Senior secondary school students in the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State are bubbling with entrepreneurial enthusiasm following the successful inauguration of the People First Entrepreneurship Clubs and Competitions — an initiative designed to nurture business creativity among young learners.
The programme, a brainchild of the Cross River State Government and implemented by the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA), aims to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in students from an early age.
Students drawn from 30 government secondary schools across the district participated in an intensive masterclass session, where they brainstormed and shared innovative business ideas — demonstrating early interest and confidence in entrepreneurship.
The feedback from participants reflected strong excitement about the initiative. Egbegwu Great-Favor from Agbo Comprehensive Secondary School, Egbori, called for the clubs to be expanded statewide so that more students can gain firsthand experience in business development.
Similarly, Efem Gift Alaga of Community Secondary School, Itigidi, said, “Entrepreneurship is about creating jobs and bridging the gap of unemployment.” She added that the masterclass had already motivated her to become more intentional about managing her mother’s small business.
For Agbor Favor Lifa of Yalankum Community Secondary School, it was a brand-new experience. “This is my first time learning about entrepreneurship,” he said, expressing gratitude to the state government for providing the opportunity.
Leading the masterclass, Nissi Ibiang, Manager of Corporate Affairs and Client Services at CRSMEDA, urged students to move beyond theory and focus on action. She encouraged them to identify pressing needs within their communities and create viable solutions, stressing that problem-solving is the heart of entrepreneurship.
Enwongo-Abasi Okon, Programme Coordinator of the initiative, explained that the pilot phase aims to shape young minds toward innovation and enterprise development. According to him, the first 100 participating schools will compete in an upcoming entrepreneurship contest, with cash prizes of up to ₦1 million and several consolation awards for outstanding teams.
The inauguration event was attended by key educational stakeholders, including education secretaries from the district’s local governments — Ekpae Ogar (Ikom), Enyianani Odohi (Abi), Arop John (Boki), Amba Ndifon (Etung), Mmanake Ubi (Yakurr), Ekoyi Ayami (Obubra) — as well as Caroline Okongor, Coordinating Supervisory Director (CSD).
The People First Entrepreneurship Clubs are part of Cross River State’s broader effort to equip students with practical business skills, reduce future unemployment, and position the next generation for sustainable economic growth through creativity, innovation, and enterprise.
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