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Ukorebi Esien | December 3, 2025
CALABAR - The Cross River State Micro Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) has hosted the second edition of the People's First Enterprise Awards, where over 13 entrepreneurs drawn from various sectors received ₦500,000 each in recognition of their outstanding performance and potential. TDN can confirm.
The beneficiaries encompass both established businesses and promising startups across key sectors, including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, logistics, entertainment, content creation, fashion, media, and community development.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of MEDA, Great Ogban, described the awards as a strategic effort by the agency to strengthen enterprise development across Cross River State under the visionary leadership of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
Ogban noted that the People's First Enterprise Awards is more than a ceremonial gathering, but a deliberate platform to reward excellence, stimulate innovation, and motivate entrepreneurs contributing to the state's economic transformation.
He highlighted the Governor's unwavering commitment to enterprise growth, citing the recent approval of ₦500 million, which has been matched by partnering financial institutions to raise a ₦4 billion SME fund, accessible to Cross River–based entrepreneurs at single-digit interest rates.
The DG further revealed that over 500 retirees recently trained by MEDA on enterprise development received ₦500,000 each to begin their business ventures, with more than 80–90 new enterprises already established as a result of the initiative.
"When we place people first, enterprises do not just survive—they thrive. These awards demonstrate our belief in the boundless potential of our people," Ogban said.
Chairman of the MEDA Board, Mr Essessien Bassey Edem, applauded the dedication of the awardees while encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to position themselves for next year's edition. He emphasized that MEDA's impact is driven by teamwork, innovation, and accountability.
List of Awardees
Competitive Categories
• Agricultural Value Chain – Alexi Newtown and UT Martins
• Tourism & Hospitality – Queenie Kitchen
• Fashion & Styling – Ajeboo Printing and Branding
• Transportation & Logistics – Now Now Logistics
• Event Management – Jenate Touch Event
• Manufacturing & Production – Seekee's Cooties
• Entertainment & Lifestyle – Roman Premium
• Retail/Wholesale/Distribution – Babie & More
• Content Creation & Filmmaking – Patrick Dominic
• Health & Fitness – Hogis Fitness
• Artisans & Skills – Benco Fabrication
• Education & Advocacy – The Orange Show
• Media & Journalism – Calabar Gist
Special Categories
• Most Influential Personality – High Chief Peters Higgins
• Professional of the Year (Academic) – Asst. Prof. Elder Mrs. Virginia Ironbar
• Leadership Personality of the Year – Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong
• Lifetime Achievement – Chief Effiong Etim Okon
• Entrepreneur of the Year – Prince Ejah Igwe Ejah
• Social Entrepreneur of the Year – Henry Ojong Foundation
• Most MSME-Friendly Chairman – Hon. Yibala Igri Inyang
• Most MSME-Friendly Legislator – Hon. Cyril James Omini
• Most MSME-Friendly Foundation – Sir Augustine Agbor Odere Foundation
• Most Compliant Gaming Operator – KC Gaming Network (Bet9ja)
• Community/Social Impact Personality – Quinesta Ekom
The event, themed "Empowering Dreams and Transforming Futures," affirmed the state's commitment to enterprise growth, innovation, and job creation.
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