Taraba govt begins disbursement of startup funds to young entrepreneurs

The Taraba State Government, through the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, on Thursday commenced the disbursement of start-up funds to young trained entrepreneurs to boost their businesses and livelihoods.

Governor Agbu Kefas, who spoke during the event in Jalingo, said the initiative was aimed at encouraging young Tarabans to become financially independent and grow their businesses into sustainable enterprises that could create jobs.

Tribune Online reports that the governor had initially approved a total of ₦500 million to empower young entrepreneurs with existing businesses to improve productivity and engage more youths.

The governor, however, announced an increase in the fund to ₦1 billion to accommodate more entrepreneurs.

“These grants are not for political reasons; they are to improve the wellbeing of our young entrepreneurs. My desire is to see every responsible young Taraban become 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 had been shortlisted for disbursement in the first phase of the programme, with each beneficiary receiving ₦500,000.

Gara also disclosed that beneficiaries were selected based on their credibility and ability to transform lives through innovation, adding that the selection covered all 180 council wards in the state. He said 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 sub-component of the programme, in partnership with the State Youth Development Agency, had collected data on young, talented and serious entrepreneurs who were already making the state proud through various innovations.

Tyopuusu also urged the state government to establish an Adire centre to boost the production of locally made fabrics and improve access to traditional attire across the North-East and North-Central regions of Nigeria.