By Terna Chikpa
The Taraba State Government, through the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, on Thursday commenced the disbursement of startup funds to young entrepreneurs to boost their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Governor Agbu Kefas, speaking at the event in Jalingo, said the initiative was aimed at encouraging young Tarabans to become financially independent and grow their businesses into sustainable ventures capable of creating employment opportunities.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the governor had earlier approved N500 million to empower young entrepreneurs with existing businesses to improve productivity and create jobs for more youths.
However, the governor announced an increase in the fund to N1 billion to accommodate more entrepreneurs.
“These grants are not for political reasons; they are to improve the well-being of our young entrepreneurs. My desire is to see every responsible young Taraban becoming a creator of jobs,” Governor Kefas said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Gara Nongha, said the agency had collected data on more than 1,600 entrepreneurs with existing businesses, while 300 beneficiaries had been shortlisted for the first phase of the disbursement.
He said each of the beneficiaries would receive N500,000.
Gara said the beneficiaries were selected based on trust and their demonstrated ability to transform lives through innovation and entrepreneurship.
He added that the selection covered all 180 council wards across the state, while the second phase of the disbursement would commence in September 2026.
Also speaking, the Taraba State Coordinator of Made in Nigeria, Hon. Justin Aondoasee Tyopuusu, said the Made in Taraba component of the programme, in partnership with the State Youth Development Agency, had documented young, talented and serious entrepreneurs whose innovations were contributing to the development and reputation of the state.
Tyopuusu urged the state government to establish an Adire Centre to boost the production of locally made fabrics and improve access to traditional attire in the North-East.
