EZE MITCHELL EGBUKOLE FOUNDATION YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP GRANT – SCHEME II
(6th May, 2024)

The Eze Mitchell Egbukole (EME) Foundation continues its commitment to empowering the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs. In this edition, we reflect on the pivotal moments leading up to the recent disbursement ceremony.

Interview Day:
After a rigorous review of over 1,100 applications by the independent Canadian firm, Dgytal Inc., 250 standout candidates were invited for the next phase—a Zoom interview. This vital step brought them closer to realizing their entrepreneurial dreams.

Entrepreneurship Training:
Out of the interviews, 59 exceptional individuals advanced to an entrepreneurship training program led by Kleos Advisory Africa. The participants engaged in hands-on sessions on identifying innovative business opportunities, developing customer-centric strategies, and mastering financial management. Renowned entrepreneur Babatunde Akin Moses shared his insights on navigating the Nigerian business landscape, further inspiring the candidates. The training culminated with a focus on pitching business ideas to investors.

Disbursement Ceremony:
The EME Foundation recently celebrated the achievements of these promising individuals. The event, graced by the presence of HRM Eze Uchenna Mitchell Egbukole, Ochoronma VI of Egbu Kingdom, and Ikenna Egbukole, the founder of the EME Foundation, was a grand occasion attended by royal leaders, government dignitaries, and members of the press.

In total, ₦55.4 million was awarded to 59 beneficiaries: 50 received ₦1 million each, while the remaining 9, categorized as compassionate cases, were granted ₦500,000 each. This significant financial support underscores the foundation’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial growth in the Owerri community and beyond.

The cheques presented during the ceremony symbolize more than just financial aid; they represent a renewed hope for a prosperous future in the communities these young entrepreneurs will impact.

VESTAL EGBUKOLE FOUNDATION END OF YEAR SUPPORT FOR INDIGENT WOMEN IN OWERRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY – 2ND EDITION (10th December, 2021)

In commemoration of the fourth-year memorial of Ugoeze (Lady) Vestal Egbukole, the Board of Trustees expanded the Scheme to include all the Autonomous communities in Owerri Federal Constituency. Thus, in keeping with our mission and vision, for Year 2021 End of year Support Program, the following items were given to each of the 500 women across Owerri Federal Constituency: 

• Bag of rice (25kg)
• Groundnut Oil (3 Litres)
• 20 Sachets of Tomato paste
• 1 pack of Milo, 1 pack of Milk
• VEF T-Shirt and Cash gift of N5,000

The Palliative Scheme was for indigent women who are in dire need as the year had been a very difficult year for most people across the globe and particularly in Nigeria. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and insecurity in Nigeria affected all facets of our lives as individuals and institutions. 

Since our incorporation in 2019 and in line with our vision, we have held various outreach programmes under three Umbrellas, within which we carry out our mission such as: 

• Entrepreneurship Development –  Provide financial empowerment (seed capital) to Entrepreneurs
• Welfare Provision – Give palliatives in the form of food items and cash gift to indigent people in rural communities
• Capacity Building – Avail various trainings to develop women and the youth

The Founder, Prince Ikenna Egbukole reiterated that he was particularly glad that the scheme which is aimed at improving the quality of life of indigent women in rural communities was now yearly and notably adding value to families.