The Nasarawa State government has unveiled a N1 billion funding initiative aimed at empowering 350 young entrepreneurs, marking a major move to promote self-reliance and curb unemployment across the state.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the pilot batch in Lafia, the state capital, Governor Abdullahi Sule emphasized that the programme is a collaborative effort between the state and Interweave Solutions International, with both contributing N500 million each to the fund.
Fifty youths from all 13 local government areas participated in the first phase of the programme, receiving training in modern business practices. Unlike typical funding models, the beneficiaries will receive non-repayable grants to establish and grow their ventures.
Governor Sule highlighted that the initiative supports his administration’s broader agenda to foster entrepreneurship, reduce youth restiveness, and align with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
By targeting young people with funding and business training, the scheme seeks to stimulate local enterprise and create sustainable livelihoods, setting a model for youth-focused economic development in Nigeria.
Governor Sule, during his address, reiterated that the youth remain central to the state’s development agenda. According to him, building an economy driven by innovation, enterprise, and inclusion requires equipping young people with the tools and resources to create jobs—not just seek them. The governor noted that the grant-based structure of the programme is intentional, ensuring that recipients are not burdened by debt as they take their first steps into entrepreneurship.
“This is not a loan. It is a grant. We want to remove the financial obstacles that often stand between our young people and their dreams. We are giving them a clean slate and the confidence to start strong,” he stated.
The pilot phase, which focused on practical business development training, is expected to be replicated across the next cohorts as the programme expands to reach its full target of 350 beneficiaries. Participants were trained in key areas including financial literacy, business planning, digital tools for small enterprises, and market access strategies.
Representatives from Interweave Solutions International expressed their commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the initiative, stressing that the programme is not just about funding but about creating resilient business leaders. They also pledged ongoing support in the form of mentorship, business monitoring, and community integration for participants.
In addition to financial support, the initiative aims to foster a network of young entrepreneurs who can collaborate, exchange ideas, and become change agents within their communities. The state government also hinted at plans to create an entrepreneurial hub where these businesses can access additional services such as branding, legal advisory, marketing, and logistics support.
As Nasarawa sets the pace with this bold investment in its youth, the programme is being seen as a promising model for other states seeking sustainable ways to tackle unemployment. The long-term goal, according to Governor Sule, is to ensure that Nasarawa not only produces successful business owners but also builds a stronger, inclusive economy driven by the creativity and energy of its young population.
