Yobe State Government Empowers 170 Young Entrepreneurs from Potiskum and Nangere LGAs with ₦25,000,000.00 Start-Up Grants

In a significant move to bolster local entrepreneurship, the Yobe State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, through Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNFPA, has empowered 170 women and girls from Potiskum and Nangere Local Government Areas (LGAs) each with 150,000 Naira start-up grants. This initiative aims to enhance the economic independence and sustainability of these beneficiaries and is being Implemented by SEMA in collaboration with the Portrait of Lake Child Initiative (PLCI),
The empowerment program commenced with a verification and validation exercise conducted by the PLCI Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) department. This exercise was crucial for collecting relevant bio-data to facilitate easy tracking and monitoring of the beneficiaries.

Following this, a comprehensive three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) session was held. Trainers were equipped with skills on how to sustain training using available resources and the basic knowledge acquired. The training also covered peacebuilding, social cohesion, community-based feedback, and leadership skills. This program aimed to empower the Management Committee of the Community-Based Skills Acquisition Centers in Kukuri and Tandari, focusing on sustainability, financial literacy, community ownership, and partnership development.

Additionally, a week-long entrepreneurship training was conducted for the 170 women and girls identified by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). These participants, who had completed vocational training in Kukuri, Tandari, and Potiskum, were equipped with essential entrepreneurial skills to enhance their ability to start and manage successful businesses.

The culmination of these efforts was marked by a grand ceremony at the Federal College of Education (FCE) Multipurpose Hall in Potiskum on August 21, 2024. During this event, each of the 170 women and girls, including survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), received start-up capital of ₦150,000 each.

The ceremony was graced by various dignitaries, including representatives of the Emir of Fika, Mai Pataskum, Mai Tikau, and the local government chairman of Nangere, alongside other community stakeholders, government officials, and partners from civil society organizations (CSOs) and UN agencies.

His Excellency Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON commended the collaborative efforts of all partners involved and reiterated the Yobe State Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote economic growth, social cohesion, and the empowerment of women and girls. This initiative represents a crucial step towards enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of local skill development programs, fostering economic growth, and promoting social cohesion within the community.