Otu's Aide Calls On Civil Servants To Enrol in Council for Unemployed, Small-scale Business Owners

By Ndifreke BASSEY

The Commissioner, Ministry of Int’l Donor Coordination, Dr Hippolatus Lukpata, has called on civil servants across the state to enrol in the Council for Unemployed and Small-scale Business Owners to open up alternative sources of income.

Lukpata, who made the call when he received Executive of the Council along side his Permanent Secretary, Mr Chris Anake including Staff of the Ministry, said the Council is a credible platform which can be used to reduce poverty amongst Cross Riverians..

The Commissioner observed, the grassroot coverage of the body, its conduct and operations is devoid of exploitation of the poor while the transparent manner and proper documentation of its activities is a clear indication that they can make a positive difference in the lives of the people of the state.

He therefore, called on civil servants across the state "to leverage on the scheme to open up alternative sources of income through operations of small businesses in preparation for retirement, adding that, life after retirement is a different phase of life that requires proper planning."

Earlier, the State Chairman, Council for Unemployed and Small-scale Business Owners in CR, Comr. Prince. Sunday Ndep Ebam, noted that the Council have been in existence for seven years and under his leadership 1,800 Cross Riverians have benefited from the federal government #20,000 disbursement while 210 have been gainfully employed through the National Directorate of Employment.

He said the scheme has the mandate to register unemployed persons while government has removed all bottlenecks that could hinder the smooth operations and implementation of the program by settling the mortgage through the Zenith bank in the state.

According to Mr Ebam, government is serious with the issue of reducing poverty and unemployment among her citizenry, hence, the introduction of the Nano grant and the business loan program.