By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, 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 the Mutfwang administration’s commitment to translating development policies into practical interventions that directly improve the lives and livelihoods of citizens.
Declaring the programme open at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, the governor, represented by Deputy Governor Hon. Josephine Piyo, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the people of Plateau State and a deliberate effort to create sustainable pathways to economic empowerment.
He said the programme symbolises hope, opportunity, resilience, and the immense potential of the people of Plateau State.
“Today is not merely the launch of another government programme.
It is a celebration of hope, opportunity, resilience, and the limitless potential of the people of Plateau State,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang noted that although Plateau State is richly endowed with natural resources, fertile agricultural land, and a strategic geographical location, its greatest 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 stressed that sustainable prosperity cannot be achieved through government intervention alone but through deliberate investments that equip citizens with the skills, tools, resources, and opportunities needed to create wealth, expand businesses, and generate employment.
The governor added that 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.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Mutfwang urged young people to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and enterprise development as key drivers of Plateau State’s future prosperity.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment, describing women as the backbone of families, communities, and local economies.
He pledged 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 into sustainable and scalable enterprises through targeted capacity building and entrepreneurship support.
She disclosed that beneficiaries had undergone training in financial literacy, business management, and digital financial tools to improve their competitiveness and ensure 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).
Lot commended Governor Mutfwang for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for programmes that promote economic resilience and inclusive development.
She also appreciated 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, 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 use 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 use the support packages productively for the benefit of their families, communities, and the wider economy.
The empowerment packages distributed under the programme were tailored to various vocational trades, including carpentry, tailoring, welding, barbing, lawn maintenance, and other income-generating enterprises.
