Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has inaugurated the fourth Cohort of the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme, EAP, as part of his administration’s commitment to nurturing new business leaders and entrepreneurial development through the ARISE Agenda
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at the IBOM- LED Complex in Uyo, the State Capital, Governor Eno urged participants to approach the 10-week training with discipline, passion, and commitment.
He disclosed that government would provide each trainee with the sum of N500, 000 grant as a foundation for their business journey and urged them to deploy the funds wisely.
According to the Governor “You are fortunate to be in a State that is not only training you as entrepreneurs but also providing a seed capital to start your journey. Do not take it for granted or treat it as an entitlement. The ₦500,000, that you would be given can transform your life if managed with discipline “
“Ibom LED is here to guide you on how to utilise that seed money to start or grow your business,” He stressed.
He urged the beneficiaries to take their destinies in their hands cognisant of the fact that it is not the amount that matters, but the passion to succeed.
The Governor who is the visioner of the Royalty Group, recalled how he started his chain of businesses with just a 5-room hotel, affirming that through dedication, commitment, focus and grace of God, it metamorphosed into a bigger organisation.
He also highlighted his administration’s prudent financial management, noting that Akwa Ibom State has operated without borrowing for over two years. This, he said, has enabled continued investments in projects and initiatives like the EAP and the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC).
Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr. Ime Uwah, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development and Director-General of Ibom LED, outlined the Governor’s vision for the EAP.
He disclosed that the programme has trained 1,200 entrepreneurs to date, with 500 more set to benefit in the current cohort. Uwah further explained that Ibom-LED actively monitors and evaluates businesses after training to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.
Speaking about the formation of the Akwa Ibom Entrepreneurs Association, Uwah stated that the body will galvanize the state’s business community and align with the Governor’s entrepreneurial vision.
In their goodwill messages, Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob, Team Lead of Ibom LED and Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), praised the transformation of the once-neglected Ibom e-Library into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurial training.
He noted that the centre is shaping modern business mindsets and equipping participants to compete globally, with support from an active alumni network.
Similarly, Prof. Enoidem Usoroh, Rector of DASAC, commended Governor Eno for integrating the centre’s graduates into the EAP. He described the collaboration as a major boost for skills development in the State.
The event also featured the formal inauguration of the Association of Akwa Ibom Entrepreneurs, with Mr. Ime Uwah serving as its pioneer president.
Governor Eno, while inaugurating the Association expressed delight that the association is being led by entrepreneurs and announced a ₦10 million support grant for the body.
He however challenged the association to register at least 10,000 business owners to enhance mentorship, promote entrepreneurship, and elevate the dignity of labour in Akwa Ibom State.
