Renewed Hope in Action: Nentawe Yilwatda Drives Youth Empowerment with ₦280 Million Support Package

APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, Nentawe Yilwatda, EMPOWERS OVER 1,400 YOUTHS WITH TOOLS AND ₦280 MILLION GRANTS UNDER RENEWED HOPE SCALE-UP PROGRAMME

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and grassroots development through the successful rollout of the Renewed Hope Scale-Up Programme.

The initiative has directly impacted over 1,400 young Nigerians through the distribution of equipment and substantial financial grants aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

At a well-attended empowerment event in Jos, Plateau State, Professor Yilwatda oversaw the distribution of 727 sets of income-generating equipment and toolkits, strategically targeted to enable beneficiaries establish and expand viable businesses across key sectors of the economy.

The distributed items include 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 accompanied by ₦100,000 startup capital), 20 make-up toolboxes, and 71 phone repair toolkits supported with solar panels and power stations.

In addition, a total of ₦280 million in cash grants was disbursed to beneficiaries across four categories: 60 individuals received ₦1 million each; 140 beneficiaries received ₦500,000 each; 300 individuals received ₦200,000 each; while 900 beneficiaries were granted ₦100,000 each.

This structured financial intervention is designed to provide immediate capital injection for small and medium-scale enterprises, enabling rapid business take-off and expansion.

Speaking at the event, Professor Yilwatda described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s unwavering focus on job creation, poverty alleviation, and youth-driven economic growth.

Reflecting on his longstanding commitment to grassroots empowerment, he recalled his earlier agricultural intervention launched in 2018, which continues to yield measurable results. He emphasized that meaningful change begins when individuals take responsibility for improving the lives of others, noting that the programme represents both a moral obligation and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.

Professor Yilwatda expressed deep appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing his emergence as National Chairman as an act of divine grace. He reiterated his commitment to using the office as a platform to connect opportunities with the people and drive inclusive development nationwide.

He further highlighted the administration’s broader economic vision of building a one-trillion-dollar economy through massive infrastructure investments, including new seaports and airports, expansion of rail networks from Lagos to Kano, and major road corridors such as the Sokoto–Badagry highway and the Calabar–Lagos coastal road. According to him, these projects are designed to unlock productivity, enhance trade, and position Nigeria as a leading economic force in Africa.

Addressing beneficiaries, Professor Yilwatda encouraged them to embrace entrepreneurship, noting that small businesses have the potential to grow into global enterprises. He assured them of continued support, including access to financing through the Bank of Industry and export training opportunities in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, aimed at integrating local businesses into international markets.

He also announced plans for a structured monitoring and evaluation framework, with periodic assessments to track progress and identify high-performing beneficiaries for further support through institutions such as the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI). He reiterated the Federal Government’s policy support for small businesses, including tax relief measures designed to create a more enabling environment for growth.

Representing the Governor at the event, the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Her Excellency Mrs. Josephine Piyo, commended Professor Yilwatda for the impactful initiative, describing it as a demonstration of selfless leadership and a strong commitment to uplifting the people.

She urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the resources provided, emphasizing discipline, focus, and enterprise as critical drivers of success. She expressed confidence that the initiative would produce future business leaders and industrialists capable of transforming both the local and national economy.

The Renewed Hope Scale-Up Programme stands as a bold and practical step toward building a resilient, inclusive, and youth-driven economy, reinforcing the APC’s commitment to empowering Nigerians and delivering sustainable development at the grassroots.