The Governor of Cross Rivers state, Prof. Ben Ayade has approved the employment of 300 indigenes of the state to work in the Calabar Garment Factory.
Ayade, who said the opening of the factory for business is a fulfilment of his dream, promised to pay the workers well.
He said “When we set up this factory, the intention was not just to create jobs but to guarantee that young men and women who have been challenged by circumstances of their births have the opportunity to better their lots.
“I’m so excited at what I am seeing here today – the number of people and their energy – and it is an indication that our factory has taken off. Remember, the factory has the capacity to create 3,000 jobs.
“Truly, if you call yourself a leader, your focus should be on the vulnerable and the weakest that we are engaging today. We will guarantee you good salaries, food and proper transportation.
“We want to show to the world that we have skills, great fashion engineers. I call you engineers because you are going to provide the skills that we have not seen before.”
The Governor also called on the workers to take advantage of the opportunity given to them, to make the state proud.
Hawkers in Cross River state have commended the state Governor for initiating the Hawkers’ Rights Protection bill and urged the House of Assembly to expedite action on it.
