July 11, (THEWILL) – Women groups and youths in Akwa Ibom State have moved to embrace entrepreneurship as part of efforts aimed at ensuring sustainable partnership and teamwork in driving the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises as the bedrock of rapid economic development.
Specifically, the women groups are coming together to form formidable teams across many frontiers, despite the challenges facing small business operators, including irregular power supply, in the country.
Through teamwork and partnership, the women and youth groups look set to avail themselves of the numerous credit facilities to grow their business.
This was the vision for the inauguration of the women and youth groups by the Uyo Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (UYOCCIMA) at a ceremony held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital and attended by captains of industries and leaders across the country.
Iyalode Alaba Lawson, one time president of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (NACCIMA), who delivered a keynote address at the ceremony, emphasised the need for self discipline, integrity and etiquette as the guiding principles for success in business.
Lawso’s views were also re-echoed by the president of UYOCCIMA, Obong Nseyen Ebong, who noted that bringing together women and groups together was meant to unleash their economic potentials noting that the population of the two groups far outweighs that of men.
“Since we started the idea of women and youths groups, I have been pleasantly surprised by their commitment and their enthusiasm,’’ adding that trade groups have been created within the association to fast track entrepreneurship and economic development.
Promising that UYOCCIMA would grant entry free loans to those seeking funds to expand their businesses,’’ he however urged the would-be beneficiaries to pay back such credit facilities to ensure that a revolving loan scheme would be achievable for others to benefit.
Ebong, a maritime expert and former Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, lauded the women groups for their enterprising spirit as displayed by the various products exhibited during the ceremony.
While the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Women affairs, Anthonia Ekpa, who represented the minister, urged the women to work towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in ending poverty, expressed delight that giving education to women and youths would help to reduce inequality and ensure rapid economic development.
About the Author
