EMOIMEE HCDT-ESIT EKET TRANSFORMS 250 RESIDENTS INTO AGRIBUSINESS OWNERS.

EMOIMEE HCDT-ESIT EKET TRANSFORMS 250 RESIDENTS INTO AGRIBUSINESS OWNERS.

– Doles out N1 million Grant To Each Participant

– Vows To Renovate Classroom Blocks At Ekpene Ebo Technical College.

Written by: Daniel Edon 

Hope was renewed in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, on July 9, 2026, as 250 beneficiaries graduated from the 1st Batch of the 2026 EMOIMEE Agribusiness Training Program were supported with a financial lifeline of one million Naira each.

The program, facilitated by the NNPC/SEPLAT Joint Venture-EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust – HCDT, is part of a deliberate strategy to drive agricultural transformation, youth empowerment and poverty eradication across the 10 wards of Esit Eket.

In a landmark announcement, the Trust approved a seed capital grant of N1,000,000 for each graduate- totaling N250 Million- to enable immediate takeoff of their agribusiness ventures.

“We Made a Bold Promise and We Have Delivered”
Addressing the gathering, Sir Barr. Bassey Dan-Abia, KJW, BoT Member of EMOIMEE HCDT, said the graduation was proof of the Trust’s commitment made 3 years ago at inauguration.

“When the NPC/SEPLAT JV EMOIMEE HCDT was inaugurated, we made a bold commitment to lift our people out of poverty through agriculture, enterprise, and skills development. Today stands as proof that promise has been fulfilled, and fulfilled in grand style,” Dan-Abia declared.

He explained that the 250 trainees were selected from all 10 wards and were trained “not as job seekers, but as skilled AGRIPRENEURS” equipped with practical knowledge across the full value chain of food production.

“They are now prepared to become employers of labour, contributors to food security, and drivers of economic growth in their communities,” he added.

Dan-Abia linked the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Akwa Ibom State Government’s ARISE Agenda, calling it a direct investment in Nigeria’s agricultural future.

Facilitator of the training, Dr. Udoyu Udoyu commended Esit Eket for emerging as the best performing among the 7 EMOIMEE HCDTs statewide. He also thanked the Trust for building and equipping an ICT Center in the LGA, which he said has helped students prepare for Computer-Based Tests like JAMB.

Hon. Unwana Evans, Management Committee member, said the Trust will conduct unscheduled visits to beneficiaries’ business locations to ensure proper use of funds. “Those that perform well will be given another opportunity,” he stated.

Engr. Akpekong, another Director, urged beneficiaries to join state-wide clusters to expand their businesses, while Board Member Engr. Imaobong Inyang praised the Barr. Bassey Abia Jnr.-led Management Committee for “tremendous development” in just 3 year.

Mrs. Grace Ekanem, APC Women Leader and a participant, thanked the organizers for the quality of training. “The knowledge impacted on us is enough to run a successful agribusiness,” she said.

Engr. Uwem Esu, another beneficiary, praised the transparent selection process. “I was selected without lobbying anybody. While other trusts give N500,000, Emoimee Esit-Eket gives N1 Million per trainee,” he said.

The event also took a political turn as Hon. Enobong Asubob, one of the political Stakeholders in Esit Eket, advised traditional rulers against interfering in the management of the Trust, but should concentrate on their constitutional and primary responsibilities, that their interest would be protected by the BOT and management Committee.

Asubob moved a motion for the endorsement of the current Management Committee for another term, which was unanimously approved by participants and Stakeholders with a resounding “AI.”

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Becky Becky Odungide Asindi, a member of the Education Committee urged beneficiaries to grow their capital and create jobs.

The Trust also announced plans to renovate classroom blocks at Ekpene Ebo Technical College in the next budget cycle.

Established under the Petroleum Industry Act, the EMOIMEE HCDT implements development projects in host communities of NNPC/SEPLAT JV – SEPNU assets.

The highpoint of the event was issuance of certificates of participation to the trainees and sendforth prayers that was said by Mrs. Grace Ediyang.

The event was attended by political leaders, Youths, women and Esit Eket Stakeholders.