The entrepreneurial spirit of Cross River State took center stage on Tuesday night as the People First Enterprise Awards 2025 unfolded in a spectacular display of glamour, excitement, and tangible financial empowerment.
The event, themed ‘Empowering Dreams, Transforming the Future,’ brought together nominees, government functionaries, industry leaders, and enthusiastic participants to celebrate the dedication and transformative impact of the state’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Entrepreneurs across 13 distinct categories were recognised for their hard work, exceptional service delivery, and crucial role in bridging the unemployment gap, with each winner receiving a Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦500,000) grant to directly fuel their business growth.
In his inspiring opening remarks, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA), Mr. Great Ogban, articulated the profound purpose behind the annual celebration.
“As an Agency, we recognise the importance of empowering dreams, hence our non-stop pursuit for enterprise development and supporting the MSMEs in Cross River State,” Mr. Ogban stated. “The People First Enterprise Awards is specifically aimed at honouring their contributions to our society. This recognition, coupled with the financial support, is designed to spur our entrepreneurs even further.”
The spotlight shone brightly on the dedicated winners, whose work spans the breadth of the state’s economy and they include Queenieez Kitchen (Tourism and Hospitality), Ajeboh Clothing & Branding (Fashion and Styling), Now Now Logistics (Transportation and Logistics), Jayhnes Touch Events (Event Management), Seekees Footies (Manufacturing and Production), Romaan Premium (Entertainment and Lifestyle), Barbier and More (Retail, Wholesale and Distribution), and Calabargist (Media and Journalism).
Others are Patrick Dominic (Content Creation and Filmmaking), Hogis Fitness (Health and Wellness), Benco Fabrication (Artisan and Skilled Works), The orange show by Abimere (Education and Advocacy), while Alexi Newton and Yutiee Marti tied at Agriculture and Value Chain category.
The successful conclusion of the 2025 People First Enterprise Awards underscores the state government’s dedication to creating an environment where local innovation is celebrated and financially rewarded, guaranteeing a brighter, self-reliant future for Cross River State.
