Foundation lifts 59 entrepreneurs in Owerri with 54.5m

Alex Ibeh
An Organization known as Eze Mitchell Egbukole Foundation (EMEF) has used the occasion marking the 25 years exit of their father to empower 59 youth entrepreneurs with N54.5m who endured successive screening by a Canadian consulting firm.

The founder of the foundation, Prince Ikenna Egbukole used the occasion to celebrate the 25 years of his father’s demise, late HRH Eze sir Mitchell Ezesomaga Egbukole, the Ochoronma IV of Egbu Autonomous community

The cash disbursement program which took place at the palace of the Eze Egbu, His Royal Highness, Eze Uchenna Mitchell Egbukole in Egbu, Owerri North Local government Area of Imo State on Monday 8th July, 2024 attracted government functionaries, traditional rulers and business men and women from the State and beyond.

Out of the 59 beneficiaries, 50 were given 1 million naira each while 9 got N500,000 each on compassionate grounds, mostly physically challenged citizens.
According to the consulting outfit, the successful beneficiaries are to put their training to work, henceforth.

In his speech, the founder, Prince Ikenna Egbukole who described his late father as a visionary leader stated that the foundation was established to honour his legacy.

According to him, my father believed deeply in the power of Education and entrepreneurship scheme in transformation of lives and communities.

Ikenna pointed out that the foundation is committed to supporting entrepreneurship on a broader scale.
He said: “this year’s program has been overwhelming. We received 1,130 applications from ambitious young people across these communities in Owerri North, West and Municipal, our selection process was rigorous and impartial as we engaged an independent Canadian Company “Dgytal” to evaluate applications based on criteria”
He therefore congratulated the 50 successful beneficiaries and 9 others who received 500,000 each in compassionate category.

During press time, he pointed out that the state or federal government ought not to do everything for the citizens, adding that the time has come for private individuals to give assistance, grants, loan to entrepreneurs to develop the country’s economy.

In his good will message, HRH Eze Uchenna Mitchell Egbukole expressed gratitude to the guests for been part of the occasion.
He thanked everyone whose effort contributed to the success of the dynamism.

The monarch reminded the beneficiaries to continue to put the training into practice just as he prayed that God Almighty will be their guidance in their areas of chosen career.

Speaking to Newsmen, the Commissioner for Youths development and Talent hunt who represented the State Governor, Comrade Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu commended the Royal family for empowering entrepreneurs in various vocations just as he encouraged the beneficiaries to make use the opportunity to better their lives.
Also speaking,
HRH Eze Jude Chidi Nworgu, the Chidiebube 1 of Egbelu Ebube in Owerri-north LGA and Chairman Owerri North Council of Traditional rulers described the occasion as a rare feat, adding that it was impressive to compliment the efforts of the government to promoting entrepreneurship among the youths
Expressing their joy to newsmen, some of the beneficiaries included Duru Childera George, Akunna Mere, Onyejekwe Chidimma and Njoku Silver among others thanked the founder immensely for the gestures, as they promised not to disappoint him and others who ensured that the process was a successful one.