The Cross River State Government has encouraged young people to take full advantage of the job and wealth creation opportunities offered by the African Development Bank's (AfDB) Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative.
Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Odey, made the call in Calabar while receiving a delegation from the AfDB. He emphasized that the SAPZ project aligns with his administration's "People First" agenda, aimed at rural transformation, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable development.
Governor Otu pledged the state's full support for the SAPZ rollout, promising institutional backing and a conducive environment for its success. He also urged youths and women to engage with the project and acquire relevant skills that would make them self-reliant and active participants in the agro-industrial value chain.
"The SAPZ project will open up the agricultural sector to hundreds of thousands and boost economic participation," the governor said, while also calling on the AfDB to prioritize local content and community engagement to ensure the project's long-term impact and sustainability.
Read also,
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Bernard Onzima, AfDB's Principal Agro-Industrial Processing Officer, reaffirmed the Bank's dedication to empowering youth through the SAPZ model. He said the visit was to assess progress and address any barriers to implementation.
Onzima highlighted that the SAPZ initiative forms part of AfDB's 10-year strategy (2023–2033) to curb unemployment, reduce youth restiveness, and establish agro-industrial hubs that can transform rural economies.
The courtesy visit also included state officials, development partners, and representatives from ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms and Planet Capital.
