grassroots.

By Eriacy Confidence Oba,
GEEP Cross River Media Team

CRSG Hails NDDC at 25, Reaffirms Commitment to Partnership

The Cross River State Government has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its 25 years of service, applauding the Commission’s role in transforming lives across the region through key infrastructure and social development projects.

Speaking at the NDDC 25th Anniversary Plenary in Port Harcourt, Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Edet Otu, said Cross River remains proud of the Commission’s interventions, especially in roads, healthcare, education, and youth empowerment.

He noted that the NDDC has executed 227 completed and ongoing road projects across the state, greatly improving access to markets, schools, healthcare, and farmlands, while also creating jobs and boosting local economies.

Odey also acknowledged the Commission’s continued support despite Cross River’s exclusion from direct oil revenue since 2013, describing NDDC’s efforts as lifelines for many underserved communities.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the NDDC to drive inclusive growth and bridge development gaps across the region.

The Cross River delegation included lawmakers, cabinet members, and other top officials. Dignitaries at the event included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Niger Delta governors, ministers, and traditional rulers.