By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
As part of his administration’s commitment to nurturing new business leaders and entrepreneurial development, through the ARISE Agenda, the Akwa Ibom governor has flagged off the fourth batch of the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme, EAP.
Pastor Umo Eno, at the flag-off ceremony, which took place, Monday, at the Ibom-LED complex, IBB Avenue, Uyo, also performed the formal inauguration of the Association of Akwa Ibom Entrepreneurs, with Mr Ime Uwah as its pioneer president.
Eno, while flagging off the programme, urged participants to approach the 10-week training with discipline, passion and commitment, as government would provide each trainee with N500,000 grant as a foundation for their business journey.
He also urged them to use the funds judiciously and wisely, adding that Ibom-LED would guide them on how to utilise the seed money to commence or grow their businesses.
“You are fortunate to be in a State that is not only training you as entrepreneurs but also providing a seed capital to start your journey. Do not take it for granted or treat it as an entitlement. The N500,000, that you would be given can transform your life if managed with discipline.
“Ibom LED is here to guide you on how to utilise that seed money to start or grow your business,” he stressed.
Eno enjoined the beneficiaries to take their destinies in their hands, knowing that it is not the amount that matters, but the passion to succeed, recalling how he commenced his chain of businesses with just a 5-room hotel, but through dedication, commitment, focus and the grace of God, it metamorphosed into a bigger organisation.
The governor noted with satisfaction, his administration’s prudent financial management, which had resulted in the State operating for over two years without borrowing.
According to him, this has enabled continued investments in projects and initiatives like the EAP and the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, DASAC.
Eno, while inaugurating the Association of Akwa Ibom Entrepreneurs, was impressed that the association was being led by entrepreneurs and announced a N10 million support grant for the body, while also challenging the association to register at least 10,000 business owners to enhance mentorship, promote entrepreneurship, and elevate the dignity of labour in the State.
The director-general of Ibom-LED, Mr Ime Uwah, outlined the governor’s vision for the EAP, noting that the programme since its establishment till date, has trained 1,200 entrepreneurs, with 500 more to benefit in the current batch.
Uwah, who doubles as senior special assistant to the governor on entrepreneurial development, explained that Ibom-LED actively monitors and evaluates businesses after training their owners, to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.
On the formation of Akwa Ibom Entrepreneurs Association, Uwah said the body will galvanise the State’s business community and align with the governor’s entrepreneurial vision as captured in the ARISE Agenda.
The team lead of Ibom-LED and managing director of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob, noted the transformation of the once-neglected Ibom e-Library into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurial training, adding that the centre was shaping modern business mindsets and equipping participants to compete globally, with support from an active alumni network.
The rector, Dakkada Skills Acquisitions Centre, DASAC, Professor Enoidem Usoro, lauded the governor for integrating the centre’s graduates into the EAP, and described the collaboration as a major boost for skills development in Akwa Ibom.
Discussion about this post