•Charges youths on diligence, accountability
The EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) has commissioned and handed over five Small Ghana fishing boats to fisher men in Mbo local government area, to boost socioeconomic activities in the area.
The ceremony was performed by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of EMOIMEE, Senator Helen Esuene, who congratulated Mbo EMOIMEE Team for their development strategy.
Archbishop Esuene noted as novel, the ingenuity of Mbo Team, especially in using cooperative bodies to manage all business empowerments.
Flanked by Mbo BOT Member, Sir Asuquo Inuikim and that of Onna, Engr Clinton Akpan, Helen Esuene, who was represented at the event by the BOT Member from Mkpat Enin, Engr Sunny Udo, encouraged the youths and women of Mbo to relish the opportunity in securing the projects for sustainability.
Speaking also, the Mbo BoT Member, Dr Asuquo Inuikim, while welcoming dignitaries from far and near to the commissioning and handing over of the Small Ghana fishing boats, also listed out projects earlier executed and those currently being implemented in the area.
“This project is very critical to our socio-economic environment. Mbo LGA is a litorol entity. Our forefathers were known for their fishing technology and this was their trade and major source of livelihood.
“Today, it appears like our rivers have been invaded by strangers who have taken more pride in our natural resources. This is why we have made this intervention to empower our people to return to their original source of livelihood.
“To complement this project, EMOIMEE has approved and awarded contracts for the construction of a Commercial Dryer and a Coolroom.
“This will not only serve the purpose of preservation for our fishermen and traders. It would also serve as a resource for revenue generation, as other dealers on seafood are equally expected to patronise it.
Sir Inuikim listed programmes already executed by Mbo EMOIMEE to include award of annual scholarships to students of tertiary institutions, business grants to 843 beneficiaries, as well as free medical workshops across the five communities.
He listed other ongoing projects to include installation of 500 units of street lights; award of contracts for a total rehabilitation and equipment of all health centres across the five communities; and screening of 100 sons and daughters of Mbo for skilled trainings in the Maritime, Oil & Gas Sectors; Information and Communication Technology; Agriculture and Food Sufficiency Skills; Fashion Design and Hospitality; and Civil & Constructions.
Also speaking, while delivering his welcome address, the Mbo Advisory Committee Member, Chief Ita Ntekim, noted that Mbo was beginning to reap the fruits of her natural endowments through the well-structured plans by EMOIMEE Trust.
Flanked by Mbo Management Committee Members, Chief Ulo Ante Uye and Chief Edet E. Okon, Ita Ntekim called for support from members of the community to enable them deliver.
On his part, the Consultant for Mbo Empowerment Projects, Mr John Bassey, noted that cooperative societies are put in place to manage the proceeds of the engagement, together with those of the beneficiaries of small and medium scale business grants.
Stating that registration with cooperative societies would be considered for people to be eligible for future empowerment programmes, John Bassey maintained that to achieve sustainability and the socioeconomic benefits, each of the cooperative societies would soon open their bank accounts to allow for a seamless management of resources and encourage accountability.
Meanwhile, the Mbo Youth Council Chairman, Comrade Victor Ntuen, while thanking the Leadership of Mbo EMOIMEE for the project which teaches them how to fish, instead of giving them fish, assured them that they will safeguard the facility to bring development to Mbo.
Mrs Edu Ibok Asanganyi of Effiat community, appreciated the Mbo EMOIMEE Team for thinking about the development of Mbo, saying the women were ready to partner the men and youths of Mbo so the harvest could be effectively managed.
High point of the event was the expression of vote of confidence by all community multipurpose cooperative societies on Mbo EMOIMEE led by Sir Asuquo Inuikim, their systemic development strategies for the youth and women of MBO LGA.
Other dignitaries at the event were the President-General of Enwang Development Union, Chief Ita Awak; President-General of Udesi Development Union, Mr Edem Ntekim; Col. Joseph Eduoku; Clan Head of Ubodung in Udesi, HRH Ita Ottong, among others.
