The vision of Governor Umo Eno to raise world-class entrepreneurs through the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (Ibom-LED), recorded another milestone with the graduation of youths, who successfully completed a six-month Start-up Accelerator Incubation Programme in Tailoring and Shoemaking.
Sponsored by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), the graduation ceremony, held on Friday, September 26, at the Ibom-LED premises in Uyo, featuring over 50 graduands who shared inspiring experiences and growth during the programme.
In his opening remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development and General Manager of Ibom-LED, Mr. Ime Uwah, commended the initiative and reiterated the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through entrepreneurship.
Mr. Uwah lauded PIND Foundation for being the first patron to sponsor beneficiaries under the Youth Employment Pathway (YEP) Project, assuring that more impactful programmes will follow. He congratulated the graduands for embracing the ARISE Agenda of the State government, which seeks to equip young people with skills, create jobs, and foster sustainable enterprises across Akwa Ibom.
Delivering a lecture on “The Art of Pricing, Profits, and Value,” Mrs. Edidiong Eshiet urged the young entrepreneurs to add value to their products by avoiding underpricing. She highlighted the importance of bulk production, cost balancing, and consistency to remain competitive while maximising profit.
Speaking on behalf of PIND, Mr. Hanson charged the graduands to remain committed to their ventures, stressing that consistency, innovation, and resilience are critical to building sustainable enterprises. He encouraged them not to be undaunted by initial challenges, but to focus on solving problems within their industries as a pathway to long-term success.
Also delivering a presentation titled, “From Artisan to Entrepreneur: The Business of Bespoke,” Mr. Sifon Ekpenyong highlighted the importance of transitioning from routine craftsmanship to structured entrepreneurship. He advised the entrepreneurs to build systems that ensure continuity, create employment opportunities, and expand from small-scale production to larger-scale bespoke demands for greater recognition.
High points of the Ceremony was an hour’s competition for selected graduands of Tailoring and Shoemaking, presentation of prizes to winners and a documentary on the impact of the YEP programme, phase 1.
