The Cross River Government has advised residents to refrain from participating in the planned nationwide protest on August 1.
In a statement on Tuesday, Commissioner for Information Dr. Erasmus Ekpang acknowledged the challenges Nigerians are facing but emphasized that the government is committed to addressing these issues.
Ekpang highlighted the adverse effects of the previous EndSARS protests and warned that the state government would take decisive action against any threats to peace.
He outlined the various intervention programs implemented to support the people, including:
– Cash Transfer Program: Disbursed about N1.3 billion to 117,802 poor and vulnerable households.
– SME Grants: Provided grants between N100,000 and N400,000 to 2,136 enterprises.
– Agricultural Inputs: Donated to 73,634 farmers under the FADAMA program.
– Livelihood Grant Program: Distributed between N50,000 and N200,000 each to about 4,000 individuals.
– Labour Intensive Public Works Program: Enrolled and paid six months’ stipends to 20,898 youths, amounting to N1.3 billion.
– Canoes and Fishing Boats: Built and distributed to youths in riverine communities.
– WAEC Registration: Spent N440 million to register 16,301 residents for the West African School Certificate Examination.
Ekpang concluded by emphasizing the government’s continuous efforts to alleviate economic hardships and urged residents to maintain peace.
