From Isaac Job, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno has donated cash, mini buses, and other equipment to over 2,000 entrepreneurs to support small businesses, in line with the state government’s ARISE agenda.
The equipment is aimed at supporting entrepreneurs engaged in trades such as tailoring, barbing, shoemaking, welding, laundry, hair styling, car washing, make-up artistry, vulcanising, tiling, and palm oil and cassava milling businesses.
Presenting the empowerment packages and awards to the beneficiaries at Uyo Township Stadium, Eno said the package was in furtherance of the continuous push to stimulate the state’s economy through Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), which remain the driving force for the creation of a thriving middle class.
Eno lauded President Bola Tinubu for his economic policies, which are gradually revitalising the economy.
‘I have always said that our best legacy would be the number of lives we would have positively impacted through entrepreneurial support schemes, humanitarian interventions, and other kitchen-table issues that directly affect the quality of life of our people, while also executing big projects.
‘In all, as I have always said, the people will be our greatest legacy in governance.’
Eno observed that the passion to impact the people explains why he brought the Bank of Industry into the state within a few months of his administration, adding that such a move was unprecedented in the history of the state.
He said the Bank of Industry will continue to serve as a partner in supporting MSMEs with N2 billion as equity shares from the state government, so that small-scale entrepreneurs can borrow at single-digit interest rates.
He commended the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (IBOM-LED) for their painstaking work in selecting the beneficiaries, as it cut across party lines and affiliations, and urged the beneficiaries to utilise the equipment to expand their businesses and, in the process, inspire others to follow their lead.
Eno assured that the government under his leadership will continue to support enterprise, industry, and other meaningful engagements by Akwa Ibom people.
One of the beneficiaries, Dr Joseph Akpan, while reacting to the government’s gesture, conveyed their appreciation to Eno, adding that the donation was a pleasant surprise that has not only made up for years of rigour but would encourage others to aim for excellence in their chosen endeavour, be it in education or business.
‘This gesture will encourage entrepreneurs to do more in their various skills. God bless the governor,’ he said.