The Senator representing the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Senator Aniekan Bassey, has trained 48 sons and daughters of the district in various agro-businesses.
To support trainees at the 2-day event, Senator Bassey, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, disbursed grants worth N28 million to enhance their entry into agribusiness.
The training, which held at the Senatorial District Liaison Office, Uyo, under theme: “Engaging in Modern Farming Practice for Sustainable Economic Development,” was a significant stride toward enhancing agricultural development and economic empowerment.
Speaking, Senator Bassey, who was represented by the Director General of his Campaign Council, Dr Godwin Awah, emphasized the importance of agriculture as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
He noted that modern farming practices not only guarantee food security but also create employment opportunities and enhance wealth creation.
Senator Bassey maintained that his agro-empowerment initiative aligns with the Governor Umo Eno ARISE Agenda’s blueprint of empowering the youth and promoting economic self-reliance within the Akwa Ibom State.
While presenting Cheques to beneficiaries, the Chairman of the event, Hon. Monday Eyo, lauded Senator Bassey for his commitment to youth empowerment and rural development.
Hon. Eyo, who is also the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Local Government Service Commission, emphasized the significance of agriculture in the economy of the state and expressed optimism that the training would catalyze greater engagement in the sector.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of RHAB-Mega Movement, Dr Eventus Edem, explained that agro-business initiative is part of Senator Bassey’s ongoing efforts to drive human capital development, poverty reduction, and economic growth through strategic investments in agriculture and vocational training.
In their responses, participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting how the training has equipped them with practical skills and knowledge to thrive in modern agro-businesses.
They also appreciated the financial support provided by the grants, noting it as a critical stepping stone toward realizing their entrepreneurial aspirations.
The training, which was done in collaboration with the Federal College of Education, Ebonyi State, and Inter-Africa Global Consultants Limited, provided participants with knowledge and skills in modern farming techniques, and how to assess finance from financial institutions.
Resource person at the training were Dr Ekwe Eberechukwu of the Department of Entrepreneurship Education, Alvan Ikoku University of Education Owerri; the State Manager of the Bank of Industry, Mr Pius Nneji and Mr Sampson Nsimoh Michael of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu , Ebonyi state.
the beneficiaries that got N1million each were Sunday Monday Bob, Ndifreke Edet Uwah, Kufre Nyong Akra, Ubon Ekanem, John Etim Udokang, Joseph Peter, Udeme Ubom, Emmanuel Okon Abel, Godwin Michael Ukpe, Uduak Batholemew, Ndifreke Inwang, Leo Etim Okokon, Aniekan Emmanuel Essien, Emmanuel Effiom Akpan, Brendan Akrah, Mercy Okon Etim, Emmanuel Okono, Ntiekime Festus Umoh, David Gospel Aniefiok, and Unyime Monday Udourom.
Those that got N500,000 each were Idorenyin Kufre, Ndifreke Eka, Imaobong Flourish, Comfort Udo, Iniobong Uwem, Ima-Obong John Effiong, Christiana Fred, and Inemesit Etim .
While the smallholder farmers that got N200,000 each were Anietie Eyibio Udo, Inwang Okon Akpan, Ekokoi Young Jackson, Enyime John Etim, Ambrose Bassey Edet, Bassey Godwin Edet, Eno Ekanem, Uwakmfon Mathew, Sylvanus Edet Effiong, Godwin Enefiok Okon, Veronica Uwem Edet, Sandy Otobong Edem, Saviour Elsie Effiong, Emmanuel Andiyanga Udo, Alexanda Monday Billy, Utibe Edem Udo, Ukeme Tom, Edem Simon Akpan, Joe Peters, and Uduak Okokon.
