The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and grassroots development with the successful rollout of the Renewed Hope Scale-Up Programme, which has directly impacted over 1,400 young Nigerians through the distribution of equipment and substantial financial grants.

At a well-attended empowerment event in Jos, Plateau State, Yilwatda oversaw 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 distributed items include 20 tricycles, 33 catering sets, 26 embroidery machines with pressing irons, 172 sewing machines, 75 welding and fabrication toolboxes, 16 dry grinding machines, 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.

In addition to 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, noting that a farmer-support initiative he established in 2018 continues to yield measurable success.

He emphasized that meaningful change begins when individuals take responsibility for improving the lives of others, stressing that the programme represents both a moral duty and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.

Prof. Yilwatda expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing his emergence as National Chairman as an act of divine grace rather than personal qualification.

He 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 prioritize 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.

He also 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.

She urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the resources provided, emphasizing 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 The Renewed Hope Scale-Up Programme stands as a bold and practical step toward building a resilient, inclusive, and youth-driven economy, reinforcing the APC’s commitment to empowering Nigerians and delivering sustainable development at the grassroots.

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