The Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE), in collaboration with Crust Microfinance Bank, Thrive Agric, and Trace Nigeria, has launched a youth and women empowerment initiative in Plateau State, providing financial and business support to 300 beneficiaries from 10 communities across four local government areas. The initiative focuses on promoting entrepreneurship, particularly in the areas of agriculture and financial services, with a goal of reducing unemployment and closing the gender gap in employment opportunities.
As part of the program, beneficiaries will receive Point of Sale (POS) terminals and access to loans ranging from N100,000 to N500,000 to help grow their businesses. The beneficiaries will also have their businesses registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with Crust Microfinance Bank covering 50% of the registration fees. The program aims to empower the youth and women by developing their skills and providing financial support to enable them to thrive in roles such as agro-commodity agents and POS agents.
During a town hall meeting, the Project Lead, Barrister Khadija Mohammad Abdulhameed, emphasized the program’s focus on addressing the barriers faced by women and youth, particularly those aged 18 to 35, in accessing employment opportunities. She noted that the project is designed to foster entrepreneurship and drive sustainable economic development in Plateau State.
The Assistant Team Lead, Zeenret Zamani, further highlighted the importance of the program in raising awareness about entrepreneurship and called on the government to design policies that encourage youth and women to engage in business ventures for long-term economic growth.
One of the resource persons, Dr. Reuel Dakung from the University of Jos, underscored the significance of empowering youth and women, citing statistics that show they constitute a large portion of the population and are essential to the nation’s economic development. He emphasized the need for mentorship, financial literacy, and skill development as key components of successful entrepreneurship.
This initiative, backed by the CFYE, Crust Microfinance Bank, Thrive Agric, and Trace Nigeria, is poised to create lasting change by equipping young people and women in Plateau State with the tools they need to succeed in business and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
