Ikot-Ekpene Council Boss Flags off Rafia City Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme
…as 94 youths drawn from 12 wards begins first batch training
Inline with the ARISE Agenda of the Umo Eno led administration, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Transition Committee, Hon. Sir. John Cleton Etim has flagged of the first phase of his pet project, ‘‘the Raffia City Youths Entrepreneurial Training.
The entrepreneurship development scheme which commenced yesterday has 94 youths of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area drawn from the 12 wards in the area as beneficiaries of it’s first phase, code-namedRaffia City Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme, RACYES.
Flagging off the exercise, the Transition Committee Chairman, Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Transition Committee, Sir. Cleton Etim, described the initiative as a fulfilment of his desire to re ignite the spirit of entreprise of which Ikot-Ekpene was known for.
“I stand before you today with great joy and a sense of purpose as we gather to mark a significant milestone in our Local Governments’ journey towards progress and empowerment. Today, we embark on a transformative initiative – the Flagging Off Ceremony of the Rafia City Youth Entrepreneurial Training Programme which is in line with the Arise Agenda of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno”
“Our Local Government has always thrived on the spirit of resilience, unity, and a shared vision for a brighter future. Today’s event is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the potential of our youths, the driving force behind our community’s dynamism. Recall that in some years past, Ikot Ekpene had invented itself as an economic nerve centre with many illustrious sons and daughters making waves in various areas of entrepreneurship and other business ventures. I remember the Umakeiso Trading Company, the Uso Metal Construction Company, Bekado Nigeria Ltd., Una Ama Paper Mills, the Ibok Brothers to mention but a few”.
“Ikot Ekpene is a place rich in talents and potentials. Our young minds possess the creativity and energy to not only shape their own destinies but also contribute significantly to the growth of our community and beyond. The Entrepreneurial Training Programme we are launching today is designed to harness and channel this potential”.
“This initiative is more than just a training programme; it is a commitment to providing our youths with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to become successful entrepreneurs. By investing in their entrepreneurial journey, we are investing in the economic vibrancy of Ikot Ekpene”.
“As the Transition Committee Chairman, I am honored to be part of this occasion, but the success of this endeavour depends on each one of us. It requires collective effort, shared enthusiasm, and a community-wide commitment to supporting our youth on their entrepreneurial journey”.
While congratulating the trainees for being amongst the first batch of the scheme, the council boss tasked them to take the training serious and strive to make the best out of it.
“To the young minds embarking on this training, I enjoin you to seize this opportunity with an open heart and a hunger for knowledge. Embrace the challenges, for they are stepping stones to growth. Remember that your success will not only be a personal triumph but a source of pride for Ikot Ekpene and indeed Akwa Ibom State. To the trainers, mentors, and facilitators involved in this programme, your role is pivotal. Your guidance will shape the future of our entrepreneurs. Instill in them the values of integrity, resilience, and innovation”.
He once again appreciated Governor Umo Eno for giving him the platform to serve Ikot-Ekpene people as their Transition Chairman, and equally thanked stakeholders in the local government area for their support and cooperation.
“I extend my gratitude to his Excellency Pastor Umo Eno for giving me this opportunity to serve my people. I thank all the stakeholders in Ikot Ekpene for their support and advise and indeed all those who have contributed to making this initiative a reality. May this training programme be the catalyst for a new era of prosperity, growth, and success for Ikot Ekpene”.
Beneficiaries are to be trained in various entrepreneurship skills including, cake and pastries, hair dressing, driving, cosmetology, crane operation, solar installation, tailoring, metal welding and fabrication, patent medicine, decoration, aluminum works, shoemaking, tiling, automobile repairs among others.
On his part, chairman of the committee in charge of the scheme, Pastor Uko Michael commended the Ikot Ekpene Local Government Transition Committee Chairman, Sir John Cleton, for the initiative which is aimed at empowering the economic livelihood of the youths of Ikot-Ekpene, and also appreciated the council Chairman for the confidence reposed on his committee pilot the scheme.
On the criteria adopted in the selection process, the Chairman noted that beneficiaries were drawn from across the 12 wards of Ikot Ekpene purely on merit, devoid of any political influence or interference.
Pastor Michael further stated that the committee will embark on monthly monitoring and evaluation to ensure that those selected are truly undergoing the training as intended, pledging the committee’s commitment to see the scheme run successfully.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the immediate past chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Mr Unyime Etim, SSA to the Governor on Youth Affairs, Mr Iniobong Akpan, his counterpart on Entrepreneurship Development, Obong Ime Uwah, the political leader of Ikot Ekpene, Sen. Emmanuel Ibokessien, Ntufam Elijah Iyak and Engr Etido Inyang.
They all lauded the initiative and gave their full support for it, urging the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity given to them.
Some of the beneficiaries, Prince Otu and Chris Abel expressed gratitude over their selection into the scheme and promised to take advantage of it, while one of the vendors, Mrs Ema Lawrence pledged to do her best to impart relevant knowledge on her students.
In attendance at the ceremony were, the wife of Ikot Ekpene Transition Committee Chairman, Mrs Utibe John, Vice Chairman, Ikot Ekpene Transition Committee, Mr Unyime Thomas, supervisors in Ikot Ekpene led by their dean, Elder Equot, members of the RacYES Committee including the vice chairman, Dr Unyime Udoudo, Secretary, Elder Lawrence Inyang, Head of Media, Elder Manasseh Umoette and Dr Emmanuel Kenrick.
Stakeholders of the local government area, vendors and resource persons contracted to facilitate the training as well as youths of the Local Government and other members of the public witnessed the event.
