By Abasifreke Effiong
Otobong Ndem, member representing Mkpat Enin in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has reeled out another empowerment package for 168 indigenes of his local government area.
The empowerment package according to the lawmaker include skill acquisition training and cash donation to micro, small and medium scale entrepreneurs from Mkpat Enin local government area.
Mr. Ndem who announced the empowerment package at the opening of a-three day seminar for would-be beneficiaries of the programme said, 58 persons will be given cash ranging from N50,000-N500,000 to support their businesses.
Others will be trained on wielding construction, hair dressing, ICT, photography, carpentry, automobile maintenance, computer repairs and maintenance.
The lawmaker said he is committed to make youths of Mkpat Enin self-reliant, and promised to launch a second and third phase of the scheme before the end of his tenure.
"What we are trying to do is to end an era where young people hang around gates of rich people to beg for food".
He added that the pre-empowerment seminar was to avail those selected for the empowerment with "the basic secrets they need to succeed in business", saying that those who do not participate in the seminar will be disqualified.
Ndem encouraged the people of Mkpat Enin to continue to support the PDP and Governor Udom Emmanuel.
"PDP is the only party that has programmes for the State. I can assure you that with the PDP, great things will keep coming the way of youths of Mkpat Enin".
In a goodwill message at the event, Special Adviser Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources to the governor, Barr. Ekong Sampson said Otobong Ndem was "doing very very well" in the House of Assembly and has "set a pace in human empowerment".
Sampson called on his people to support the PDP and Governor Udom Emmanuel, noting that outstanding legacies of the Udom's administration's as Ikot Usop, Ukam, Ibekwe roads, were evidences that the PDP government is interested in the development of Mkpat Enin.
Goodwill messages were also presented by the member representing Etinan State constituency, Barr. Aniefiok Denis; state publicity secretary of the PDP, Barr. Ini Ememobong; transition chairman of Mkpat Enin, Lady Ekaete Usip; PDP chapter chairman, Anietie Sunday, and others.
Keynote address at the seminar is on the topic "Doing Business in Akwa Ibom State: Environmental Challenges and the way Forward".
The training coordinated by Unik consultz will also have presentations on "A-Z of Starting and Sustaining Small Businesses", "Mindset Re-orientation", and "Business Account and Records Keeping".
In a remark, chairman of the event's planning committee, Barr. Akpabio Ufot-Akpabio said beneficiaries were selected across the 87 villages of Mkpat Enin.
Ufot-Akpabio said the empowerment will "promote entrepreneurship" and "enhance peace and development in Mkpat Enin".
Participants at the seminar, Okon Akpan Essien, from ward three Ibiaku; and Imaobong Nseobong, from Ikot Abasi Obionkan, thanked Otobong Ndem for considering them in his empowerment scheme.
The empowerment packages will be presented to beneficiaries tomorrow, Wednesday May 24, 2017 at Unity hall, Mkpat Enin local government headquarters by Mr. Otobong Ndem.
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