The Cross River State government has provided succour to 124 Bakassi refugees by assisting them to acquire entrepreneurial skills.
The empowerment is at the instance of the state government in partnership with Rhema Care Integrated Development Centre.
Presenting cheques to the beneficiaries, the Commissioner for Social Housing, Mr. Edem Effiom, said the project was aimed at bringing succour to the displaced people in Bakassi in fulfillment of the promise made by the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade.
He said the state government was determined to ensure the speedy completion of the housing unit projects, which he said, would be allocated to Bakassi returnees.
Effiom, however, urged beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the empowerment programme.
Mr. Lucky Azuzie of Rhema Care Integrated Development Centre, on his part assured government of continued support to meet the needs of the underprivileged.
He said: “We will continue to provide support in whatever way we can to reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of Bakassi people who were chased out of their ancestral homes.’’
Speaking on behalf of the refugees, the camp leader, Mr. Etim Ene, commended the donors for restoring hope and life to the displaced persons through empowerment and promised to make good use of the opportunity.