Gov Eno Disburses N400m Business Grant To Akwa Ibom Entrepreneurs
In line with the industrial advancement and wealth creation goals of the ARISE Agenda, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has allocated N400 million in grants to 800 beneficiaries of the State’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (EAP).
Presenting the cheques at the Government House Banquet Hall in Uyo, the Governor congratulated the beneficiaries for successfully completing the programme, calling them ambassadors of the EAP.
He emphasized, “Your continued success with this program depends on your dedication as ambassadors. While the monetary seed is important, the training you’ve undergone is paramount.”
Governor Eno shared business tips with the beneficiaries, advising them to focus on entrepreneurship over politics. He highlighted the importance of determination, sacrifice, and community support for success in business.
Moved by compassion, the Governor also directed additional support, including mobility assistance, for a physically challenged beneficiary, Mr. Jones Okon Akpan of Jones Manufacturing.
Pastor Imoabasi Jacob, the team lead of Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his vision and support. He assured that with quality training, the grants would yield significant dividends.
Ms. Nnena Ugwu, Head of Alumni Directorate and Support Services at Enterprise Development Center, Pan-Atlantic University (EDC) Lagos, advised the beneficiaries to maintain discipline, commitment, and focus in their business ventures.
Chief Assam Assam SAN, Director General of the Umo Eno/Akon Eyakenyi campaign, praised the Governor for fulfilling campaign promises and urged beneficiaries to see the seed money as a springboard to global entrepreneurship recognition.
Mrs. Ekaette Umoh, General Manager of Ibom-LED, and Daniel Esetang, Alumni President for Batch 1, expressed appreciation for the Governor’s vision, promising judicious use of the grant for business expansion and the State’s welfare.
The event’s highlight was the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries from various programmes including Ibom-LED Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (EAP), Ibom-LED Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programme (BLEP), Ibom-LED Business Mastery Programme (BMP), and Ibom-LED Start-Up Accelerator and Incubation Programme (SAIP).
