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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Economy & Trade

Taraba State approves N500 million youth start-up fund

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas approved 500 million naira for a youth start-up fund to combat unemployment.
  • The initiative, part of broader reforms, aims to empower young people and will commence in June 2026.
  • The governor also highlighted progress in education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects during his third anniversary broadcast.

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has allocated 500 million naira to a new youth start-up fund, aiming to tackle unemployment and foster economic growth within the state. The announcement was made during a statewide broadcast commemorating his third year in office.

Our administration strongly believes that the future of Taraba State depends largely on the empowerment and development of young people.

— Agbu KefasGovernor Kefas's statement on the importance of youth development for the state's future.

The empowerment program is slated to begin in June 2026 and forms a key component of the administration's wider strategy for youth inclusion, infrastructure development, and economic expansion. Governor Kefas emphasized the critical role of young people in shaping Taraba's future. To support this, the government has established biometric data-capturing facilities to create a comprehensive database for planning youth development initiatives. Currently, 296 youths have registered for the program, with the starter packs set to be distributed starting next year.

In addition to the start-up fund, Kefas highlighted other key achievements. His administration has established separate entities for the Youth Development Agency and the Sports Commission to ensure focused attention on these sectors. Significant infrastructure projects are also underway, including ongoing road constructions and feasibility studies for new bridges across the Benue River, aimed at improving connectivity and trade.

Presently, 296 youths have successfully registered under the programme, and the government has approved the release of Five Hundred Million Naira for starter packs, scheduled to commence in June 2026.

— Agbu KefasGovernor Kefas detailing the specifics of the youth start-up fund.

Governor Kefas also reported on advancements in education and healthcare. He noted the declaration of a state of emergency in education shortly after taking office, leading to expanded access to free basic education and improved learning environments. Healthcare services have also been strengthened through hospital upgrades and equipment interventions across the state.

One of the earliest decisions of this administration was the declaration of a state of emergency in education. We took deliberate steps to expand access to free and compulsory basic education, improve learning environments and restore confidence in the future of our children.

— Agbu KefasGovernor Kefas discussing his administration's focus on the education sector.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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