… As Eze Mitchell Egbukole Foundation promotes entrepreneurship
Sylvia Udoka Njoku, a young Information/Computer Technology (ICT) graduate, arrived at the royal palace in Egbu Owerri, Imo State capital, last Monday, July 8, 2024, with pittance. She left the palace a millionaire.
The Naze-born budding entrepreneur arrived with 49 others and ended up picking N1m cheque each from the ‘Eze Mitchel Egbukole Foundation’ (EMEF) founded by Ikenna Egbukole, son of the late Eze of Egbu in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.
The day may have been a ‘Sit-At-Home’ day but when philanthropists step out to help the youths, all evils seem to stay away.
The disbursement ceremony took place at the royal palace where the current Eze, Uchenna Egbukole, described as a digital, pragmatic, industrious, philanthropic, and humane monarch, who is the Ochoronma 6th of Egbu autonomous community, gave huge insights into the significance of July 8 in the Egbu royal family.
He said it was the day the 5th Eze Ochoronma died 25 years ago. It was also the date that the wife died years later, and the day the founder of EMEF was born. He said the late Eze was renowned for good works, mediation, and philanthropy.
He gave further background, saying the first disbursement was in 2019 to mark 20 years of the demise of the late Eze, their father. The fund then was N5m to five beneficiaries and N300,000 to other three, making N3.9m.
The monarch further revealed how the day was full of shock 25 years ago but is today a day of triumph and celebration. He revealed how a relation and man of God hinted him that only the Holy Spirit could fill the vacant shoe their late father left behind, and how such could only be true if the family accepted the intentions of God. He said the prophecy has been fulfilled with abundant blessings.
He told the beneficiaries to reserve their appreciation till years later when they would present those they too helped.
Founder reveals inner plans:
The prince of the royal house and founder of EMEF, Ikenna Egbukole, in his keynote address, seemed to reveal what may be hidden beyond the millions on display. He said the foundation managers were watching.
He said EMEF was established to honor the legacy of their late father who was a Knight and monarch. “He was a visionary leader who believed deeply in the power of education and entrepreneurship to transform lives and communities.
He reaffirmed how EMEF was started in 2019, “Today, five years later, we gather to celebrate the tremendous growth of our initiative. This second edition of the scheme has expanded its reach to include 48 communities across Owerri North, Owerri West, and Owerri Municipal local governments. We have also increased our funding almost tenfold to N54.5m, demonstrating our commitment to supporting entrepreneurship on a broader scale. The response to this year’s programme has been overwhelming.”
Giving further details, he said: “We received 1,130 applications from ambitious young people across these communities. Our selection process was rigorous and impartial. We engaged an independent Canadian Company “Dgytal” to evaluate applications based on criteria including business knowledge, marketing strategy, customer understanding, business viability, scalability, and proposed use of funds.”
He said they also strived for representation from as many communities as possible. “To our 50 main awardees receiving one million naira each: congratulations! You have emerged successfully from a highly competitive process with a 5percent success rate.”
He said they had to give N500,000 each on compassionate grounds to nine beneficiaries, some of them people with disabilities. “They are some applicants who showed exceptional need or are overcoming significant challenges in pursuit of their entrepreneurial dreams.”
Before the disbursement of funds, all awardees were said to have participated in a comprehensive two-day training programme which covered essential aspects of business management, including marketing, strategy, customer service, and financial management.
“They also had the opportunity to learn from successful business owners who have graciously offered their ongoing support.
“To all our awardees: This grant is a vote of confidence in your potential to drive positive change in your communities.
“Use these resources wisely, conduct your businesses ethically, and always seek opportunities to grow and innovate. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our foundation trustees. Your selfless contributions and unwavering commitment to the foundation’s progress have made this day possible.”
He hinted that as they would monitor the entrepreneurs, more things may come to them in the near future. This was the kind of hint Shell use to give LIVEwire beneficiaries years past. Those that got the hint and performed exceptionally well got many more opportunities such as bank loans, foreign linkages, trips, etc. Some of them are doing businesses abroad today.
The founder noted thus: “To all members of the project team – our DG, coordinators, consultants, vendors, and everyone whose effort contributed to the success of this initiative – I am grateful. The seeds we are planting today in these entrepreneurs will undoubtedly yield bountiful fruits. To those who did not receive a grant this time: your entrepreneurial spirit is commendable.”
He told the beneficiaries to persist in their endeavors. “The very act of applying and presenting your ideas is a valuable experience that will serve you well in future opportunities.
“As we conclude, I challenge all our awardees to think beyond personal success. How can your businesses uplift your communities? How can you make an impact beyond your own business? May this grant be just the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. Go forth, create, innovate, and inspire.”
He told those that did not win to know that the rigours and learning along the contest was something big that could help them soon.
DG warns of danger in ignoring the youth that make up 75% of Nigeria
Sunday Lawal Baje, a retired rear admiral and director-general of the Foundation, said the late Eze was worthy of the celebrations as the legacy of a good man with a good name. He said it showed the importance of instilling family values that transcend generations. “Today, I celebrate a man that inculcated the virtue of kindness and integrity to his children who have now taken it upon themselves to give back to the society.”
He said that the late Eze played his part in nation-building, economic and social development, and promotion of entrepreneurship. “He worked in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry where he retired as the Chief Industrial Promotions Officer, after acting as the Permanent Secretary and as the Director- General in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Imo state. He was a distinguished alumnus of the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. As a traditional ruler, he was a visionary and unifier of the good people of Egbu community.
“He was a man of courage, character, commitment and compassion. This is evident as the seeds he planted are bearing fruit 25 years after.”
Saying the funds were meant to serve either as seed or expansion capital, he quoted authorities that said 75% of the Nigerian population is within ages of 15 to 35 years. “The implications of not educating, training, upskilling, and empowering the youths are grave. The Youth Entrepreneurship program is relevant now more than ever as the Youths needs our support in this difficult time of moral decadence, economic hardship, unemployment and underemployment.”
He mentioned the exponential increase in sundry crimes and terrorism such as Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, ritual practices, and political thuggery over the decades to be traceable to the spiraling waves of youth unemployment.
“With the funds being provided to the youth, the spin-off effects include job creation, innovation, productivity and reduction in crimes and criminality. We heartily congratulate the beneficiaries of the Eze Mitchell Egbukole Foundation, from the three local government councils of Owerri, let me use this golden opportunity to urge you to be good ambassador of your families. It is time to think outside the box-to add value to your ongoing businesses and take them to a higher level, as the subject of today’s celebration has done for Egbu community. I am hopeful that by this time of next year, when we converge again you all will have testimonies of fruitfulness and added productive values to give.
“Once again, we must thank the brilliant minds behind this life- transforming Foundation for all the sacrifices of your precious time, energy and resources made. Kindly keep the flag of philanthropy flying.”
The challenge from the EMEF to the beneficiaries of both phases was succinctly put thus: ‘How can you make your businesses to uplift your various communities? How can you make others millionaires?’
Monarchs endorse initiative:
Various monarchs who thronged the venue spoke words of admonition to the beneficiaries to make them realise what a great opportunity they have got in their pockets.
The Eze Imo was initially represented by another Eze, Lucky Okoro, who is also the secretary of South-East Council of Traditional Rulers. In his remarks, he said: “Ndi Eze are happy today. This looks like the talent Jesus talked about that were given by a departing master to his servants to trade with.
“Some of us Ndi Eze attested to over 50 persons each who vied for the contest. It was a requirement of the process. So, go and multiple this. By next phase, you come and showcase those you have also empowered.”
The Eze of Owerri, D.C Nworgu, stated thus: “There is no better way to immortalise a great man than this. We all in Owerri LGAs benefitted from this. We now await testimonies.
“I confirm that the process is very transparent. Keep it up. The one that got it from my area is known to be an industrious young graduate.”
Bishop adds a voice:
Jeffrey Okorafor, the Anglican bishop, said his heart was full of gratitude. “Money is hard to come by and many young people do anything to get it and many need it to please ladies. A boy is now in detention with his lady friend for stealing gold to lavish gifts on her. But you people here have chosen to seek wealth through the noble way.
“So, use this seed capital well and watch good things come to you later. Know that posterity will not forgive you if you misuse this seed. History has marked today.”
Jennifer Egbukole, wife of the founder, spoke eloquently about the project and its objectives. She urged the female entrepreneurs to double their efforts and excel because today’s world, she added, knows no male or female in terms of struggling to make it or to feed the family.
Beneficiaries speak:
Most of the beneficiaries poured appreciations to the Foundation and the royal family.
A female beneficiary of the 2019 set revealed how she paraded the streets with her first and second degrees in Microbiology without a job in sight.
“I opened a school in an uncompleted building to hustle. Then, this scheme just dropped.
“I got the N1m and used it to improve the building and get the school government-approved status. That created a kind of boom. Now, we have a good environment and a school bus (applause).”
She advised the new beneficiaries to invest wisely. “First, sit down to plan properly. Be accountable.”
A beneficiary from the present phase, Victor Iheme, who said he is into modern farming (fish and yams), said the grant would help him to expand his business.
Another, Sylvia Udoka Njoku, a shoe builder, also said it is for expansion. They both poured appreciation on the founder and the entire royal family. Njoku particularly promised not to have rest until she too could touch the lives of others.
Uzodinma excited, plans to join:
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State showed huge excitement through his representative, Kelechi Mandela, commissioner for Sports and Youth Development.
The governor showed interest and promised to partner the Foundation subsequently.
He said: “This is very good and exciting. Let other Imo well-to-do people help people this way. If other rich people and monarchs do this, there will be calm in Imo State.”
The representative said the governor is solidly behind the concept and project. “You beneficiaries, do not take this for granted. Defend this family with everything you have,” he said.
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