…800 trainees win NOK 400 million grant
Entrepreneurship is developing at a rapid pace and the move to transform Akwa Ibom State’s status from that of a former civil servant to that of an emerging industrial hub appears to be in full swing.
It all started when Governor Umo Eno, as soon as he took office late last year, launched the ARISE Agenda, an economic blueprint aimed at providing a roadmap for economic development in the state. As contained in the blueprint, the ARISE Agenda is an acronym for Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructure Development, Security Management, Economic and Industrial Progress.
Speaking at the Ibom Dialogue where people from all walks of life came together to launch the ARISE Agenda, Governor Umo Eno said the state government is providing the people with the necessary skills to make the state competitive in economic development. Then he said.
“We intend to equip our employees with the skills they need to be competitive, culminating in plans to establish the Ibom Leadership Entrepreneurial Development Center (Ibom LED),” he said. Ibom LED is committed to fostering future entrepreneurship as seen recently when he awarded a grant of N500,000 to 800 trainees who were trained and equipped with the necessary skills for the economic development of the state. I have been at the forefront of raising families.
Apart from this grant, which according to observers seeking to transform the economic landscape of Akwa Ibom State is a major step forward, other credit and empowerment schemes targeted at youths, women’s groups or people living together It has also been introduced. People with disabilities and farmers.
However, as the grant of 500,000 Naira for 800 trainees was in accordance with the training scheme set out under the Entrepreneurship Acceleration and Development (EAD) program where the beneficiaries were exposed to various training modules. , appears to be more important in many ways.
Speaking at the grant ceremony, Eno expressed his joy at seeing the idea he had been developing for months come to fruition.
“We are pleased to announce significant progress in pursuing industrial development in the economy and wealth creation under Akwa Ibom State’s ARISE Agenda. Our Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (EAP) We are pleased to announce the allocation of N400 million in grants to 800 beneficiaries. These grants represent our unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and wealth creation in our communities. Masu.
“Congratulations to all the winners who have successfully completed the program! You are now ambassadors for EAP and I have full confidence in your ability to utilize this opportunity for personal and financial growth. Remember that success is in your hands and with dedication and perseverance you can achieve remarkable results.
“As a government, we stand ready to support you and provide support and guidance as you begin your entrepreneurial journey. We will continue to foster a culture of innovation and enterprise and empower our people.” Let us give and move Akwa Ibom State towards a prosperous future.”
According to him, “Let me be clear here: The reason this program continues is because you are the ambassadors of this program. You are not completely new to business and entrepreneurship.” .I’m not concerned about the little seeds that are put into your hands, but the training you receive.
The governor, who took the time to advise the beneficiaries on business tips, said, “Everything you need to succeed is in your hands. For now, just an entrepreneur, not a politician.” This is your chance to get a primary address. Politics is secondary when you have a primary address.
“People will respect what you can do. This little bit of money is a seed that, if planted well, will yield a big harvest. In this state, you can open a hotel with just five rooms, and in a few years it will grow exponentially. I remember growing up.
“First of all, you have to be determined to succeed, but in that determination there is room for sacrifice and self-denial. People will say things to you, but don’t worry about it. Coming soon. Your time will come. Above all, stay in the community and don’t try to impress people. This is just the beginning. “It’s not too long,” he added.
Moved by sympathy while handing over a check to a disabled beneficiary, Mr. Jones Okon Akpan of Jones Manufacturing, the governor urged him to provide not only additional support but adequate transportation. instructed.
In his address, the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development Team Leader, Mr. Imoasi Jacob, thanked the governor for his vision, commitment and support to the business community of Akwa Ibom, adding that he would provide quality training to the beneficiaries. , assured that the subsidy would bring the desired results. Dividend.
The keynote speaker, Mr. Nnena Ugwu, Director, Alumni Directorate and Support Services, Enterprise Development Center, Pan-Atlantic University (EDC) Lagos, urged the beneficiaries to cultivate a culture of discipline, dedication and focus to succeed in different businesses. I advised. Venture.
Also, the Umo Eno/Akon Eyakeni Campaign Secretary-General, Assam Assam San, highly praised the governor for keeping his campaign promise and requested the beneficiaries to receive seed money and help put them on the world map. I advised them to take this as a starting point for what they are going to post. Entrepreneurship.
The General Manager of Ibom-LED, Mr. Ekaet Umo and the Batch 1 Alumni Association Chairman, Mr. Daniel Esetan, in separate messages of appreciation, appreciated the vision of the governor. According to them, it led to a lifetime mandate of 800 Akwa. Ibomite.
They assured that this subsidy would be used wisely for the expansion of their businesses and the greater good of the nation.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of checks to beneficiaries of various programs including: Ibom-LED Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (EAP), Ibom-LED Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship Program (BLEP), Ibom-LED Business Mastery Program (BMP), and Ibom-LED Startup Accelerator and Incubation Program.
Dorothy Thompson, Chair of the State Ethics and Attitudes Realignment Commission (EARCOM), advised beneficiaries to make good use of the funds, avoid funneling them into their own businesses and spending money on other distractions that defeat the purpose. He said that should be avoided.
Governor Thompson commended Governor Eno for keeping his promise to support entrepreneurs and create wealth, adding that N400 million was released as grants to 800 beneficiaries of the state’s Entrepreneurship Promotion Program. , said it was a welcome development that would boost the state’s business sector and enhance its potential. of small and medium-sized enterprises.
According to her, the days of free money are over and she encourages people to learn skills, trades, professions and join productive fields to improve their fortunes.
On potential distractions, he said the 500,000 naira subsidy is not intended to buy a new smartphone, branded clothes or jamboree, but as a seed investment to increase business and production capacity. he warned.
He also thanked Governor Eno for declaring two Fridays a month to be dedicated to agriculture and urged all public officials to take advantage of the agricultural engagement policy to achieve food security in the future.
In fact, it is up to the 800 beneficiaries to make good use of the funds to chart a new course for the nation’s economic development.
Entrepreneurs are catalysts for the economic and industrial development of a society. With the generous grant of N400 million for 800 trainees, the state government is believed to have moved economically towards reshaping the industrial landscape of Akwa Ibom State.
