_APC National Chairman says initiative targets job creation, poverty reduction; Deputy Gov Piyo hails “selfless leadership”_
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has empowered over 1,400 young Nigerians with income-generating equipment and ₦280 million in cash grants under the Renewed Hope Scale-Up Programme, reaffirming what he called the party’s commitment to youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and grassroots development.
At a well-attended event in Jos on Tuesday, Professor Yilwatda oversaw the distribution of 727 sets of toolkits and equipment designed to help beneficiaries establish and expand sustainable businesses across key sectors.
“The initiative is a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s unwavering focus on job creation, poverty alleviation, and youth-driven economic growth,” Yilwatda said while addressing beneficiaries. “Meaningful change begins when individuals take responsibility for improving the lives of others. This programme represents both a moral duty and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.”
*Equipment, Cash Disbursed Across 12 Trades*
According to the Office of the National Chairman, 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 cloud power stations.
In addition to the equipment, the programme disbursed ₦280 million in cash grants to beneficiaries across four structured categories: 60 individuals received ₦1 million each; 140 beneficiaries got ₦500,000 each; 300 individuals were granted ₦200,000 each; while 900 beneficiaries received ₦100,000 each.
“This strategic financial support is designed to provide immediate capital injection for small and medium-scale enterprises, enabling rapid business take-off and expansion,” the statement from Yilwatda’s office read.
*“Leadership Must Translate to Tangible Benefits” — Deputy Gov Piyo*
Representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the event, Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Her Excellency Mrs. Josephine Piyo, commended Yilwatda for what she described as “selfless leadership and a strong commitment to uplifting the people.”
“The National Chairman has brought pride to the state and has shown that leadership must translate into tangible benefits for citizens,” Piyo said. She urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the resources provided, emphasizing that “discipline, focus, and enterprise are key drivers of success.”
Piyo expressed confidence that the initiative would “produce future business leaders and industrialists capable of transforming the local and national economy.”
*Yilwatda: Tinubu’s One-Trillion-Dollar Economy Vision Driving Empowerment*
Reflecting on his tenure, Professor Yilwatda recalled a farmer-support initiative he established in 2018 which he said “continues to yield measurable success.” He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing his emergence as National Chairman as “an act of divine grace rather than personal qualification.”
“I am committed to using this office as a platform to connect opportunities with the people and to drive inclusive development,” Yilwatda stated.
He linked the empowerment to the Federal Government’s broader economic vision of building a one-trillion-dollar economy. “This will be achieved through massive infrastructure investments, including the development of new seaports and airports, expansion of rail networks from Lagos to Kano, and the construction of major road corridors such as the Sokoto–Badagry highway and the Calabar–Lagos coastal road,” he said. “These projects are designed to unlock productivity, enhance trade, and position Nigeria as a leading economic force in Africa.”
*Next Steps: BoI Financing, Export Training, Monitoring*
Addressing beneficiaries, Yilwatda encouraged them to prioritize 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 process, 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 conducive environment for growth.
“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,” the statement signed by Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser to the National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy, concluded.