The Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has told the June Edition winners of his empowerment initiative, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey Youth Entrepreneurship Support Scheme (RHAB-YESS), to make good use of the seed money to improve their respective businesses.
The Speaker who gave the admonition on Thursday at the Assembly Conference Room during RHAB-YESS Cheque Presentation Ceremony expressed hope that the support funds would add value not only to their businesses but to the society as a whole.
Represented by the Honourable Member representing Mbo State Constituency, Chief Effiong Johnson, the Speaker tasked beneficiaries of the scheme to take advantage of the responsibility given them and be exemplary in the society.
He however noted that he would be embarking on unscheduled routine visits on them to see how their businesses are faring.
His words, “I want you to invest this seed money into your various businesses. I believe it will help you to expand and add value to you, others and the society.
“As an efficient benefactor, I will be embarking on unscheduled routine visits to the beneficiaries to see how you are fairing in your respective businesses.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the event, who is also the Director of Account in the House of Assembly, Sir Jeremiah Efe, appreciated the Speaker for offering seed money to young entrepreneurs across the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom to develop their businesses.
He maintained that “the gesture is in line with the industrialization policy of the State Government which is enshrined in the Dakkada Philosophy of Governor Udom Emmanuel.”
Sir Efe further charged the winners of the June Edition to be resourceful by making good use of the seed fund.
Also speaking, the Special Guest of Honour and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Chief Janet Amba, encouraged the winners to persevere, focus and be passionate about their trades with the fear of God as their opium in business.
Chief Amba, who is also the immediate past President General of Oron Union, hinted that 31 SMEs Desks have been set up in the 31 LGAs of the State to serve as platforms to organize entrepreneurs in the State, saying “if this is given much attention, Akwa Ibom State will be compared to China or Singapore in no time.”
She thrilled winners of the June Edition by augmenting their prizes with the sum of N20,000; N15,000 and N10,000 respectively.
In his brief, the Special Assistant to the Speaker on Media and Communications, Mr. Darlington Udobong, who coordinates the Scheme, explained the selection process that drew up winners through an online contest.
Also gracing the event was popular Nollywood star, online influencer and Special Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Aniebiet Francis.
The 1st Prize (N250,000) went to a University of Uyo graduate of Civil Engineering, Mr. Moses Daniel Udofia, a fashion designer and a native of Nsit Ubium LGA.
The 2nd Prize (N150,000) also went to a University of Calabar graduate of Accounting, Mr. Idongesit Samuel Okon, a Photographer and a native of Abak L.G.A.
Miss Blessing Aniedi Akpan, a University of Uyo undergraduate from Ibiono Ibom LGA, who majors in Interior Décor, got the 3rd Prize (N100,000).
