The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and grassroots development through the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Scale-Up Programme, which has directly impacted over 1,400 young Nigerians through the distribution of business equipment and financial grants.
At a widely attended empowerment event held in Jos, Plateau State, Professor Yilwatda supervised the distribution of 727 sets of income-generating tools and equipment designed to enable beneficiaries establish and grow sustainable businesses across critical sectors of the economy.
The items distributed included 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 supported with ₦100,000 startup capital, 20 make-up toolboxes, and 71 phone repair toolkits complemented with solar panels and cloud power stations.
In addition to the equipment distribution, a total of ₦280 million was disbursed in cash grants to beneficiaries across four categories. Sixty beneficiaries received ₦1 million each, 140 beneficiaries received ₦500,000 each, 300 beneficiaries received ₦200,000 each, while 900 beneficiaries received ₦100,000 each.
The financial intervention is aimed at providing immediate startup and expansion capital for small and medium-scale enterprises, enabling beneficiaries to accelerate business growth and long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Professor Yilwatda described the programme as a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to job creation, poverty reduction, and youth-driven economic transformation.
Reflecting on his longstanding dedication to grassroots development, he recalled his farmer-support initiative launched in 2018, noting that it continues to deliver measurable impact.
He stressed that meaningful national development begins with individual responsibility and collective commitment to improving lives, describing the programme as both a moral obligation and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.
Professor Yilwatda also expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing his emergence as APC National Chairman as an act of divine grace.
He reiterated his resolve to use his office as a platform for connecting people with opportunities and advancing inclusive national development.
Highlighting the Federal Government’s broader economic vision, Professor Yilwatda pointed to ongoing investments in critical infrastructure, including new seaports and airports, expansion of rail connectivity from Lagos to Kano, and major road projects such as the Sokoto–Badagry Highway and the Calabar–Lagos Coastal Road.
According to him, these strategic projects are designed to unlock productivity, boost trade, and position Nigeria as a leading economic powerhouse in Africa.
Addressing beneficiaries, he urged them to embrace entrepreneurship with seriousness and determination, noting that many global enterprises began as small ventures.
He assured them of continued support through access to financing opportunities from the Bank of Industry and export-readiness training in partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, aimed at integrating local businesses into international markets.
Professor Yilwatda further announced plans for a structured monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of beneficiaries and identify exceptional performers for additional support through institutions such as the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).
He also reiterated the Federal Government’s policy support for small businesses, including tax relief measures designed to create an enabling environment for enterprise growth.
Representing the Governor of Plateau State at the event, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Josephine Piyo, commended Professor Yilwatda for what she described as a remarkable demonstration of selfless leadership and genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.
She noted that his leadership has brought pride to Plateau State and underscored the importance of translating public office into tangible benefits for citizens.
The Deputy Governor urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the resources provided, emphasizing discipline, focus, and innovation as critical drivers of success.
She expressed confidence that the initiative would produce a new generation of entrepreneurs and industrialists capable of transforming both the local and national economy.
The Renewed Hope Scale-Up Programme stands as a bold and practical intervention toward building a resilient, inclusive, and youth-driven economy, further reinforcing the APC’s commitment to empowering Nigerians and delivering sustainable development at the grassroots.
