The spirit of entrepreneurship is rising in Akwa Ibom as the Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, has called on residents and leaders to “arise and fish,” urging an end to the culture of sharing money instead of empowering people with sustainable skills.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Mbo Entrepreneurship and Craft Centre in Enwang, China announced a massive sponsorship package for 30 out of the first 100 trainees, including ₦4.5 million for their six-month training and another ₦4.5 million to equip them with machines and start-up capital.
He also revealed that he donated an initial ₦5 million to support the rebuilding of the facility—an initiative inspired by his aide, Anthony Andemic, who heads the entrepreneurship committee.
China praised Mbo LGA Chairman, Hon. Sunday Etim, describing him as “a new standard for leadership,” for empowering youths in batches of 100. He challenged political leaders across the state to stop handouts and start building skilled entrepreneurs.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship, Mrs. Meflyn Anwana, announced that Akwa Ibom has created a massive fund that allows entrepreneurs to access up to ₦10 million each. She said work is ongoing to help at least 100 Mbo entrepreneurs successfully qualify.
In his remarks, Chairman Sunday Etim said the project—once abandoned—has now been rebuilt into a fully equipped vocational centre offering training in ICT, catering, cosmetics, fashion and more. He announced a ₦60,000 monthly allowance for each trainee and a ₦500,000 starter pack upon graduation.
He also unveiled a ₦300 million Mbo Entrepreneurship Trust Fund, designed to unlock the area’s economic potential and build a generation of self-reliant youth.
Hon. Etim called on corporate bodies, PTF, the diaspora, and private partners to join in expanding the centre, providing tools, internships and support for graduates.
He said the goal is to make Mbo “a land where no talent is wasted and no youth is left behind,” adding that real prosperity comes from skills, innovation, and human capital development—not political handouts.
