104 entrepreneurship-minded Imo communities have officially joined the state government’s One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI) programme in the last few weeks.
This brings to over 500 community group-based ownership businesses and 20,000 associates who were fully enlisted in the last 24 months, cascading in creation of sustainable jobs in both rural and urban areas.
OKOBI is a programme approved by Governor Hope Uzodimma, aimed at economically empowering the people and alleviating poverty through a group-based entrepreneurship and enterprise development initiative in the over 630 autonomous communities in the 27 local councils of the state.
This was disclosed to The Guardian by the Chief Economic Adviser to the governor, Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi, Wednesday night.
Consequently, the list has been published on the website of the state government and other avenues.
Amaeshi said: “In a landmark show of grassroots support, 104 communities across Imo State have answered the government’s One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI) open call for engagement, accepting the government’s free offer to help launch community-based businesses.
“OKOBI is the programme of the Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, aimed at economically empowering people and alleviating poverty through group-based entrepreneurship and enterprise development.”
Regarding the responses after the awareness drive, the Chief Economic Adviser explained: “The response marks the first phase of the free programme, which now moves into its second stage.
“Participants are refining their business concepts into bankable proposals ahead of formal registration and launch. We are thrilled to see so many communities embrace this opportunity. The next step is to shape these ideas into viable enterprises that can attract funding and generate lasting employment.”
A complete list of the 104 participating communities is available on the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser’s website and other outlets, offering the people who had signified interests the chance to know if they were officially approved and enlisted.
He said that the programme had attracted far-reaching interest, stressing: “In addition, the ÓKÓBÌ programme, which started less than 24 months ago, has galvanised over 500 group-owned businesses and 20,000 associates in Imo State within this short period.”
Also, speaking on the small groups-centred business ownership initiative, the Special Adviser to the Imo governor on Public Enlightenment, Prince Eze Ugochukwu, expressed the preparedness of the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the Imo Governor to keep the public posted on the issues as they arise, calling for sustenance and support.
“The Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the Imo State Government pledges to keep the public informed as the projects progress, and invites additional communities and groups to join future rounds of the programme.
“The government’s broader mission is to harness local talent and resources, turning collective effort into economic growth. With the second phase now underway, the programme is set to move from concept to implementation, promising a new wave of job creation and entrepreneurial activity across Imo State,” he clarified.
