On February 5, 2020, alumnus and member of the Communications team, Omorogbe Omorogiuwa, facilitated a social enterprise project in the Upper Benue area of Mbamba, near Yola Town.
The eatery, ATA-S-ENT Restaurant, Catering & Snacks, is the first in the lineup of outlets which the founder of Ataimaka Social Enterprise plans for Yola, his home since he joined AUN's pioneer class in 2005.
"The eatery will provide quality and affordable meals to people and improve the socio-economic conditions of our immediate Yola community, " he told our reporter, declaring that all profits accruing from the commercial activities of Ataimaka Social Enterprise will be channeled towards a better life for the local people.
Since he graduated from the Economics program in 2011, Mr. Omorogiuwa has desired to improve the socio-economic well-being of the rural Yola community where he has lived for close to a decade, studying the behaviors of poor people concerning their meager resources.
One of the platforms to execute an integrated poverty-alleviation plan is through ATA-S-ENT Savings.
"It is becoming clearer how I can help people," the alum said at the restaurant launch. "But these people have to be willing to help themselves too, to know that through cultivating the discipline to save and invest, they can gain financial independence."
Ataimaka will also focus on business development and support services "to alleviate poverty through youth empowerment, socio-economic opportunities, and wealth creation."
Special Guest of Honor and VP for University Relations, Dr. Abba A. Tahir who cut the ribbon to officially open the restaurant, said the alum had proved that he attended a development university that trains students to value excellence, integrity, and giving back to the community.
"The kind of training this young man received was to create jobs and impact his community and he has done just that."
Several guests graced the occasion from the university community, including the Secretary to the BoT/In-house lawyer, Barrister Idi H. Ali and Executive Director of Communications & Publications, Daniel Okereke.
The restaurant served complimentary meals to guests after the launch.
Reported by Rofiat Adekunle