Mission To Breed And Replicate Umo Enos
By Anietie Usen Ndifreke Akpekong is a cassava farmer in Eket, Akwa Ibom State. Four years ago in 2022, he was operating as a struggling farmer in a local community
In Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, a program called IBOM IGNITE has been helping entrepreneurs through financial grants and mentorship since its inception in 2017. The program, established by Pastor Umo Eno before his election as Governor, aims to "produce after its own kind," mirroring a Biblical principle of reproduction.
Recipients of the N500,000 grants have shared their success stories, demonstrating the impact of the program. These entrepreneurs include farmers like Akpekong who used the grant to expand his cassava farm, metal fabricator Emmanuel who acquired specialized machinery, and baking businesses like Ruth Bassey's Enriched Bakery, which upgraded its equipment and hired additional staff.
Other beneficiaries include fashion designers Mary Ekpo and Blessing Udofot, cosmetics manufacturer Pastor Church Mfon Monday, and creative artist Tochukwu Lorenzo. The program has provided more than 10,000 trainees with the necessary resources and guidance to turn their businesses into thriving local enterprises.
Beyond the financial assistance, past participants consistently mention the mindset shift, practical financial management skills, and the ability to structure their business visions as the most valuable aspects of the IBOM IGNITE programme. As the NGO reflects on its six years of operation, preparations are underway for the 2026 IBOM IGNITE Conference, scheduled for October 27-28, 2026, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Written by urgent.news from This Day's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
