Gov’s wife partners AKICORP in women sensitization/ empowerment

 

BY KENNETH JUDE

The State First Lady Mrs, Unoma Akpabio, in conjunction with Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, (AKICORP) again embarked on an empowerment expedition with the sensitization of women at a workshop recently organised for Akwa Ibom Women Entrepreneurs at the Civil Service auditorium, Uyo. 

Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs Dr. Gloria Edet charged the women who were drawn from all parts of the State to develop the spirit of enterprise if they must be financially independent and securing a viable future for their children.

She said further that for them to become successful entrepreneurs, they must be ready to take risks as there is no venture in life without risk. She urged them not to see themselves as second-class citizens; leaving the bulk of funding the family solely on their husbands’ shoulders, while encouraging them to embrace entrepreneurship as the surest way to economic freedom.

Mr. Umanaette S. Udoh, FCA, Principal Consultant of Anieno Associates, who presented a paper on the theme: “Entrepreneurship and Investment Opportunities in Akwa Ibom State”, harped on the need for the women and the State at large, to tap into the vast resources inherent in the State. He stressed that the State is enormously gifted by nature so much that if these natural endowments are properly utilized, Akwa Ibom will become a hub for agricultural produce and other resources.

He listed many areas the women can leverage on for entrepreneurial excellence to include: the agro sector which encompasses: cottage arts and crafts, cane furniture, ornaments, carvings, brooms, lawyer’s wig and others. On the opportunities in the Agric/Agro sector, he made reference to animal husbandry, listing rearing of goat, sheep, pig, cow, rabbit, dogs, etc.

He bemoaned the fact that the northerners alone have embraced the benefits in this sector and have made other parts of the country highly dependent on them for these products. He also mentioned poultry and crop farming; noting the huge benefits and opportunities in the turkey, quails, snail, fish and crayfish business. For the crops, he pointedly noted that if proper and conscientious investment is done in the area of Okro, Pepper, Cassava, Plantain, Ginger, Food Processing, Food Storage and Sales, the State will become a Mecca of sorts as people from diverse places will troop into the State to savour these products. “In your heart lies a sleeping lion and in everyman lies the longing to succeed. Success is the maximum utilization of your abilities and gifts”, he admonished the women. He stated further that renowned entrepreneurs like ‘lady mechanic’ who has made a name for herself in vehicle repairs, diagnostics, service and maintenance is no different from any other woman, who only saw a need and decided to fill it with efforts and commitments, hence her success.

 Okoidegun Emmanuel, Head, Development Finance Office, Central Bank of Nigeria spoke on the theme: “Empowering Akwa Ibom Women through the Central Bank sponsored Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSME – DF)”. He defined micro enterprises as those operated by sole proprietors with less than 10 employees and a total asset of less than N50 million excluding land and buildings, he explained that the requirement for State Governments to participate in the MSME- DF include, encouraging the establishment and development of Participating Financial Institution (PFI), presenting a convincing annual framework roadmap on their empowerment programme for prospective target groups as basis for measuring performance etc.

Also speaking, Mr. Ukpanah Senas, extolled the virtues of Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, submitting that her outstanding performance in leadership and commitment towards the yearning of the less-privilege stands her out among her peers.

Also, the coordinator of Family Life Enhancement Scheme, Mrs. Sidney Asuama, encouraged the women to take advantage of the workshop to be financially stable and unrelaint on their husbands for everything. She stated further that at the end of the training, carefully selected women will be assisted to get to the height they crave. She entreated the women to think big but start small, stating that they can become great if they apply the best and time-tasted success secret which is taking a step and following it up with the right ideas and benefactors.

The women were also cautioned not to share their lofty business ideas with people who have the tendency to thwart their dreams as such could be detrimental to their quest to succeed in the business world. The workshop was chaired by Mr. Akan Okon, others who attended included: Mrs. Arit Okpo, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Women Affairs, Eno Ekong – MD Honoutex and a host of others.