The Executive Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Gideon Uwa, has disbursed N50m in grants to 100 young entrepreneurs. This initiative was announced during a thanksgiving service held on Friday at the council headquarters in Utu Etim Ekpo to mark the second anniversary of his administration. The beneficiaries were selected following a grassroots assessment conducted across the wards to identify young entrepreneurs whose businesses required financial support to grow.
According to Uwa, the youths are at the centre of his administration's agenda. He conducted a private assessment across all ten wards to identify young people who genuinely needed support to grow their businesses. This initiative aims to give back and ensure they become self-reliant. Uwa urged beneficiaries to utilize the resources in building and expanding their businesses, saying the initiative is aimed at boosting the local economy of the area.
The selection process for the beneficiaries was not limited to any ward, but was open to all 10 political wards of the LGA. Uwa announced the sum of 50 million naira support to boost their businesses and urged the beneficiaries to use it judiciously. The Council Chairman 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.
Uwa expressed confidence that the people of the area would vote en masse for candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections. The council chairman also inaugurated the Etim Ekpo Coordinating Committee of the Eekpede Initiative, a support group to rally grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu, the State governor, and the All Progressives Congress candidates for the 2027 elections.
Archbishop Emmah Isong, who delivered a homily with the theme 'Gratitude', emphasised the importance of thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness and protection. He urged individuals and communities to acknowledge God in their leadership journey. A guest speaker and chartered accountant, Ofonmbuk Akpan, spoke on leadership and entrepreneurial development, urging the 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 utilise the funds to expand their businesses and contribute to the economic growth of the local government.
The disbursement of N50m to 100 entrepreneurs is part of Uwa's efforts to empower young people and boost the local economy. The initiative is expected to create jobs and contribute to the economic growth of Etim Ekpo LGA. The event was attended by various stakeholders, including political leaders, traditional rulers, and youth leaders, who expressed their support for the initiative.
Key points
- Akwa Ibom LG boss disburses N50m to 100 young entrepreneurs to boost local economy.
- The initiative aims to empower young people and create jobs in Etim Ekpo LGA.
- The beneficiaries were selected following a grassroots assessment conducted across the 10 wards.
