By Francis Ogar
CalabarCalabar
You lead project, which is implemented by a Canadian non-governmental organization (NGO), CUSO International and funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada says it has trained over 5000 young men and women in Cross River state on entrepreneurship development.
The NGO also said that, with the impact and success story in which the project was promoting entrepreneurship, the state was on the verge of becoming the Japan of Africa as entrepreneurship is becoming the only means of livelihood.
You lead Project team leader, Mr. Jerry Nwigwe, disclosed this in his office while briefing news men on the activities of CUSO International for the past four years.
He said “we have trained over 5000 youths on entrepreneurship programme. We have also given over 1000 youth access to finance and equally trained 20 partners to ensure that their programmes and activities are both gender responsive and environmentally responsible”.
Nwigwe explained that You lead project promotes four major value chain in the areas of Agriculture, Aqua Culture, Renewable energy and none timber forest products.
He further stated that CUSO International is also looking into the value chain of Rice, Cassava, Palm Oil, Livestock, Poultry, Honey and Mushroom.
The Team Leader noted that the youth are excited to go into Fishery Production but were faced with some challenges which include feeds, local raw materials and preservation facilities.
CUSO International disclosed that Cross River has large water body and that there were ponds which could not be found anywhere in the world and urged the state and federal government on the protection and investment in aqua culture.
