By Emmanuel Awari -Jalingo
Governor Kefas has reaffirms Commitment to Empowering Unemployed Youths and Small Business Owners across the state through the Kefas Enterprise Fund which will provide financial support to unemployed youths and small business owners to start, strengthen, and expand their enterprises.
He disclose this during the Official Flag-Off of the First Phase of the Kefas Youth Enterprise Fund (KYEF) and the unveiling of the Taraba State Youth Development Roadmap 2026–2031, alongside the Long-Term Taraba Youth Agenda 2050 at Banquet Hall, TY Danjuma House, Jalingo.
He urge beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly, and build sustainable enterprises that can create employment opportunities and contribute to the economic growth of Taraba State.
Governor Kefas reiterated that his administration’s youth empowerment agenda goes beyond financial assistance, emphasizing capacity building, entrepreneurship, job creation, and sustainable economic opportunities for young Tarabans.
“This initiative is part of this administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where young people can become self-reliant, grow their businesses, and play a meaningful role in moving Taraba State forward.
Governor Kefas pledged another N1.5 Billion once the current N500 million fund is exhausted as part of committing a potential to youth business empowerment.
He also revealed that his commitment to empowering young people did not start with his administration.
“Before becoming Governor, I had sponsored 2,000 young people in Wukari to sit for WAEC and NECO while another 500 people were sponsored to study at Kwararafa University.
“The next batch of the Kefas Youth Empowerment Programmes, which will commence next month, will receive ₦1 million each.
Governor Agbu Kefas urged the beneficiaries to remain focused, make judicious use of the funds, and shun attitudes and actions capable of undermining their future.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and for standing by his administration.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Hon.Ayodele Olawande said that
many young people have ideas but the problem is finance and appreciate Gov Kefas for addressing the challenge.
He commended Governor Kefas for dedicating substantial resources to youth development and empowerment in Taraba State.
The Minister urged the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, expand their businesses, and contribute to the economic growth of the state.
He praise the initiative and called on other state governments to emulate Taraba State by introducing similar initiatives aimed at empowering young people.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Gara Nongha, said the disbursement will not be business as usual.
He disclosed that at least one beneficiary was selected from each of the 168 wards in the state. According to him, the beneficiaries are young men and women who are already business entrepreneurs seeking to boost their sales.
According to him, the programme was putting real economic opportunities in the hands of young people across the state.
He explained that more than two hundred youths would benefit from the financial support to enable them to establish or expand their businesses.
“The agency remained committed to implementing programmes and empowerment initiatives capable of preparing young people for leadership and economic independence.
He appealed to the North East Development Commission, NEDC, to establish a Taraba Youth in Agriculture Scheme to further engage and empower youths in the state.
Also in his remarks, the State Coordinator, Made in Nigeria Special Project, Hon. Justin Aondoaseer Tyopuusu appreciated the Governor for investmenting in the Youths in the state.
“With the Kefas Youth Enterprise Fund, you are placing real capital into hands of our youth and sitting in this hall are the next Dangotes, the next Tony Elumelus, the next Abdulsamad Rabius, the next Folorunsho Alakijas.
“Sitting here are young men and women whose names the nation does not yet know, but will one day speak of them with pride and history will remember you for what you are doing today. History is indeed watching, and so are we.
He also appreciated the Chairman of the Youth Agency, Hon. Prince Gara Soyongha Nongha for the good work he is doing at the agency with his team.
“The quality of the training delivered to the beneficiaries yesterday ahead of today’s disbursement clearly shows the difference between giving people money and giving them a fighting chance. That level of seriousness is rare, and it deserves our deep appreciation.
“To the beneficiaries, look at me. What you are about to receive is not “your share of the national cake.” It is seed capital. It is trust. It is a deliberate bet that you can build something bigger than yourselves. Don’t look at the amount that will be giving to you as too small in our today’s economy. Treat it with the discipline of people who intend to still be standing ten years from now.
“Invest it. Grow it. Create jobs with it. Let your enterprises become living proof that Taraba’s young people do not need pity, they need opportunity, and they know exactly what to do with it. Make this state and this administration proud. The future is not waiting for excuses; it is waiting for you – he said.
He appeal that the administration considers the establishment of an Adire Fabric production smart factory here in Taraba State.
“Across our diverse cultural groups, Adire remains a cherished and the most used fabric of everyday life, commanding huge volumes of usage. With a ready market already existing and the capacity to serve not only Taraba but neighbouring Adamawa, Benue and beyond, such a smart factory would create meaningful jobs for our youth, deepen local value chains and give the Made-in-Taraba brand a distinctive cultural product that can travel far. It is an opportunity waiting for the bold leadership you have consistently shown – he added.
Each youth is expected to receive the sum of N500,000, promising to increase to N1000,000.
Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas’ reported ₦1.5 billion intervention through the Taraba State Youth Development Agency is more than an empowerment programme—it is an investment in the productive capacity of Taraba’s young people.
The real value of youth empowerment is not simply giving young people money; it is giving them the opportunity to build businesses, create jobs, generate wealth and become employers of labour.
This initiative fits into the broader governance reforms of the Kefas administration, which increasingly emphasize human capital development, institutional reform, education, entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.
If properly implemented, transparently managed and supported with training, mentorship and access to markets, this intervention can help move young Tarabans from job seekers to job creators and from dependency to economic independence.
The biggest measure of success should be simple: How many businesses will grow, how many jobs will be created, and how many young people will become economically empowered?
Taraba’s youth are not merely beneficiaries of government—they are partners in building the Taraba we want.
Highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the Taraba State Youth Development Roadmap, a strategic document designed to guide youth development initiatives in the state.
The Taraba State Youth Development Agency also presented an award to Governor Agbu Kefas in appreciation of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and development.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, was equally honoured with an award at the occasion.
The programme featured cultural performances by the Taraba State Arts Council, which entertained guests and participants.
Highlights included the unveiling of the Taraba Youth Development Roadmap and awards to Governor Kefas and Minister Olawande, alongside cultural performances.