Around 3,500 young people across Nasarawa State’s 13 local government areas are set to benefit from a N1 billion empowerment initiative designed to support the creation of sustainable businesses.
The programme, launched in partnership between the Nasarawa State Government and Interweave Solutions International, will begin with a N500 million first-phase rollout. At the launch event in Lafia, the state governor announced that 50 youths have been selected to pioneer a pilot phase, where they will be trained in modern business techniques to build and manage successful ventures.
According to the governor, the initiative aims to reduce unemployment, foster entrepreneurship, and support the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development explained that the programme will also serve as a tool to combat youth involvement in crime by promoting self-reliance and meaningful economic engagement. He assured that systems have been put in place to track how the grants are used and to provide ongoing support for business development.
Interweave’s Country Director highlighted the structured approach of the programme, noting that the 50 pilot participants have been grouped into five registered cooperatives with dedicated business accounts. He added that the disbursement will occur in stages to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of funds. and prevent fund misuse.
