by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has flagged-off the distribution of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Empowerment Starter Packs and Entrepreneurship Support Packages to hundreds of beneficiaries across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.
The programme, organised by the Sustainable Development Goals Project Support Unit (SDGs PSU), in collaboration with the Sustainable Humanitarian Intervention Programme (SHIP), underscores Governor Mutfwang’s administration’s commitment to translating development policies into practical interventions that directly improve citizens’ lives and livelihoods.
Declaring the programme open at Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Josephine Piyo, the governor stated that the initiative represents a strategic investment in the people of Plateau State and a deliberate effort to create sustainable pathways to economic empowerment.
The governor further described the programme as a celebration of hope, opportunity, resilience, and the immense potential of the Plateau people.
“Today is not merely the launch of another government programme. It is the celebration of hope, opportunity, resilience, and the limitless potential of the people of Plateau State.
“While Plateau State is richly endowed with natural resources, fertile agricultural land, and a strategic geographical location, its most valuable asset remains its people.
“Our greatest asset is our people, the ingenuity of our youth, the determination of our women, and the resilience of our farmers, artisans, traders, and entrepreneurs,” he stated.
He noted that sustainable prosperity cannot be achieved through government intervention alone, but through deliberate investments that equip citizens with the skills, tools, resources, and opportunities necessary to create wealth, expand businesses, and generate employment.
According to him, the initiative aligns with his administration’s vision of “building an inclusive economy” where every citizen, regardless of gender, social status, location, or background, has the opportunity to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
While addressing the beneficiaries, the governor challenged young people to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and enterprise development as critical drivers of the state’s future prosperity.
Governor Mutfwang also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment, describing women as the “backbone of families, communities, and local economies,” while pledging continued support for policies and programmes that expand opportunities for women across the state.
In her remarks, the Plateau State SDGs Project Coordinator, Mrs. Nanbam Danjuma Lot, explained that the programme was designed to transition beneficiaries from informal economic activities to sustainable, scalable enterprises through targeted capacity building and entrepreneurship support.
She disclosed that beneficiaries have received training in financial literacy, business management, and digital financial tools to enhance their competitiveness and long-term business sustainability.
According to her, the initiative contributes directly to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
While commending Governor Mutfwang for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for programmes that promote economic resilience and inclusive development, the Project Coordinator also appreciated the development partners, stakeholders, and community leaders for their collaboration.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Appropriation, Hon. Bako Golkap, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting policies, legislation, and budgetary provisions that strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises across the state.
He urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunities provided through the programme by demonstrating commitment, diligence, and responsible utilisation of the starter-packs.
Representatives of the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA), the Ministry of Information and Communication, and the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, represented by Da Gyang Balak, Gwom Rwei of Vwang, also delivered goodwill messages, encouraging beneficiaries to utilise the support packages productively for the benefit of their families, communities, and the broader economy.
The empowerment packages, distributed under the programme, were tailored to a variety of vocational trades, including carpentry, tailoring, welding, barbing, lawn maintenance, and other income-generating enterprises.