In fulfillment of his promise to raise 5000 entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom state, 400 members of female youths began a three-month intensive entrepreneurial training at the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre located at Ibom E-Library along IBB Avenue, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The 400 beneficiaries are drawn from the Female Youth Support Groups, (Lemon, purple, Golden Girls and ARISE Ladies in White) who are visible at every political rally and event.

Team Lead, Imo-abadi Jacob (m) General Manager Ekaette Umoh (R) and Programme Director Ime Uwah (L)

This is part of Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to empowering 5,000 start-ups and growing businesses in his first term in office.

Already, 800 beneficiaries have been trained and empowered with a Business Grant of ₦500,000 in the last one year.

Director of Programme, Ime Uwah and Managing Director Ekaette Umoh with beneficiaries in a group photograph

The 400 female beneficiaries upon completion are to receive a grant of N500,000 for business capital in addition to a N250,000 grant for shop rentals and set up, totalling ₦750,000, courtesy of the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

This is part of Governor Umo Eno’s concerted effort to strategically empower female youths as one of the key components of the SDGs towards bridging the gender inequality gap in doing business.

The female youths and ladies were treated to a world class standard business school and were welcomed to the facility by the Team Lead, Imo-abasi Jacob, and participants were introduced to the essence of the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (EAP) by the Programme Director, Ime Uwah while the learning sessions was led by the General Manager of Ibom-LED, Ekaette Umoh.

The 9-weeks Entrepreneurship training is designed to provide participants with a solid foundation in entrepreneurship essentials, setting goals, record keeping, and ethical decision-making, etc.

The 3-months rigorous training ensures that participants stand as certified agents poised to become world-class leaders in their respective fields, equipped with the knowledge and skills garnered during this transformative programme.

At the end of the training on September 13, 2024, the 400 female youths will be officially inducted into the distinguished alumni community of Ibom-LED.

According to Ime Uwah, “membership of the alumni creates a sort of meeting and melting point between the trainees and would-be-investors, with lots of perpetual benefits, including expert mentorship, networking opportunities, funding avenues, comprehensive support, and heightened exposure in the business landscape”.