The Governor of Cross Rivers State, Bassey Otu, has approved the establishment of a patronage cash reward programme.

The Director General of the state Lottery and Gaming Agency, Michael Eja, made this known on Monday at the stakeholders? engagement seminar held at Calabar International Convention Centre, Calabar.

Eja thanked the governor for approving the project and described it as a creative and laudable initiative to increase business owners? patronage and provide customers with cash reward benefits.

He said, ?Whenever customers patronise any business selling any product or service in Cross River State that offers the ?Paradise token? The customer will get a cashback reward and also stand a chance to win between five thousand naira and one hundred million naira in the weekly draws. This will increase the happiness index of the people of the state.?

He promised to ensure winners get paid from the weekly draw to foster transparency and accountability from the technical partners.

Also speaking at the event, the chairman of Cross River State Internal Revenue Service, Edwin Okon, commended the initiative,

He said, ?This innovation is a welcome idea and aligns with the goals of enhancing the overall well-being of our citizens through wealth redistribution, job creation, and stimulating economic activities in the state.?

He further emphasized that businesses that gift tokens to their customers will get tax incentives and waivers at the beginning of the year when filing tax returns in the state.

Also speaking, the technology partners expressed their commitment to ensuring smooth integration and handshake with all the relevant government agencies involved in making the project a success.

The Head of Business Development at Unical Microfinance Bank, George Ekoro, expressed his enthusiasm and said that the implementation could start as soon as possible. (The PUNCH)

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