Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, has lauded Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey’s unwavering commitment to the Enterprise Development thrust of Governor Udom Emmanuel through his pet project, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey Youth Entrepreneurship Support Scheme (RHAB-YESS).
Comrade Ememobong, who was a Special Guest at the prize presentation ceremony for winners of the 15th and 16th Edition of RHAB-YESS in Uyo on Saturday, said Rt. Hon. Bassey, Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, is investing in the future of Akwa Ibom youth.
“Giving is not a function of having, but a function of disposition, that is why I commend the Speaker for this scheme, because he’s simply investing in your future. This scheme is preparing you for the future and it is a process of giving back to the people,” he said.
He further maintained that the Speaker’s determination to groom young people into successful entrepreneurs within and outside the state through the programme was commendable.
While calling on the youth to be patriotic by project Akwa Ibom State in good light, the Commissioner advised beneficiaries of the programme to carve a niche for themselves and always strive for excellence in service delivery.
Comrade Ememobong charged the beneficiaries to “be the true definition of the Akwa Ibom person through virtues of hard work, discipline, sincerity, honesty, hope and love for one another. Make a decision to live because there is always something to live for.”
He congratulated all the beneficiaries including 14 final year students of the University of Uyo, two special businesses and six winners of the scheme, urging them to judiciously utilize the cash support given them.
On his part, sponsor of the programme and Speaker of the 7th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, who charged the beneficiaries on time and financial management, also admonished them to avoid what he described as unhealthy competition, especially, as young entrepreneurs.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Charles Iwatt, the Assembly Helmsman said he would continue to support budding entrepreneurs in the state to grow.
“As a business person, you must avoid reckless spending. Instead of squandering money, please invest it. If you are prudent in spending, you will grow but if you spend all your time in leisure and forget your business, you will not grow. If you are wasteful, you will not grow. You must also avoid unnecessary and unhealthy competition,” he said.
Earlier, the Manager of RHAB-YESS, Mr. Darlington Udobong, disclosed that the scheme has so far supported 48 businesses, sponsored over 28 artisans in various skills and given out over 340 Special Support to sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State.
He said the programme, which is aimed at discovering, mentoring and supporting young entrepreneurs to financial greatness, completely complements Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Enterprise Development Drive.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of cheques to winners of the 15th and 16th Editions, presentation of Second Semester Tuition fees to 14 final year students under RHAB-YESS Scholarship Scheme and presentation of equipments as Special Support to businesses.
Under the Special Support, Mr. Edidiong Daniel Udofia, an educationist and a cobbler, smiled home with brand new generating set, sewing machine, filing machine and four units of shoe lazes, while Mr. Mfon Bassey, an ICT enthusiast, received a brand new laptop.
Winners of the March Edition included Victory Paulinus (N250,000), a Fashion Designer from Uruan LGA; Blessing Aniedi Osincar (N150,000), a Food Vendor from Etinan LGA and Uduakobong Udo Essiet (N100,000), a Graphics Designer from Essien Udim LGA.
Those of April Edition included Nsikak Samuel Okon (N250,000), a Laundryman from Abak LGA; Aniekan Michael (N150,000), a Laundryman from Oruk Anam LGA and Lovina Effiong (N100,000), a Hair Stylist from Oruk Anam LGA.
