My attendance here today highlights the significant value we place on this Entrepreneurial Leadership Development program.
I stand before you not as a distant figure, but as someone who began modestly-launching a small hotel with just five rooms in Eket back in 1996. Over time, before entering public service, we expanded to own numerous hotel apartments, extended our reach to Uyo, acquired properties in Abuja, collaborated with International Oil Companies (IOCs), and became the second-largest employer in the state, surpassed only by the government itself.
Rather than delegating this moment to a representative, I chose to come personally to share a vital message: starting small is not a limitation but a foundation for growth. The only thing that begins from the top down is a grave. Success, in contrast, is built from the ground up. It’s not the size of the initial capital that determines your outcome, but the enthusiasm, commitment, passion, and discipline you bring to multiply what you have.
Recently, I encountered a young man who was literally asleep when I woke him to offer a remarkable opportunity-an appointment. Reflecting on that moment, I am grateful it happened. Yet, I heard him later disparaging the idea of giving people just N500,000 to start a business, questioning what could be achieved with such a sum.
I found humor in his skepticism. He was jolted awake from complacency, handed a car he never earned, and instead of seizing the chance, he chose to idle away his time. This reminds me of the story of Dangote, whose uncle, the late Dantata, lent him only N500,000. Today, Dangote stands as Africa’s wealthiest individual, with a net worth of $23.9 billion.
The lesson is clear: it’s not the amount of money you receive but the passion and dedication you apply that truly matter. For over two decades, those familiar with Eket know that my business, home, and church are all located in one place. I start my day with prayers there, work there, and return home to the same spot. I focused solely on my business, nurturing it with unwavering passion. Without genuine passion, no amount of money can yield meaningful results. Success begins with you.
During the early days of growing my business in Eket, government support was nonexistent-not even from the local authorities. Our only assistance came from loyal customers. Eventually, the government recognized our value and became patrons, which helped us grow. For instance, when Governor Obong Victor Attah hosted the Global Conference of Mayors, no hotel in the state could match the Royalty Group’s standards. The government relocated operations to Eket, utilizing our hotel for a week-long global event, during which we worked tirelessly around the clock.
Until I transitioned into public service, I remained deeply involved in my business-working mornings to nights, even stepping into the kitchen to understand every aspect. I am here today, without notes, to inspire you with this genuine testimony. Modesty aside, I also managed a home and business in the United States, and most of my children were educated there before I entered government. Success in business demands personal effort and commitment.
You are fortunate to be in a state that not only offers training but also provides seed capital. This is a blessing, not an entitlement. I urge you to embrace this opportunity with gratitude and responsibility. I firmly believe that N500,000 can transform your life if you approach it with diligence. That is why we bring you to this development center-to teach you how to manage and grow your funds wisely. Just as a scalpel heals in the hands of a surgeon but harms in the hands of a madman, the impact of money depends on the person wielding it.
Over the past two years, our state government has managed resources prudently. We have not needed to borrow from banks-not because borrowing is inherently bad, but because we have maintained fiscal discipline. We have completed numerous projects, and I challenge any other state to match our achievements. Recently, I approved a supplementary budget of N1.6 trillion, fully backed by available funds-an unprecedented milestone for Akwa Ibom.
We refuse to tolerate inflated contracts. Road construction has historically been plagued by overpricing, but now our contractors know every quote is scrutinized against independent assessments. This vigilance saves public funds, allowing us to reinvest in our people through training and seed funding. To those who inflate contracts, I say: true power lies in enabling the less privileged to thrive.
I entered office with a firm resolve: if given the honor to serve as governor, I would champion the cause of those from humble beginnings-people like you. Today, I reaffirm that commitment. We are not merely distributing money; we are empowering the poor to breathe and prosper.
I am encouraged by the success stories emerging from previous cohorts. One entrepreneur used N500,000 to expand his fashion business by acquiring more sewing machines. Another invested in a palm kernel cracker, boosting productivity. Others have grown their farms or trading ventures. These examples demonstrate the transformative potential of this support.
I empathize deeply with your struggles. Many of you endure harsh conditions, standing in the rain during events for a mere N2,000 payment. You are like family to me-children, nephews, nieces-and I want better for you. After all the performances and political rallies, you deserve something of your own to sustain you.
This conviction inspired the phased entrepreneurial training and financial assistance we provide: N250,000 to rent shops and an additional N500,000 to stock them. Please regard this aid as a lifeline. Invest in ventures you are passionate about and enjoy pursuing.
Let us abandon the mindset that life owes us something. Life is a constant challenge, and only God’s grace sets us apart. Apostle Paul reminds us that grace is accompanied by hard work-he labored more than all the apostles combined. This is my call to you: seize this divine opportunity, take control of your destiny, and commit to diligent effort.
Remember, do not use your business capital to pay tithe; pay it from your profits. Mastering the use of one naira prepares you to handle ten naira wisely. I see potential millionaires among you, but success demands discipline, sacrifice, and focus.
Some say politics is tough, but I say true toughness lies in succeeding in business without government support. Business requires adherence to principles, which you will learn during your training here.
Take the initiative to elevate your life. Pray for guidance on managing this government support, invest wisely, and watch your enterprise grow. With clarity and perseverance, God will bless your efforts.
May God uplift each of you.
– Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Delivered spontaneously on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the One-day Business Concept Note Workshop & Opening Ceremony for the Fourth Batch of the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme in Uyo.
