GOV ENO FULFILLS PROMISE TO PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED ENTREPRENEUR, JONES
By Ekemini James
In furtherance of his industrial advancement and wealth creation policy, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Friday, handed over a fully furnished Business Centre and a brand-new tricycle to a physically challenged graduate of the Ibom Entrepreneurial Development Centre, Ibom-LED, Mr. Jones Okon Akpan, at Ibiaku Itam Village, Itu Local Government Area.
Recall that, the Governor while presenting cheques of N500,000 each to the 800 beneficiaries of Ibom-LED in March, 2024 spotted a physically challenged beneficiary, Mr. Jones Okon Akpan of Jones Manufacturing, and directed that he be given a good means of mobility as well as an additional support.
Represented by the Managing Director of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob, the Governor described Jones as an example of a believer in the ARISE Agenda. He said the beneficiary could have had excuse but chose to do something and urged other young people to emulate him.
“Jones have been trained by Ibom-LED and not only that, he distinguished himself despite his physical condition and didn’t miss any of the classes and that is why it wasn’t difficult for the Governor to spot someone like him.
“Despite the fact that he is grieving the loss of his wife, he has sent us to come and handover this place and assured that, despite what has happened, the machinery of Government will continue to move which shows that his heart is with the people.”
He commended the people of Itu for the peace they have maintained so far and urged them to continue to embrace peace at all times.
On his part, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Services, Prince Nsikanabasi Umoekpo, while narrating the story of the beneficiary, described the Governor as a Compassionate Leader who has changed the story of vulnerable families across the State. He mentioned that, there’s an ongoing compassionate home constructed by the current administration within the locality.
Umoekpo who described the building as “ARISE House” commended the beneficiary for showing outstanding commitment, passion and creativity during his intensive period of the training which attracted the Governor’s recognition and admiration.
In a project overview, the SSA to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development and Director of Programme, Mr. Ime Uwah, described Jones as an example of a real Akwa Ibom person. He recalled how Jones excelled in the entrance exams and training, demonstrating his potential for entrepreneurial greatness.
He highlighted the newly donated shop’s equipment to include a manual cutting machine, industrial flatbed machine, filling machine, Loco brand stamping equipment, last machine, and a showroom for product display.
Additionally, he noted that all participants received N500,000 from the program. Notably, the Governor was deeply moved by Jones’s condition and provided an extra one million naira support.
In a vote of thanks, the beneficiary, Mr. Jones Akpan flanked by his wife, Lady Joy Akpan, expressed gratitude to God for witnessing such a day. He testified that since he started the training, his life has undergone a transformative change.
Jones prayed for God’s blessings and long life upon the Governor, and also expressed his condolences to the State Chief Executive on the passing of his wife.
The brief presentation ceremony featured goodwill messages from Community Leaders and family members including Jones’ mother, Mrs. Nsima Akpan who applauded the Governor for his compassionate disposition and prayed for God’s blessing on him and his family.
