Umo Eno Sets To Transform, Redefine Africa’s Entrepreneurial Future, From Oil To Opportunities

Umo Eno sets to transform, redefine Africa’s entrepreneurial future, from Oil to opportunities. Governor Umo Eno’s drive in entrepreneurship development demonstrates how proactive government intervention can transform a region’s business ecosystem.

His model and action plan shows that with the right policies—such as entrepreneurship education, access to finance, streamlined regulations, targeted support for small businesses, and strategic public-private partnerships—a government can create an enabling environment that scales enterprise action and drives economic growth, all while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

In a rapidly evolving global economy, Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria is positioning itself as a leading hub for entrepreneurship, industrialization, and innovation.

With its strategic location in West Africa’s fastest-growing economic corridor, a young and skilled workforce, and a pro-business government led by Governor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom is transforming into a regional center for MSME growth, digital innovation, and sustainable industrialization.

Recognizing the US$331 billion MSME financing gap in Africa and the immense opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, the Governor’s hallmark is scaling high-growth and globally competitive enterprises.

Globally, entrepreneurship is recognized as a catalyst for economic transformation, particularly in emerging economies. The MSME sector contributes up to 60% of GDP in many developing countries; however, in Nigeria, only about 15% of MSMEs scale beyond subsistence levels due to structural barriers.

This highlights the urgent need for an enabling environment that supports small and medium enterprises—a challenge that Akwa Ibom is deliberately addressing.

Akwa Ibom’s economic landscape offers a thriving consumer and trade market, with Nigeria’s largest sub-national economy providing access to a consumer base of over 200 million people.

The state’s proximity to the AfCFTA trade zone, valued at US$3.4 trillion, offers seamless export opportunities. Infrastructure developments, such as the Ibom Deep Seaport and Ibom Industrial City when done will drive global trade and position the state as a key player in the international market.

Governor Umo Eno’s commitment is evident through massive investments in entrepreneurship education and development, improved access to finance, tax incentives, business reforms, and ease-of-doing-business initiatives that streamline licensing, company registration, and digital governance.

The state’s focus on key sectors—such as agriculture and agribusiness, tourism, infrastructure, education, healthcare, rural development, the digital economy, and tech innovation, as well as women and youth entrepreneurship—is beginning to yield tangible results.

In agriculture, Akwa Ibom is leveraging its fertile land and favorable climate to become an export-driven hub for cassava, palm oil, cocoa, and fisheries processing. Moreover, the state prioritizes women-led businesses and youth entrepreneurship through dedicated funding, training, and market access initiatives.

It is interesting to note that Akwa Ibom’s entrepreneurship strategy aligns with global sustainable development goals. It contributes to poverty reduction and the creation of decent work, fosters gender equality by supporting women-owned enterprises, strengthens industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and promotes global partnerships for sustainable growth.

The state actively collaborates with foundations, impact investors, venture capitalists, and international development agencies to finance MSMEs, education programs, social impact initiatives, and the digital transformation drive, while encouraging local businesses to scale into global supply chains.

The engagement model is built around capital investment and innovative financing strategies, including blended finance approaches that combine public-private partnerships, grants, and concessional lending.

There is also a strong focus on capacity building and enterprise development through IBOMLED, with technical partnerships with global accelerators, transformation programs, and training initiatives. Additionally, Akwa Ibom is establishing robust market linkages and trade partnerships to ensure local businesses can access international markets and scale rapidly.

It is noteworthy that the institutionalization of the EAP program at IBOMLED has empowered entrepreneurs for sustainable growth. The focus on incubation, acceleration, and support for early-stage businesses in agriculture, tech, manufacturing, and creative industries is remarkable.

The program facilitates startup financing and venture capital, offers capacity-building initiatives to train entrepreneurs in financial literacy, digital marketing, and business management, and supports women and youth entrepreneurship through a gender-inclusive model, positioning them for tech-enabled and green economy jobs. Without a doubt, this approach aligns with the SDGs and global development goals.

Umo Eno

Clearly, Akwa Ibom offers a compelling opportunity for investors and development partners. For investors, the state presents high-return opportunities in a fast-growing economy underpinned by government-backed incentives and a large consumer market. For development partners, collaborating with Akwa Ibom means contributing to the creation of a globally competitive, entrepreneur-driven economy that fosters sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Scaling Africa’s next generation of innovative businesses, creating jobs, driving prosperity, and contributing to a competitive economy on the world stage is Governor Umo Eno’s signature ideal through the ARISE AGENDA.

Akwa Ibom State is not only a beacon of economic transformation but also a model of sustainable development.

With the right investments, partnerships, and a shared commitment to progress, Akwa Ibom is redefining Africa’s story in entrepreneurship and industrial innovation.

Governor Dapo Abiodun Rewards UNILAG’s Top Graduates With N10m Each

Governor Dapo Abiodun rewards UNILAG’s top graduates with N10m each. He emphasised that such recognition would inspire others to unlock their full potential.

Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has presented a cheque of ₦10 million each to Samuel Badekale and Haroun Adebakin, the best graduating students of the University of Lagos.

The duo emerged as the top graduates during the institution’s 55th convocation ceremony.
While receiving them in his office in Abeokuta on Friday, Mr Abiodun also appointed them as Education Ambassadors of the state.

The governor stated that the gesture was to appreciate their hard work. He noted that achieving a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.0 had made the state proud and secured their future.

Mr Abiodun assured that his administration would continue to honour individuals excelling in their careers. He emphasised that such recognition would inspire others to unlock their full potential.

“I commend you for bringing honour to yourselves, your families, Ogun State, and Nigeria. We are appointing you as our Education Ambassadors to motivate students,” he said.

He urged them to consider how they could support younger students. He added that they would participate in programmes where they would visit schools to encourage and mentor pupils.

“As a token of our appreciation, we are giving you ₦10 million each. This reward also acknowledges your parents’ efforts in making Ogun State proud,” the governor said.

Mr Abiodun expressed delight that despite societal challenges, some young men and women remained focused, diligent, and intentional about their academics, achieving outstanding success.

He described their accomplishment as exceptional, highlighting their perseverance, consistency, and discipline in reaching their goals. He commended their determination to excel academically.

“This is the Ogun spirit. I’m not surprised that both of you, from the same department, Cell Biology and Genetics, achieved this remarkable feat in the same year,” he said.

Abiodun

The governor noted that his administration had revitalised the education sector through various reforms, including a learner identification system to monitor student enrolment and performance.

He added that the Learner Identification Number initiative had gained attention from other states, positioning Ogun as a model for educational innovation in Nigeria.

In response, Messrs Adebakin and Badekale expressed gratitude to the governor for the recognition, calling it proof of his commitment to improving the education sector in Ogun.

They advised young people to focus on their studies and avoid activities that could bring shame to their families, stressing that education remained a key to success.

Borno Governor Babagana Zulum Distributes Vehicles, 280 Housing Units To Security Agencies

Borno governor Babagana Zulum distributes vehicles, 280 housing units to security agencies. Mr Zulum said the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Friday, launched the distribution of 110 operational vehicles, 500 motorcycles, and 280 housing units to security agencies in Borno.

The initiative, led by Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum, aims to enhance security operations and improve the welfare of security personnel across the state.

Speaking at the Government House in Maiduguri, the IGP praised the governor  for his continued support, describing him as a “performing governor” committed to tackling insecurity in the North East.

“This massive support will undoubtedly boost our operational efficiency. These assets will enhance response capacity, improve patrol operations, and ultimately strengthen security across the state.”
The IGP assured that the newly provided assets would be deployed immediately to reinforce security efforts across Borno.

“These operational assets, including 110 vehicles and 500 motorcycles, will significantly improve our ability to respond swiftly to threats, conduct patrols, and protect communities,” Mr Egbetokun said.
He reiterated the police force’s commitment to ensuring these resources are effectively used for the safety and security of Borno’s residents.

In his address, Mr Zulum said the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture.
“Today marks another significant step in our unwavering efforts to support security agencies in Borno state,” Mr Zulum said.

He explained that the vehicles and housing allocations were designed to improve mobility, enhance response time, and boost operational capacity in the fight against insecurity.

He emphasised that security remained the foundation for Borno’s recovery and development, pledging continued collaboration with security agencies.

“Without security, our efforts in rebuilding Borno will not yield the desired results. By supporting security forces, we invest in force multipliers and operational effectiveness,” he said.

Mr Zulum also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in supporting security operations across the country, particularly in Borno.
“We appreciate the Federal Government under President Tinubu’s leadership for its continued support to security agencies working tirelessly to safeguard lives and property,” he said.

Zulum

The Nigeria Police Force will receive 60 of the 110 vehicles, while the Nigerian military will be allocated 50 vehicles and 500 motorcycles.

Additionally, the police will receive 220 housing units at Mai Mala Buni Estate, 20 at Kashim Shettima Estate, and another 40 at Wulari, all in Maiduguri.

Senior security officials attended the ceremony, including the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, as well as top police, military, and paramilitary officers.