We are thrilled to share a momentous development that’s perfectly aligned with the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of the A.R.I.S.E. Agenda, championed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration in Akwa Ibom State. This momentous occasion marks the launch of an exciting collaboration that will empower ten thousand determined and dynamic Akwa Ibom women through a transformative journey of entrepreneurial training and capacity building. Upon completing this program, they will receive invaluable support to establish their very own Small and medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs).

The official signing ceremony for this extraordinary partnership took place on a Friday at the Government House in Uyo. The Ibom-LED centre has joined hands with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) to accomplish the shared vision of the ARISE agenda and the mission of Ibom-LED.

Governor Pastor Umo Eno expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, recognizing its immense potential for mutual benefit. He reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to working closely with EDC to fulfill the A.R.I.S.E. Agenda’s objective of capacity building and entrepreneurial development.

The Governor commended Ibom-LED for its strong alignment with his administration’s vision for human capital development. He emphasized that the new capacity-building program, empowering 10,000 women, perfectly complements the ongoing Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme that is already underway, benefiting 400 youths at the Ibom-LED training center.

These initiatives stand as a testament to the accomplishment, profound success and undeniable purpose of the ARISE Agenda.

Governor Eno underlined the critical importance of equipping entrepreneurs with the right training. He emphasized that merely providing capital without the necessary skills and knowledge can lead to uncertainty and unreliability in business ventures. He stressed the vital role SMEs play in job creation and economic growth.

“The vision for Ibom-LED is to raise entrepreneurs, and we also want to support them. But it’s not just enough to give people money. You have to train them and make them reliable,” Governor Eno remarked. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to EDC for this vital partnership and sought additional support to realize their shared vision of developing SMEs in Akwa Ibom.

Governor Eno firmly believes that with Ibom-LED, young people in Akwa Ibom will hone their skills in managing resources and emerge as better leaders, equipped to lead without the inadequacies often seen in unprepared political leaders.

Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob, the Ibom-LED Team Leader and Managing Director of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), provided insightful background on EDC as an arm of the Pan Atlantic University. He expressed genuine optimism that the partnership will bring significant benefits to the state.

Barr. Nnenna Ugwu, Head of the EDC Legal Team and Head of Alumni Relations and Support Services, wholeheartedly commended the Umo Eno-led government for its dedication to human capital development. She highlighted that the program, aimed at empowering 10,000 young women between the ages of 18 and 35 who are already in business or aspiring to grow, includes both training and support services. The Transforming Nigerian Youths Programme, initiated in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is set to create opportunities and empower a new wave of Akwa Ibom women entrepreneurs.

Present at the brief MoU signing ceremony was the Director General of Ibom-LED, Mrs. Ekaette Umoh, the Programmes Director, Mr. Ime Uwah and Mr Stanley, who is the Lead Researcher at EDC.

This marks an exhilarating chapter in Akwa Ibom’s journey towards entrepreneurship and leadership development. Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable partnership as it unfolds. Together, we are shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for our state and its incredible entrepreneurs.