by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
About 1,400 people have benefited from the launching of a N300 million Naira Youth grant – with cash grants totaling N280m – from the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
According to Prof. Goshwe, “The initiative is aimed at shifting Plateau State from a civil-service state to a hub of production and small business.”
The event, which held at Tamarald Event Centre, Jos, on Wednesday, saw the National Chairman unveiling N300 million ‘Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Scale-Up Grant,’ with about 2,200 persons (drawn from across the State), who were expected to benefit from the gesture.
He explained that, the cash and equipment package cut across party lines, while about 727 beneficiaries received starter packs that are over 2,000 items, which include 20 tricycles, 172 sewing machines, 110 POS machines (with N100,000 cash each), 75 welding toolboxes, 100 auto-mechanic toolboxes, and phone-repair kits.
The National Chairman assured of “double support” for successful beneficiaries, and backs President Tinubu’s $1trn Economy Plan.
While charging beneficiaries to turn the support into sustainable enterprises, Prof Yilwatda noted that, the beneficiaries were selected on “privilege,” not a “right,” but cautioned them to use it to build, not to consume, adding that, “This is a privilege; so, use these grants and tools to build sustainable businesses.”
He linked the scheme to President Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy goal, citing major projects like expanded seaports, airports, and road corridors, including Sokoto–Badagry and Lagos–Kano Rail.
He also revealed plans to upgrade Jos Airport with cargo, immigration, and customs facilities to aid farmers to access export markets.
According to him, there will be strict monitoring for the double support for winners, and charged beneficiaries to keep proper records.
The programme includes evaluations at 6 months and 1 year. Those, who show progress, will qualify for bigger grants, loans, and equipment upgrades.
The APC National Chairman explained that the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry, and export agencies have committed funding, training, and export support for qualifying businesses.
He noted that, the recent tax reforms will also ease pressure on low-income earners and micro-enterprises.
The State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, was represented by the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo, who appreciated Prof. Nentawe and his wife for their philanthropic leadership.
The governor commended President Tinubu for Nentawe’s appointment, and pledged state support, and urged the beneficiaries to use the resources to uplift their communities, and prayed for the scheme to produce many prosperous entrepreneurs for the State.
Speaking also at the event, another participant, Dr. Peace Longdet, explained that, “From the past women’s cooperative, 400 women got N50,000 each, repaid larger loans up to N250,000 through a revolving fund, while twenty of them will now get N500,000 zero-interest loans.”