From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
About 1,400 youths have benefited from the launch of a N300 million Youth Empowerment Grant under the Renewed Hope initiative, with cash disbursements totaling N280 million already made to beneficiaries by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
Prof. Goshwe said the initiative is designed to transform Plateau State from a civil service, driven economy into a hub of production and small-scale enterprise development.
The official launch of the Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Scale-Up Grant took place on Wednesday at the Tamarald Event Centre, Jos, where he announced that about 2,200 beneficiaries were selected across the state.
He explained that the programme cuts across party lines and includes both cash support and equipment packages.
According to him, 727 beneficiaries received starter packs comprising over 2,000 items, including 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 APC National Chairman assured beneficiaries of continued support for successful participants, noting that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s $1 trillion economic vision.
He urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the support, stressing that the selection was based on privilege rather than entitlement.
“Use these grants and tools to build sustainable businesses, not for consumption,” he cautioned.
Prof. Goshwe also linked the programme to key national infrastructure projects, including expanded seaports, airports, and major road and rail corridors such as Sokoto–Badagry and Lagos–Kano routes.
He further disclosed plans to upgrade Jos Airport with cargo, immigration, and customs facilities to boost agricultural exports.
According to him, strict monitoring mechanisms will be put in place, with beneficiaries required to maintain proper records of their businesses.
He added that the programme includes evaluation exercises after six months and one year. Beneficiaries who demonstrate growth will qualify for larger grants, loans, and equipment upgrades.
Prof. Goshwe also stated that the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry, and export promotion agencies have committed to providing funding, training, and export support for viable enterprises.
He noted that recent tax reforms would further ease the burden on low-income earners and micro-enterprises.
In his remarks, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo, commended Prof. Goshwe and his wife for their philanthropic contributions.
The Governor also praised President Tinubu for appointing Prof. Goshwe and pledged the state government’s continued support for such initiatives.
He urged beneficiaries to use the opportunity to uplift their communities.
Also speaking, Dr. Peace Longdet recalled that under a previous women’s cooperative scheme, 400 women received N50,000 each and successfully repaid larger loans of up to N250,000 through a revolving fund. She added that 20 of them would now receive N500,000 interest-free loans.
