By Henry Agbu, Jalingo

Taraba State Governor,  Agbu Kefas, has officially flagged off the Kefas Youth Enterprise Fund, with beneficiaries receiving N500,000 each to establish or expand their businesses.

The empowerment programme was launched at the Banquet Hall of the TY Danjuma House, Jalingo.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Kefas reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development, noting that meaningful engagement and economic opportunities were essential to enabling young people to contribute effectively to the development of the state.

The governor said his administration would continue to introduce policies and programmes aimed at helping youths become productive, self-reliant and responsible members of society.

He announced that beneficiaries of the next batch of the programme would receive N1 million each, while urging the current beneficiaries to remain focused and make judicious use of the funds.

Governor Kefas also advised the beneficiaries to shun actions and attitudes that could jeopardise their future, and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the Taraba State Government.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended Governor Kefas for committing substantial resources to youth empowerment in the state.

Olawande urged the beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely, expand their businesses and contribute to the economic growth of Taraba State. He also called on other state governments to emulate Taraba by introducing similar initiatives to empower young people.

The Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Gara Nongha, said the initiative was designed to place real economic opportunities in the hands of young people across the state.

According to him, more than 200 youths are benefiting from the financial support, which is intended to enable them establish new businesses or expand existing ventures.

Nongha reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to implementing programmes that would prepare young people for leadership, entrepreneurship and economic independence. He also 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.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Taraba State Youth Development Roadmap, a strategic framework intended to guide youth development programmes and initiatives across the state.

The Taraba State Youth Development Agency also honoured Governor Kefas with an award in recognition of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and development. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, was similarly honoured.

The ceremony also featured cultural performances by the Taraba State Arts Council, adding colour to the event.