APC Chairman Yilwatda Empowers 1,400 Youths With Tools, ₦280m Grants in Plateau

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has empowered more than 1,400 youths with tools and cash grants under the Renewed Hope Scale-Up Programme held in Jos, Plateau State. The initiative is aimed at promoting youth empowerment, economic inclusion and grassroots development.

At the event, Yilwatda supervised the distribution of 727 income-generating tools and equipment to beneficiaries to help them establish and expand businesses in different sectors. Items distributed included tricycles, catering sets, embroidery machines, sewing machines, welding toolboxes, grinding machines, auto mechanic kits, carpentrytoolboxes, POS machines, make-up kits and phone repair toolkits.

The programme also disbursed ₦280 million in grants to beneficiaries across four categories. Sixty persons received ₦1 million each, 140 beneficiaries got ₦500,000 each, 300 persons received ₦200,000 each, while 900 beneficiaries were given ₦100,000 each as startup support for their businesses.

Speaking at the event, Yilwatda said the programme reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on job creation, poverty reduction and youth-led economic growth. He said small businesses remain critical to national development and urged beneficiaries to use the support wisely to build sustainable enterprises.

The APC chairman also said the Federal Government is working to create more opportunities through infrastructure development, including rail expansion, highways, seaports andairports. He added that beneficiaries would have access to further support through institutions such as the Bank of Industry and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

Representing the Governor of Plateau State, Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo commended Yilwatda for the intervention, describing it as a demonstration of leadership committed to improving lives. She urged beneficiaries to remain disciplined and make productive use of the resources provided.