The Plateau State Government has set aside ₦2 billion in a supplementary budget to drive youth empowerment through skills training and entrepreneurship, underscoring its commitment to building a new generation of job creators across key sectors.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Musa Ashoms, at the flag-off of a fresh batch of trainees under the Plateau Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition Scheme. The programme, delivered in partnership with the Federal Government’s Skills for Wealth initiative, was launched in Lamingo, Jos North Local Government Area.
According to Ashoms, the earmarked funds will boost youth development in agribusiness, ICT, and the creative industry, positioning Plateau as an emerging hub for digital innovation. He disclosed that Governor Caleb Mutfwang had donated the Joseph Gomwalk House for use as an ICT centre, while the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy committed to laying 30 kilometres of fibre optic cables across the state to support the initiative.
“As a Ministry, we have requested the House of Assembly to approve ₦2 billion for youth empowerment across sectors. In ICT, for instance, we want Plateau to become a hub,” Ashoms said, stressing that the state government is deliberate and strategic in its approach to wealth creation for young people.
The current batch of training will benefit 250 youths drawn from all 17 local government areas of the state. Participants will receive one month of intensive training in ICT, fashion design, leatherwork, shoemaking, and bag production. The programme will run in two batches between September 1 and 30, 2025.
The Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Deborah Pitmang, explained that the training is focused on practical skills acquisition, with beneficiaries expected to receive start-up kits after completion.
Participants welcomed the initiative, describing it as a pathway to financial independence and self-reliance. “This is a very good programme. With the ICT training, it will open our eyes to opportunities in the digital world,” said one of the trainees, John Davou.
Stakeholders see the scheme as a catalyst for youth-led entrepreneurship, MSME growth, and job creation in Plateau State, contributing to both local economic development and Nigeria’s broader push for skills-driven innovation.
