The Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) today received a delegation from UNICEF led by Emmanuel Bamidele, Skills and Livelihood Officer. The strategic visit was geared towards establishing a strengthened collaboration between UNICEF and MEDA to advance youth development across the state.
Speaking during the visit, Emmanuel Bamidele noted that the core essence of his working visit was to align with line ministries and key agencies in Cross River State. He opined that livelihood sits directly at the intersection of skill acquisition, financial empowerment, and youth development. He further emphasized that, unlike many other agencies, UNICEF focuses on youths holistically without segregating between young men and women.
Expanding on the scope of the partnership, Bamidele expressed UNICEF’s desire to collaborate with MEDA in implementing the Passport to Earning (P2E) Program. The initiative is designed to equip young people with market-relevant skills, enabling them to earn a sustainable living and contribute meaningfully to society.
In his remarks, Great Ogban, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of MEDA, highlighted the agency’s key activities and achievements over the years. Notably, he revealed that MEDA has disbursed over Five Hundred Million Naira (₦500,000,000) to strengthen small and medium-scale businesses across Cross River State.
Ogban reinforced that MEDA remains firmly committed to its mandate of driving Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) development. He noted that the agency’s success is reflected in the recognition of the Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, who was recently honored by the Presidency as the Most MSME-Friendly Governor.
In conclusion, Ogban expressed MEDA’s full readiness to partner with UNICEF to spearhead the Passport to Earning Program and ensure its seamless, impactful implementation across Cross River State.
