IBOM-LED Begins Entrepreneurial Training For 400 Female Youths

400 female youths in Akwa Ibom State drawn exclusively from the Female Youth Support Groups, (Lemon, purple, Golden Girls and ARISE Ladies in White) on Monday, July 15, 2024, began a three-month intensive Entrepreneurial training at the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre, IBB Avenue, Uyo.

This is part of Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to empowering 5,000 start-ups and growing businesses in his first term in office. Already, 800 beneficiaries have been trained and supported with a Business Grant of ₦500,000 in the last one year.

The 400 female participants of the third batch of the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme upon completion are to receive a grant of N500,000 for business capital in addition to a N250,000 grant for shop rentals and set up, totalling ₦750,000, courtesy of the Governor.

The sponsorship of the female youths and ladies to the EAP 3.0 is part of Governor Eno’s concerted effort to strategically empower female youths as one of the key components of the SDGs towards bridging the gender inequality. The training ends on September 13, 2024.

The female youths and ladies would be trained in world class standard business facility and were welcomed to the facility by the Team Lead, Pastor Imo-abasi Jacob, and participants were introduced to the essence of the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (EAP) by the Programme Director, Mr. Ime Uwah while the learning sessions was led by the General Manager of Ibom-LED, Mrs. Ekaette Umoh.

The 9-week entrepreneurship training is designed to provide participants with a solid foundation in entrepreneurship essentials, Setting Goals, Record Keeping, and ethical decision-making, etc. The 3-months rigorous training ensures that participants stand as certified agents poised to become world-class leaders in their respective fields, equipped with the knowledge and skills garnered during this transformative programme.

At the end of the training on September 13, 2024, the 400 female youths will be officially inducted into the distinguished alumni community of Ibom-LED.

According to Ime Uwah, “membership of the alumni creates a sort of meeting and melting point between the trainees and would-be-investors, with lots of perpetual benefits, including expert mentorship, networking opportunities, funding avenues, comprehensive support, and heightened exposure in the business landscape”.