Mbo council empowers 112 youths with ₦56m grants
The Chairman of Mbo Local Government Council, Hon. Sunday Etim, JP, has disbursed ₦56 million in start-up grants to 112 trained youths to support entrepreneurship and drive grassroots economic growth in Akwa Ibom State.
Each beneficiary received ₦500,000 after completing vocational and technical training, enabling them to transition directly from skills acquisition to business ownership.
*Mbo LGA Chairman, Hon. Sunday Etim with beneficiaries.
Etim Ekpimah
The Chairman of Mbo Local Government Council, Hon. Sunday Etim, JP, has disbursed ₦56 million in start-up grants to 112 trained youths to support entrepreneurship and drive grassroots economic growth in Akwa Ibom State.
Each beneficiary received ₦500,000 after completing vocational and technical training, enabling them to transition directly from skills acquisition to business ownership.
The beneficiaries comprise 100 graduates of the Mbo Vocational Craft Centre, who successfully passed the Trade Test III examination in various trades, including carpentry, fashion design, catering, electrical installation and auto mechanics. Another 12 youths completed advanced training at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, a flagship initiative of Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
Speaking at the disbursement ceremony, Etim said the initiative aligns with the core objectives of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, particularly in rural development, economic empowerment and human capital development.
“Governor Umo Eno has shown us the way: train our youths, equip them with skills and provide them with the capital to become self-reliant. Mbo Local Government is adopting that model to reduce unemployment and build prosperity from the grassroots,” he said.
The council chairman explained that the intervention is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, creating jobs, reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth across the local government area.
He urged the beneficiaries to invest the grants prudently by establishing or expanding viable businesses to create employment opportunities for others.
“This is seed capital to build wealth, not money to spend carelessly. As you succeed, you should train more apprentices and contribute to the development of your communities. That is how we can multiply the impact of the ARISE Agenda across Mbo,” he added.
Etim said the initiative demonstrates the council’s commitment to inclusive development and youth empowerment, noting that the programme also accommodates Persons with Disabilities.
The empowerment programme further positions Mbo Local Government as an example of how local councils can translate the state government’s development agenda into tangible economic opportunities for young people at the grassroots.
