Akwa Ibom State Government has concluded plans to boost local business through AKWA IBOM ENTERPRISE AND EMPLOYMENT SCHEME (AKEES).

This is a scheme designed for the implementation of the State Government's new Enterprise Development Program.

It is aimed at generating more sustainable employment opportunities for unemployed youth by empowering local businesses that can then employ the youths to earn a wage while undergoing practical enterprise skills development and hands-on training from growing businesses in Akwa Ibom- (LEARNING BY DOING AND EARNING WHILE LEARNING)

AKEES, whose ultimate vision is to establish Akwa Ibom as an enabling state, where anyone regardless of their economic background can generate an idea, start and grow their business as easily as possible.

With the motto “If you cannot be successful here, you cannot be successful anywhere”, the scheme has been carefully designed to develop youths with Character, Innovation and Competence; infusing in them dignity of labour, honor and integrity in life which are the famed virtues of an Akwa Ibomite.

In a parley with the media recently in Uyo, The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Technical Matters and Due Process Mr. Ufot Ebong clearly spelt out the key Objectives of this scheme which include:

Creating the enabling structures needed to easily setup and grow your business – More growing businesses; more job opportunities.
Fostering a domestic ecosystem to reduce capital flight through importation and exportation of un-optimized products – produce to consume, import to transform into higher value exports.
Supporting and growing businesses and products that have high export potential through franchising and online trading platforms – made in Akwa Ibom, sold worldwide.
Providing strategic solutions and reduce youth unemployment by 50% in 4 – 5 years:
Developing youth entrepreneurs through a set of Franchise schemes.
Providing world-class vocational skills training and high quality technical education to Akwa Ibom youths as may be necessary.
Mentorship and counselling of youths on Enterprise development, Franchisee scheme, Technical and Vocational Skills acquisition.

Trainees from day one, earn wages as they learn. They will be equipped and empowered with the mind-set and practical skills required to become first class competent and technically skilled entrepreneurs creating wealth and offering employment to other youths.

Registration into this scheme is on-going right now!

REGISTRATION IS FREE!

Registration desks have also been opened at Local Government Council headquarters and via mobile (SMS); to make it easy for anyone to register for the program, while accommodating a large number of registrations.

Mr. Ufot Ebong also assured that selection will be done through a transparent IT-driven process, DEVOID OF PROXIES AND POLITICAL PATRONAGE which ensured even participation of candidates who genuinely would want to create wealth for themselves through entrepreneurial ventures across the 31 Local Government Areas.

He also hinted that based on areas of interest and passion, candidates will be opportuned to hone their skills while earning a living working in the employment of empowered local businesses, or take up franchises to easily start and grow their business.

Regarding monitoring for effective implementation, Mr. Ebong said participating individuals and businesses shall be monitored and coached to reduce the risk of failing or reducing costs where possible.

For the sake of transparency, which the Udom Emmanuel-led administration is known for, Mr. Ufot Ebong reiterated that registration statistics will be displayed online at the website for easy accessibility and verification by any interested party and also, the number of jobs created from registered participants will be displayed through a ticker on the website.

Testimonials of beneficiaries and documentaries will also be available for verification on the website and a Feedback mechanism will be provided on the website.

He therefore called on all Akwa Ibom youths to wake up and take their destinies into their hands by availing themselves of this ample opportunity to get “OFF THE STREET; INTO WORK”.

Register now! Click www.wetinhappen.com.ng

Source: www.wetinhappen.com.ng

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