Skip to main content

Creative Industry Gets Govt Boost As SMEDAN talent hunt kicks off in Uyo



Courage Mbon


The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel has pledged increased government support for the creative industry in the state. Mr Emmanuel made the commitment earlier today while flagging off the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) talent hunt programme in fashion, Arts, and craft.

The Governor , who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Micro-finance and Enterprise Development, Mr Ime Uwah stated that Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in general  and the creative industry in particular hold a special spot in the Completion Agenda. Udom said further that increased government support for the Creative Industry will boost the state’s economy while gainfully engaging the most active demography in the state.

Speaking further, the governor thanked SMEDAN for choosing Akwa Ibom as one of the host states for the Talent hunt and welcomed them to enjoy the peace and serenity of the state. The Governor further tasked participants in the talent hunt – especially those from Akwa Ibom State to show commitment and hard work in line with the Dakkada philosophy espoused by his administration so as to make the state proud.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Director general and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN, Dr Dikko Umaru Radda said the talent hunt was designed toward discovering hidden talents and showcasing innovative talents in fashion, Arts and Craft. Radda, who was represented by Dr Friday Okpara stated further that the programme is geared toward employment generation through wealth creation and self-reliance, thereby reducing poverty among youths.

The flag off session also had goodwill messages from the Director General, National Association of Women Enterpreneurs, Dr Nsekpong Udo as well as Mr Ernest Bassey of the National Council for Arts and Culture.

The talent hunt, which has been scheduled to hold in four (4) locations: Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Gombe and Kaduna States will seek to identify over 300 innovative ideas in fashion, Arts and craft. The identified talents will be supported with financial assistance and technical support and entrepreneurship training.



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Breaking: A’Ibom Governor Removes Two Aides Amid Restructuring, Alleged PDP Links

  Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has relieved two aides of their duties with immediate effect, the state government announced on Monday. The affected officials are: Joseph Jacob Ikpak, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Support Services Felix Ekuri, Special Assistant to the Governor on Neighbourhood Watch Their disengagement was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, who described the action as part of the governor’s ongoing efforts to realign the machinery of government with the Renewed Hope and ARISE Agenda. The statement did not provide further details on the circumstances leading to their removal. However, it was gathered from multiple political sources that the decision may be linked to the aides’ alleged association with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The claim has not been officially confirmed, and the government has not commented on the speculation. Political analysts no...

Tragedy at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital: Akwa Ibom Governor Orders Probe Into Maternal Death

By Asuquo Edem  UYO – A tragic incident at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, has sparked public outrage after a young mother and her newborn reportedly died following a caesarean section, prompting Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to order an immediate high-powered investigation. A disturbing video of the grieving family began circulating on social media over the weekend, drawing widespread condemnation and raising fresh concerns over maternal mortality in the state. Moved by the incident, Governor Eno expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, to convene a commission of inquiry comprising medical and legal experts. The panel is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and recommend preventive measures. In a dramatic move, Dr. John led a midnight team of officials from the Ministry of Health to the hospital for an on-the-spot preliminary investigation, gathering firsthand testimonies f...

Financial Impropriety, Abuse Of Power: AKHA Receives Petition Against Ikono Chairman

  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly today during Plenary received a petition against the Council Chairman of Ikono, Hon. Otobong Essien, where the Councillors have accused her of misconduct in the discharge of her official duties. This was contained in a petition presented before the Assembly by the  Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights, and Public Petitions, Hon. Aniefiok Attah. The petition, signed by Hon. Saviour Ebong, Leader of the 8th Ikono Legislative Council, Deputy Leader Hon. Idorenyin Akpan, and ten other councillors, accused the Council Chairman of unlawfully withdrawing public funds from the local government council's account without the necessary authorisation from the Legislative Council.  The councillors described her actions as dishonorable, illegal, and a blatant abuse of power. Additionally, the councillors alleged that the Chairman misappropriated council funds in violation of Section 66(1) of the Local Government Administr...