The Executive Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Gideon Uwa, has initiated an empowerment program by disbursing N50m in micro, small, and medium enterprises grants. The grants were awarded to 100 young entrepreneurs across the 10 political wards of the council. This initiative was announced during a thanksgiving service held at the council headquarters in Utu Etim Ekpo, marking the second anniversary of Uwa's administration.
According to Chairman Uwa, the beneficiaries were selected following a thorough grassroots assessment conducted across the wards. The assessment aimed to identify young entrepreneurs whose businesses required financial support to grow. Uwa emphasized that the youths are at the center of his administration's agenda, stating that he had conducted a private assessment across all ten wards to identify young people who genuinely needed support to grow their businesses.
The council chairman urged the beneficiaries to utilize the resources to build and expand their businesses, noting that the initiative aims to boost the local grassroots economy. He expressed confidence that the people of the area would vote en masse for candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections. Uwa also commended the youths for their peaceful conduct and noted that political leaders and stakeholders across different interest groups had united for the development of Etim Ekpo.
During the event, Uwa inaugurated the Etim Ekpo Coordinating Committee of the Eekpede Initiative, a support group aimed at rallying grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu, the state governor, and APC candidates for the 2027 elections. Archbishop Emmah Isong, who delivered a homily on the theme of gratitude, emphasized the importance of thanking God for His faithfulness and protection, urging individuals and communities to acknowledge God in their leadership journeys.
A guest speaker, Ofonmbuk Akpan, a chartered accountant, spoke on leadership and entrepreneurial development. He urged beneficiaries to manage the funds responsibly and build sustainable businesses capable of creating jobs. The high point of the event was the presentation of cheques to selected beneficiaries, including Ezekiel Ebebe, Fidelis Innocent Peter, and Etinyene Monday James.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Etinyene Monday James thanked the chairman for the gesture, describing it as a lifeline for young business owners in the area. James promised that the beneficiaries would judiciously utilize the funds to expand their businesses and contribute to the economic growth of the local government. The disbursement of grants is part of Uwa's efforts to empower young entrepreneurs and boost the local economy.
The empowerment initiative is one of the council's efforts to support the growth of small businesses and promote economic development in the area. With the disbursement of N50m in grants, the council aims to create a positive impact on the lives of young entrepreneurs and contribute to the overall development of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
Key points
- The Etim Ekpo Local Government Area chairman, Gideon Uwa, has disbursed N50m in grants to 100 young entrepreneurs across 10 wards.
- The initiative aims to boost the local grassroots economy and empower young entrepreneurs to become self-reliant.
- The beneficiaries were selected following a thorough grassroots assessment conducted across the wards.
