By Ifeoma Anokwuru
50 Youths from Owerri Municipal, Owerri North and Owerri West have been empowered with one million naira each and nine others received N500.000 each by Eze Mitchell Egbukole foundation, as a seed capital to start or expand their existing business.
Speaking during the disbursement of the cheques to the beneficiaries at Eze Mitchell Egbukole palace , Egbu in Owerri North LGA , the founder of the foundation , Prince Ikenna Egbukole , noted that the entrepreneurship scheme was part of activities to mark the 25 memorial service of his late father , HRH Eze (Sir) Mitchell Ezesomaga Egbukole, who played his part in nation building, economic ,social development and promotion of entrepreneurship.
He revealed that the 59 beneficiaries were selected based on merit . He urged them to use the golden opportunity wisely and have testimonies of fruitfulness in years ahead.
The elder brother of the benefactor, Eze Mitchell Uchenna Egbukole, congratulated the beneficiaries . He described the grants as a talents planted in the lives of the beneficiaries which is expected to multiply in years time . He reminded the beneficiaries that their business will be reviewed from time to time and the successful ones will be receive more aid.
In his address, the Director General of Eze Mitchell Egbukole Foundation, Rear Adm. Sunday Baje ( Rtd) , said the grant initiative will serve as a job creation, innovation, productivity and reduction in crimes and criminality. He urged the beneficiaries to think outside the box and add value to their ongoing businesses.
Princess Jennifer Egbukole , encouraged the beneficiaries to put in their best in their respective business so as to add value to the society.
Some of the beneficiaries , Duru Childera George , Akunna mere , Onyejekwe Chidimma and Njoku Silver , in their separate speech , thanked the foundation , they prayed God to continue blessing the royal family and enlarge their Coast.
The event was graced by political leaders, royal fathers , religious leaders among others .
