…Backs Tinubu’s $1tn economy target
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on Wednesday disbursed grants and equipment worth over N280 million to more than 1,400 micro, small and medium-scale enterprises in Plateau State, reaffirming confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy target.
The intervention, held in Jos under the Renewed Hope Agenda, drew key stakeholders, including Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his deputy, Mrs Josephine Piyo, and the selection process was handled by the Jos Business School in collaboration with the NGF through a fully digital application system.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Yilwatda said the initiative demonstrated a deliberate shift towards people-driven economic growth, anchored on practical support for small businesses.
“Change is possible, and it is driven by people. No matter how small your contribution is, you can transform lives. That is what this programme represents”.
He linked the intervention to Tinubu’s broader economic vision, stressing that sustained infrastructure development remains pivotal to achieving a $1 trillion economy.
According to him, ongoing federal investments across transport, energy and logistics value chains are laying the foundation for accelerated growth, citing projects such as the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway.
The APC chairman also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the upgrade of the Jos Airport into an international cargo hub to boost export capacity for Plateau farmers and producers.
“This will open up direct export opportunities and strengthen value chains across agriculture and commerce,” he added.
Yilwatda urged beneficiaries to prioritise entrepreneurship and wealth creation, noting that the era of overdependence on government jobs was waning.
He said the beneficiaries would be subjected to a performance review after six months and one year to assess business growth, financial discipline and sustainability.
“We expect accountability. Keep proper records, track your finances and grow your businesses. Those who perform well will attract further support,” he said.
He added that top-performing beneficiaries could access additional funding and technical support through partnerships with institutions such as the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.
Prof. Yilwatda however called for collective support for the Federal Government’s economic policies.
“Together, we can build a prosperous Plateau State and a stronger Nigerian economy,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang, represented by his Deputy Hon. Josephine Piyo, described the initiative as a strategic complement to the state’s economic development efforts and commended the APC leadership for the intervention.
She urged beneficiaries to deploy the resources judiciously.
“This support is meant for investment and expansion, not consumption. If properly utilised, it can significantly improve livelihoods,” she said.
Earlier, Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Hon. Ezekiel Gomos, said the process was designed to ensure transparency and merit, revealing that about 48,000 applications were received from across the country, including Lagos, Cross River, Borno and Sokoto states.
He explained that after a rigorous screening process based on viability and growth potential, 870 applicants were initially selected before the number was increased to over 1,400.
“We carefully reviewed every business plan submitted. The goal was to identify enterprises with strong prospects for sustainability and expansion,” he said.
Gomos clarified that the grants were targeted at existing businesses as seed capital support rather than start-ups, to guarantee immediate impact.
He also announced plans for a structured mentorship and monitoring framework to guide beneficiaries.
A breakdown of the intervention showed that 60 beneficiaries received N1 million each, 300 got N200,000 each, while 900 received N100,000 each.
Others were supported with operational tools including tricycles, catering equipment, sewing machines, welding tools, auto-mechanic kits, Point of Sale machines with cash backing, as well as beauty and GSM repair kits.
Gomos encouraged unsuccessful applicants to refine their proposals for future phases of the programme.
