APC Chair Yilwatda empowers 1,400 youths with N280m grants under Renewed Hope programme

*Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress reiterates the party’s commitment to youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and grassroots development in Nigeria

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and grassroots development.

Yilwatda, in Jos, Plateau State capital, recently supervised the successful rollout of the Renewed Hope Scale-Up Programme.

It is noted that the programme has directly impacted over 1,400 young Nigerians through the distribution of equipment and substantial financial grants.

Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the National Chairman of APC on Media and Information Strategy, stated Prof. Yilwatda, at the well-attended empowerment event, in Jos, directly monitored the distribution of 727 sets of income-generating equipment and toolkits, carefully targeted at equipping beneficiaries with the capacity to establish and expand sustainable businesses across key sectors of the economy.

The statement also noted the items distributed included 20 tricycles, 33 catering sets, 26 embroidery machines with pressing irons, 172 sewing machines, 75 welding and fabrication toolboxes, and 16 dry grinding machines.

Others are 9 wet grinding machines, 100 auto mechanic toolboxes, 75 carpentry toolboxes, 110 POS machines each accompanied by ₦100,000 startup capital, 20 make-up toolboxes, and 71 phone repair toolkits supported with solar panels and cloud power stations.

Tooki stated that besides the equipment distribution, the programme disbursed a total of ₦280 million in cash grants to beneficiaries across four structured categories: 60 individuals received ₦1 million each; 140 beneficiaries received ₦500,000 each; 300 individuals were granted ₦200,000 each; while 900 beneficiaries received ₦100,000 each.

This strategic financial support is designed to provide immediate capital injection for small and medium-scale enterprises, enabling rapid business take-off and expansion.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Yilwatda described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s unwavering focus on job creation, poverty alleviation, and youth-driven economic growth.

Reflecting on his longstanding commitment to grassroots empowerment, the APC National Chairman recalled his earlier interventions in agriculture.

He noted that a farmer-support initiative he established in 2018 continues to yield measurable success.

Yilwatda emphasised that meaningful change begins when individuals take responsibility for improving the lives of others.

The National Chairman of APC emphasised that the programme represented both a moral duty and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.

Prof. Yilwatda as well expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve.

He described his emergence as National Chairman as an act of divine grace rather than personal qualification.

The National Chairman reiterated his commitment to using the office as a platform to connect opportunities with the people and to drive inclusive development.

He further highlighted the administration’s broader economic vision of building a one-trillion-Dollar economy through massive infrastructure investments, including the development of new seaports and airports, expansion of rail networks from Lagos to Kano, and the construction of major road corridors such as the Sokoto–Badagry highway and the Calabar–Lagos coastal road.

According to him, these projects are designed to unlock productivity, enhance trade, and position Nigeria as a leading economic force in Africa.

Addressing beneficiaries, Prof. Yilwatda encouraged them to prioritise entrepreneurship, noting that small businesses have the potential to grow into global enterprises.

He assured them of continued support, including access to financing through the Bank of Industry and export training opportunities in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, aimed at integrating local businesses into international markets.

Yilwatda further announced plans for a structured monitoring and evaluation process, with periodic assessments to track progress and identify high-performing beneficiaries for further support through institutions such as the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

He reiterated the Federal Government’s policy support for small businesses, including tax relief measures designed to create a conducive environment for growth.

Representing the Governor at the event, the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Her Excellency Mrs. Josephine Piyo, commended Prof. Yilwatda for his impactful intervention, describing it as a demonstration of selfless leadership and a strong commitment to uplifting the people.

She noted that the National Chairman has brought pride to the state and has shown that leadership must translate into tangible benefits for citizens.

The Deputy Governor urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the resources provided, emphasising discipline, focus, and enterprise as key drivers of success. She expressed confidence that the initiative would produce future business leaders and industrialists capable of transforming the local and national economy.

Piyo said The Renewed Hope Scale-Up Programme stands as a bold and practical step toward building a resilient, inclusive, and youth-driven economy.

It also reinforced the APC’s commitment to empowering Nigerians and delivering sustainable development at the grassroots, the statement added.

Kindly Share This Story