Yilwatda Empowers 1,400 Business Owners In Plateau

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has organised an empowerment programme for small-scale business owners in Jos, Plateau State, during which 1,400 people benefited from grants totalling over N280 million.

The event, held in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attracted several dignitaries, including Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who was represented by his Deputy, Josephine Piyo, and the Director General of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Ezekiel Gomos, whose organisation, Jos Business School, handled the selection process.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, speaking at the event, said the initiative was proof that the Federal Government’s change initiative, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is driven by people taking action.

“What I want to say today is simple: change is possible. And change is driven by people. Prayers are answered when we act. No matter how small your contribution is, you can change someone’s life — and that is what we are doing here today,” he said.

Yilwatda linked the empowerment to President Tinubu’s economic vision, stating: “Mr President has set a bold vision — to build a $1 trillion Nigerian economy. To achieve this, we must develop the infrastructure that supports such an economy.”

He cited ongoing federal investments in seaports, airports, road networks, railways, and energy, including the Sokoto–Badagry superhighway and the upgrade of Jos Airport to an international cargo airport.

“For us in Plateau State, there is great news. The Federal Government has approved the upgrade of the Jos Airport to an international cargo airport.

This means farmers and producers in Plateau can now export their goods directly,” he said.

On entrepreneurship, the APC National Chairman urged beneficiaries to move beyond aspirations for a career in the civil service.

“The era where many of us aspired only to become civil servants is gone. There are greater opportunities in entrepreneurship… I want to see all of you grow your businesses — to employ others, to become successful, and to build wealth,” Yilwatda said.

He added that the beneficiaries would be monitored: “We will evaluate your businesses after six months and again after one year. We want to see growth, discipline, and proper management. Keep records. Maintain accounts. Track your income, expenses, and profits.”

“If you perform well, we will scale up support: Grants will be increased, additional funding opportunities will be provided, equipment support will be expanded,” he assured, noting partnerships with the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry, and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

The Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, who represented Governor Mutfwang, commended the initiative, describing it as a laudable intervention under the Renewed Hope Scale-Up Programme.

“On behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, the government, and the good people of Plateau State, I wish to commend and congratulate you for this laudable initiative… You have done well for Plateau State, and we say thank you,” she said.

Piyo praised Yilwatda for not forgetting his roots: “You did not forget your roots. Instead, you have returned home to begin serving your people. As the saying goes, charity begins at home, and you have demonstrated that principle clearly.”

She charged beneficiaries to use the resources wisely: “This is not an opportunity for extravagance or misuse. It is not for personal indulgence, but for investment and growth. If you apply these resources properly, the sky will indeed be your limit.”

Meanwhile, the DG of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Ezekiel Gomos, explained that Jos Business School managed the selection process, which was strictly online to ensure transparency.

“It’s also important to emphasise that the application was strictly online. The process was online. All those who applied applied only online,” Gomos said.

He disclosed that 48,000 applications were received from Plateau and beyond, including Lagos, Cross River, Borno, and Sokoto states. After a rigorous review, 870 were initially selected before the National Chairman added 500 more beneficiaries, bringing the total to about 1,400.

“We had to read every single business plan that was uploaded, painstakingly and meticulously. We examined all 48,000 applications using the following criteria. One, is it viable? Two, is it realistic? Is there growth potential?” Gomos said.

He stressed that the grant was seed capital for existing businesses, not startups. “It’s not meant for new businesses. It’s meant for business already in existence… It’s a demonstration of confidence in your business, a demonstration of confidence in your discipline, and a demonstration of confidence in your creativity.”

Gomos announced that Jos Business School has designed a mentorship programme for beneficiaries and recommended a formal structure to monitor grantees.

“We believe that party people are serious enough not to take the 1 million naira and marry a new wife… We expect to see any investment given to you to be deferred to your business,” he said.

According to the breakdown, the cash allocation includes 60 people receiving N1 million each, 300 getting N200,000, and 900 receiving N100,000. Others got tricycles, catering equipment, sewing machines, welding tools, auto mechanic tool boxes, POS machines with N100,000 cash support, makeup kits, and GSM repair equipment.

Gomos urged those not selected to keep improving their business plans, hinting at possible future phases.

“Who knows, even the chairman will be encouraged to introduce phase two and phase three and phase four,” he said.

Yilwatda concluded by calling on all to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a stronger economy.

“Let us work together to build a prosperous Plateau State and a prosperous Nigeria,” he said.