The Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE), in partnership with Crust Microfinance Bank, Thrive Agric, and Trace Nigeria, has initiated a youth and women empowerment program in Plateau State. This initiative aims to provide financial and business assistance to 300 beneficiaries from ten communities across four local government areas. It emphasizes promoting entrepreneurship, particularly in agriculture and financial services, with the objective of decreasing unemployment and bridging the gender gap in employment opportunities.
Under this program, participants will receive Point of Sale (POS) terminals along with loans ranging from N100,000 to N500,000 to help expand their businesses. Additionally, the beneficiaries will have their businesses registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with Crust Microfinance Bank subsidizing 50% of the registration fees. The program intends to empower both youth and women by enhancing their skills and providing the financial support necessary for them to thrive as agro-commodity agents and POS agents.
During a town hall meeting, Project Lead Barrister Khadija Mohammad Abdulhameed emphasized the initiative’s commitment to tackling the obstacles faced by women and youth, especially those aged 18 to 35, in securing employment opportunities. She mentioned that the project is specifically designed to cultivate entrepreneurship and promote sustainable economic development in Plateau State.
Assistant Team Lead Zeenret Zamani further stressed the program’s role in increasing awareness of entrepreneurship and urged the government to formulate policies that support youth and women in pursuing business ventures for sustainable economic growth.
One of the resource persons, Dr. Reuel Dakung from the University of Jos, highlighted the importance of empowering youth and women, pointing out that they represent a significant segment of the population and play a crucial role in the nation’s economic development. He underscored the necessity of mentorship, financial literacy, and skill development as vital elements of successful entrepreneurship.
This initiative, supported by CFYE, Crust Microfinance Bank, Thrive Agric, and Trace Nigeria, is set to bring about meaningful change by equipping young individuals and women in Plateau State with the essential tools needed to excel in business and contribute to the region’s economic advancement.
