*Rep. Martins Esin Presents Cheques to 100 Young Entrepreneurs in Second Phase of N100 Million Enterprise Scheme
John NTEKIM
The Oro Youth Enterprise Scheme (OYES), a flagship empowerment initiative sponsored by Rep. Martins Esin, has entered its second phase, with 100 additional young entrepreneurs from Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency receiving business grants.
The scheme is structured to provide beneficiaries with financial support ranging from ₦1,000,000 to ₦500,000 and ₦250,000, depending on the scale of their enterprises.
At a ceremony held in Oron on Thursday, Rep. Esin, who also serves as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development, reiterated the programme’s goal to bolster economic growth by supporting 300 young business owners across diverse sectors.
“In our constituency, we are domesticating Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which has prioritized youth empowerment through initiatives such as those undertaken by the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre.
“OYES is not just about grants, it is a fulfilment of our campaign promise under our RIDE Agenda to empower our constituents strategically, and I urge beneficiaries to leverage this support for greater exploits in their businesses,” Esin remarked.
He also highlighted other youth-focused projects in the constituency, including the ongoing construction of a fully equipped Youth Development Centre.
The event featured a lecture on financial management delivered by Prof. Godwin Akpan, an economist specializing in public finance and energy economics, who emphasized prudent budgeting and strategic investment as key to sustainability.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Nsikak-Abasi Edet Mbuk, a beautician, expressed gratitude to Rep. Esin for his vision and compassion, pledging to put the grants to profitable use.
The second batch of recipients spans various sectors, including agriculture, ICT, fashion, arts, hospitality, science, catering, trading, and general merchandise.
Of the 100 beneficiaries, two received ₦1,000,000 each, 28 were awarded ₦500,000 each, and 70 received ₦250,000 each.
The Rep member was joined at the cheque presentation by the Chairman of Oron Local Government, Hon. (Chief) Asukwo Enweme, Chairman of Okobo Local Government, Hon. George Henshaw, Chairman, Mbo Local Government, Hon. Sunday Etim, Senior Special Assistant to Governor on General Duties, Mr Daniel Eyakenyi, and the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Engr. Edwin Ebiese.
Other notable attendees included Hon. Nseobong Onwiebiak, Vice Chairman, Oron Local Government; Hon. Murphy Esin, former Chairman, Oron Local Government Transition Committee; Hon. Ubuo Ubuo, former Chairman, Okobo Local Government; Hon. (Prince) Umana Efombruh, former Chairman, Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government; and Barr. Omen Bassey, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, chapter chairmen of PDP from across the constituency, and members of the Forward Oro Campaign Organization, among other government functionaries.
