The Success So Far
Governor Umo Eno always expresses the entrepreneurship vision of his government with the, passion, conviction and zeal of an accomplished future.
He often envisions Akwa Ibom with able-bodied youths being conveniently engaged with entrepreneurial skills and putting to rest a culture of hanging around politicians and turning into unemployed aides to survive.
To halt the vice and reversed culture and birth his vision, the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Centre (Ibom LED) was established, as part of an event to mark the 2023 anniversary of the creation of the state, using the nearly abandoned E-Library, built by the Godswill Akpabio Administration as the Centre.
To interpret and implement this vision, the governor appointed Imo-abasi Jacob, managing director of AKICORP, as the Team Leader of Ibom-LED, a deliberate programme meant to train and equip young entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop, modernise and expand their business.
Governor Eno also appointed Mrs Ekaette Umoh, as pioneer General Manager of the Centre, while Mr Ime Uwah, SSA on Entrepreneurial Development, serves as its Programme Director.
The trio were tasked with the responsibility of interpreting the governor's entrepreneurial blueprint by articulating and implementing the strength of his vision, the passion of his conviction and the zeal of his futuristic insight in line with the administration's entrepreneurial philosophy.
IBOM LED consists of comprehensive training programmes to empower individuals with essential skills, fostering personal and professional growth for success, with business advisory service providing guidance and support to entrepreneurs and businesses in Nigeria, and organising business retreats to help people and organisations develop their leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
The Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (Ibom LED) offer various programmes to support and nurture entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom, such as the Ibom-LED Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (EAP), designed to promote business management skills and sustainable growth for both existing and aspiring entrepreneurs under three months, with one intensive week of learning every month. Topics covered include business development, market research, financial management, sales and marketing strategies, product development, legal compliance, and more.
Outcomes of EAP include Skill enhancement, exposure, networking opportunities and expert mentorship. Targeted at start-up entrepreneurs, micro and small business owners, youth, women entrepreneurs, innovators, tech entrepreneurs, and rural entrepreneurs.
2. Ibom-LED Business Mastery Programme (BMP): a comprehensive training programme covering various aspects of business management, including operations, communication, negotiation, marketing, leadership, and more.
3. Ibom-LED Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programme (BLEP): focused on developing leadership skills and fostering a culture of innovation and ethical practices among the youth.
4. Transforming Nigerian Youths Programme (TNY): which aims to equip young Nigerians with essential skills for personal and professional growth.
5. The Ibom Ignite Business Grant Award Programme (IIBGA) aims to provide funding opportunities for entrepreneurs.
6. Ibom-LED Start-Up Accelerator and Incubation Programme (SAIP) for support to early-stage start-ups through mentorship, resources and guidance.
The Ibom LED Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme is designed to support and nurture entrepreneurs to promote their business management skills and sustainable growth. The programme is open to both existing and aspiring entrepreneurs. It provides them with the necessary training, mentoring, and funding to transform their ideas into successful businesses. The intensive training took beneficiaries through:
Business Development Market Research and Analysis
Financial Management
Sales and Marketing Strategies
Product Development and Innovation
Legal and Regulatory Compliance Networking and Collaboration
Pitching and Presentation Skills
Access to Resources
Expectations from the programme include:
Skill Enhancement: The programme offers various training sessions, workshops, and seminars focused on developing essential entrepreneurial skills. These skills can include business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and pitching techniques.
Exposure and Visibility: By participating in the programme, entrepreneurs can gain exposure and visibility for their businesses. This can help them attract customers, partners, and potential investors, ultimately leading to business growth and success.
Networking Opportunities: The programme also offers several networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts, and potential investors. Building a strong network can open doors for partnerships, collaborations, and funding opportunities.
Expert Mentorship: The programme provides participants with access to experienced mentors who can provide Guidance and advice on various aspects of entrepreneurship. This can be invaluable for first-time entrepreneurs or those looking to take their business to the next level. The programme is designed for Start-up entrepreneurs, Micro and small business owners Youth, Women entrepreneurs, Innovators and tech entrepreneurs, Rural entrepreneurs, and social entrepreneurs.
Not ending at making speeches, Umo Eno donated N250 million for the take-off and training of the first Batch of 400 participants.
N50 million went for their School Fees and Training while N200 million will be disbursed as a Business Support Grant of N500,000 to each trainee upon completion. Trainees who have products that needed NAFDAC certification, licenses and registration were to be helped to get such, he directed.
With his unique ability and charisma to galvanising people to come together to the logic of his convictions and beliefs and analytical mindset, the governor was able to gather the brightest and the best into his team to interpret and implement his vision, it is not surprising that the strength of his vision has made IbomLED a huge success.
In fulfilment of his promise to train and empower entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno penultimate week, disbursed a N500,000 grant to 800 Ibom-LED trainees. This was followed by the branding of the beneficiaries’ business outlets across the state.
While presenting the cheques, Eno congratulated the beneficiaries for successfully going through the programme and described them as ambassadors of the EAP.
"I like to say clearly here that whether this programme will continue or not depends on you because you are the ambassadors of this programme.
“You are not all totally new in businesses or entrepreneurship. I am not concerned about the little seed that'll be put in your hands, but the training you've received”, the governor said. He took time to admonish the beneficiaries on some business tips, warning that their success and failure were in their hands
“For now, don't be politicians, just be entrepreneurs. This is an opportunity for you to have a primary address. If you have got a primary address, politics is secondary.
"People will respect you for what you can do. This little money is a seed and if you plant it well, it will bring a mighty harvest. I remember that, in this state, I opened my hotel with just five rooms, and a few years later, we had grown exponentially.
“I like to say clearly here that whether this programme will continue or not depends on you because you are the ambassadors of this programme