Akwa Ibom Youth and the Challenge of Entrepreneurship

Akwa Ibom youths and the Challenge of Enterprise

It is a thing of delight that our state has continually expanded the frontiers of economic opportunities for the benefit of its citizens. And, I am particularly excited about the prospects of the Akwa Ibom Enterprise and Employment Scheme, AKEES, which has risen to the challenge of the fact that the big difference between a novice and an expert in any field, is in training and skill acquisition.

As a franchise scheme with a mandate to structure vocational skills acquisition as well as boost entrepreneurial capacity through a robust enterprise development programme, the government intends to use this scheme to empower our teeming unemployed youths through hands-on training packages.

It is therefore necessary to appreciate the promoters and managers of this very timely interventionist programme for the success so far recorded since its inception, and I believe, the statistics speaks for itself:

By Moses ekpo MFR, Deputy Governor, Akwa Ibom State

By the end of October last year, 11,598 participants had signed-on for the programme; 1,013 had already secured employment while about 85 businesses had taken off through this initiative in several areas like baking/catering, bead and shoe making, wood works, Agriculture, welding/ metal works, tailoring, plumbing, hair making, and other forms of trades.

It is instructive to note that among the 85 business startups, is a toothpick company which production had since commenced, and I feel proud about this project in view of the massive value-chain it is expected to generate in terms of job creation. There is also the tomato production firm as well as Sunic Clothings, an indigenous fashion label that is poised to challenge and compete favorably with global labels in the fashion world.

The state government as part of its commitment at ensuring that our youths joined the ICT revolution had mounted an Oracle training programme for Akwa Ibom youths. Out of the 1,000 people earmarked for that scheme, the first batch of 200 had finished the training at the state e-Library, and had also been equipped with laptops courtesy of the Udom Emmanuel administration while commencement of the next batch will get underway as soon as appropriate logistics are put in place.

I am also aware that the AKEES ICT skills training program, a collaboration with the search engine giant, Goggle, had provided a free one-month training to cover 2,000 Akwa Ibom youths, and empowered them in the various areas of ICT specialization including computer operations, Engineering, Software Development, Programming and web development. This scheme is in line with the corporate development agenda of the Udom Emmanuel administration in the area of youth development and job creation, as well as a sub-set of government’s desire to make Akwa Ibom an industrial hub in the nation.

Consequently, it is my expectation that participants and trainees of these life-changing programmes would see them as opportunities to transform themselves into proud entrepreneurs even as the state stands to gain through the multiplier effects of their knowledge and experience.

STRATEGIC SECURITy DEVELOPMENT AND ADVANCEMENT IN AKWA IBOM STATE

By aniefiok Thomas

The exploits and the attendant impact of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration in areas of industrialization, infrastructural development, agriculture, youth empowerment and political inclusion, to mention but a few, are not without national recognition and awards. The drive and passion resulting in these achievements are unending and have been demonstrated in many other significant milestones, particularly in the attainment of a secure environment for development to thrive. Cognizant of the strategic role security plays in enhancing sustainable development, the Governor has made it a priority to strengthen this sector through the provision of infrastructure, building institutional capacity, and in the provision of resources to support the operational needs of the Security Services in the State.

• The allocation of a large expanse of land for the siting of another Barracks in Uyo.

Cognizant of the strategic role security plays in enhancing sustainable development, the Governor has made it a priority to strengthen this sector through the provision of resources to support the operational needs of the Security Services in the State.

• Partnership with the Nigerian Army for educational Security Village, Uyodevelopment programmes as evident in the provision of land and infrastructure for the establishment of Army Science Secondary School due to commence admission on August 2017 in Efa, Etinan Local Government Area.

• Support for sports development through the successful hosting of the 11th Nigerian Navy games in February 2017.

• Attracting, through the benevolence of President Muhammadu Buhari, the establishment up of 2 Brigade Command in the State.

• Provision of office accommodation to cater for the administrative needs of the Nigerian Army in the State. • Securing the consent of the Federal Government for the establishment of Naval War College in Akwa Ibom State.

• Donation of utility vehicles to the Nigerian Police Command in the State to enhance its operations. help combat the menace of Sea Pirates.

• Provision of a site for the establishment of Navy University in the State

• Support for the successful renovation of the security village in Uruan, Akwa Ibom State.

As Akwa Ibom State is making great forays into key areas of development despite the economic downturn, one thing the Governor always emphasizes and does is leveraging on the resources with comparative advantage to attain the desired level of development. He identifies opportunities for development, harness resources, as well support initiatives that would inspire the people to rise to the faith of greatness. He utilizes engagements like the Navy games, for instances, to reignite business transactions in the state, as well as exposure and interest in sporting activities for Akwa Ibom athletes.

Udom Emmanuel’s consistency, focus, creativity, innovation, partnership, relationship building, passion for results and people development are traits for success in the face of a challenging national operational environment.

By ime Uwah

In line with Akwa Ibom State Government's resolve to achieve food sufficiency and affordability, there are conscious efforts at promoting a local-based, sustainable food model. This, by supporting and funding local businesses and producers through Multipurpose cooperatives societies to cultivate and produce quality food. A local-based model implies means that community members are actively participating in producing, processing and distributing food.

The following table identifies and recommends some important steps that individuals, entrepreneurs, local government and community organizations can take. Short-term recommendations are immediately; Mediumterm recommendations may require 1-3 years, while long-term recommendations may require upwards of 3 years. Individuals

buy Locally and directly from producers to support the development of the community’s food model. This includes individuals and institutional buyers such as Governments, schools, and businesses

share your Knowledge & enthusiasm for Local food: Discuss the benefits of local food with friends, family and neighbors, and share your expertise.

Join a Multi-purpose cooperative society to purchase or work for locally grown food.

network Home farmers, host networking events or create an association for home farmers to share knowledge and encourage collaboration.

promote & support Home farming with resources, education, mentorship and inspiration to help individuals and families start growing on their property.

Entrepreneurs/Businesses/Local Government

Short Term (Immediate)

add Value to Your own agricultural products. Process, package, distribute, and sell your own products. This will help you retain more of every Naira spent on the final product and build a unique brand identity.

identify opportunities for Local distribution as an alternative to selling products into commodity market. Includes sale through farmers’ markets, direct agreements with wholesale buyers, local distribution services or DMPCS-models.

find ways to pool resources & costs with others: This could include, for example, joining purchases of inputs to qualify for bulk pricing, coordinating delivery, and purchasing shared equipment.

network community-based farmers: Host networking events or create an association for community- based farmers to share knowledge, pool resources, and encourage collaboration.

create incentives for consumers to shop Locally: This could include a loyalty card program and cooperative discounts. May expand to include non-food products.

identify opportunities to engage Youth as employees, volunteers or students to cultivate life-long habits of healthy eating and support for the community-based food system.

explore available resources from Local Universities and agricultural extension services: This may include student research and volunteer projects, soil quality testing, and other technical assistance.

Medium-Term (1-3 Years)

Use greenhouses to extend the growing season, Increase the supply of local food produced and expand opportunities for community-food activities throughout the year.

establish an out grower program to Sell Directly to Consumers or exchange for work. establish a produce delivery service for Underserved neighborhoods: The service could deliver direct to households and neighborhood produce stands for resale. establish a farmers’ Market to facilitate direct sale between consumers and local farmers and gardeners. This does not require fixed infrastructure.

Long-Term (3+ Years)

create a pooled out grower scheme: Provide locally grown food for sale or exchange to local consumers on a subscription basis from a collection of farms.

create a shared distribution service for Local food to gather locally grown and/or produced food, and deliver to customers.

establish a community food cooperative to sell local food products, educate and inspire individuals, and build community. Could be worker or member owned.

create a food business incubator: A new organization or program to provide facilities, training, technical assistance, mentorship, and other support services for aspiring food entrepreneurs.

create a farming incubator: A new organization or program to provide equipment, training, technical assistance, mentorship and other support services for aspiring new farmers.

build Local processing facilities for small and medium-scale food manufacturing, preparation and packaging. Will help food remain local throughout lifecycle and reduce leakage of food spending from the local economy.

establish a physical Marketplace for the wholesale purchase of Local agricultural products: A place for distributors, restaurants, institutional buyers and retailers to purchase direct from local growers.

Local-based, sustainable food practices have the potential to increase the States economic base by retaining food spending within the local economy.