-By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh and Laura Ese Oghene:

Uche Esononjo hails from Aniocha North Local Government Area. She was trained and established in Catering and Confectionery in the 2016/2027 Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP)cycle after years of unemployment as a graduate in Microbiology.  She is the CEO of Platinium Cakes and has diversified into event planning. She tells her success story.

“My six years in business is not bad at all. I have achieved a lot through STEP. I bought a car, six industrial mixers, two deep freezers and a fridge. The patronage is high; my clients are top-notch; I have been booked for the next three months. Because I make my cakes classy, anyone who tastes it comes for more and refers me to other clients. I help my clients plan their events too.

“I earn enough monthly that the government cannotpay me. I am financially independent. I have trained 30 persons out of which many are established and are doing well too. I currently have four trainees and two employees. 

“I also have online trainees @ esonanjouche on Instagram and ucheesononjo on Facebook. I look forward to partnering with the state government to mentor other youths on secrets of business success.