Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – In a move to foster entrepreneurship and create job opportunities for the youth, Happy Hour Connect, in collaboration with the Uyo Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mine and Agriculture (UYOCCIMA), is set to unveil the highly anticipated Akwa Ibom Youth Entrepreneurship Summit. Scheduled for July 15, 2023, at the prestigious Watbridge Hotel in Uyo, the summit aims to empower and equip young individuals with essential skills for business success.
Under the theme “Empowering Youths through Strategic Planning,” the summit seeks to bridge the gap between governance and the governed, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation and growth. With a duration of six months following the summit, the initiative aims to train over 5,000 youths across the state, empowering them with vocational skills such as financial management and digital marketing.
Chairman of the Happy Hour Connect, Mrs. Affiong Ibanga, expressed her optimism about the initiative’s potential to complement the efforts of the state government in job creation through the A.R.I.S.E agenda. She emphasized that successful applicants would gain valuable knowledge and insights, enabling them to become successful entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry leaders.
During a recent world press conference held in Uyo, Mrs. Ibanga shared, “The focus areas of this summit will encompass various aspects crucial for entrepreneurial success. We will explore strategic planning, highlighting the importance of setting clear goals, identifying opportunities, and developing effective strategies to achieve business objectives.”
In addition to strategic planning, the summit will cover topics such as financial management, digital marketing, and access to funding, providing participants with practical insights and actionable steps to enhance their entrepreneurial journey.
Excitingly, Happy Hour Connect has established partnerships with leading financial institutions, including the Bank of Industry (BOI), to facilitate access to funding through soft loans for the trainees. This strategic collaboration aims to provide the necessary financial resources to support the entrepreneurial ventures of the participants.
The Akwa Ibom Youth Entrepreneurship Summit presents a unique opportunity for young individuals to acquire the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to embark on successful entrepreneurial journeys. With a shared vision of creating a thriving and productive community, the summit aligns with the A.R.I.S.E agenda and promises to bring about positive change in Akwa Ibom State.
Aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry leaders are encouraged to seize this remarkable opportunity and contribute to the growth and development of the state. The summit represents a collective synergy that will unlock innovative ideas and pave the way for a prosperous future. Together, we can build an Akwa Ibom State that fulfills the aspirations of its people.