Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has encouraged retirees to go beyond showing off their certificates and instead become business owners who promote entrepreneurship in the state.

He gave this advice during the graduation of 1,500 participants from different training programs offered by the Cross River State Microfinance Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA). These included basic, advanced, and retiree-focused business courses under the Retiree Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI).

The training was designed to help retirees and soon-to-retire workers prepare for life after government service by learning how to run successful businesses.

The graduation event was held at the Calabar International Convention Center.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Eno, Governor Otu said that the training supports the state’s vision of encouraging people to think creatively and become business-minded.

He pointed out that helping people become business owners is better than having them depend on government jobs.

The governor stressed that the state now expects retirees to build their own ventures instead of waiting for government employment. He said retirement should be seen as the start of a new and productive chapter in life.

According to him, “Retirement is no longer the end. It now means new hope and the chance to achieve great things.”

He also urged retirees to change the way business is seen in the state by becoming part of the growing community of entrepreneurs.

Governor Otu added that the era of unemployment and grown children depending on their parents is over. He encouraged everyone to work toward self-growth and independence.

At the event, Dr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, gave a talk on how small and medium-sized businesses play an important role in driving innovation and supporting economic growth.

To make the ceremony lively, the retirees performed drama, music, and traditional dances from different parts of the state, including the Moninkim, Ekombi, and War Dance.