The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe has at the weekend launched a ₦50 million financial empowerment initiative aimed at supporting market women in the Plateau Central Senatorial District.
The event took place at the MNS Centre in Pankshin, where a large gathering of women entrepreneurs came together to receive this much-needed support.
The financial package is divided into two primary components: a ₦20 million direct grant and a ₦30 million revolving cooperative loan scheme.
Under the direct grants, ₦30 million has been allocated to petty traders with each beneficiary receiving ₦100,000 to help kickstart or expand their businesses.
Additionally, ₦20 million will be set aside for a cooperative fund to facilitate ongoing access to low-interest loans for the participants.
To further incentivize business growth, Prof. Yilwatda announced that a dedicated evaluation team would assess the beneficiaries’ performance after six months. Those who excel will be eligible for an additional ₦500,000 grant, enhancing their capacity for expansion and sustainability.
The selection of beneficiaries followed a thorough field assessment conducted across five Local Government Areas: Bokkos, Pankshin, Mangu, Kanke, and Kanam.
The National Chairman said the initiative is not only aims to uplift individual entrepreneurs but also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader economic reform agenda, which emphasizes the empowerment of women as vital to economic stability.
Prof. Yilwatda emphasized the critical role women play in their families and communities.
“Women are the backbone of the home and excel at managing resources,” he stated, urging the beneficiaries to make the most of this opportunity to grow their businesses and contribute to their families’ well-being.
Prof. Yilwatda took the opportunity to rally support for APC candidates ahead of the upcoming elections, urging citizens to back President Tinubu and other party candidates.
He highlighted ongoing federal initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and security in Plateau State under the Tinubu administration. Key developments include the dualization of the Maraban Jama’a–Mangu–Pankshin road and the establishment of a new military battalion in Mangu to address security challenges.
Prof. Yilwatda reassured the community of the government’s commitment to neutralizing any threats to peace and stability in the region.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee Dr. Song Muru noted that this empowerment initiative reflects the compassion and commitment of Prof. Yilwatda towards enhancing the welfare of market women.
He reiterated that this scheme is part of a larger statewide initiative, recalling a similar empowerment effort conducted in the northern zone last year.
The event was attended by prominent party figures, including APC Senatorial Candidate for Plateau Central, David Barji, and various APC House of Assembly candidates.
