Adamawa State has continued to make deliberate efforts in promoting youth and women empowerment through entrepreneurship and wealth creation programs. Following the establishment of the Ministry of Entrepreneurship Development in 2019 by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the state created the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency to drive initiatives that support skills acquisition, financial inclusion, and business growth.
One of the leading programs of this initiative is the Fintiri Business Wallet, officially launched on March 14, 2024, to provide direct financial support for small-scale business owners. At the launch, 10,000 entrepreneurs from different sectors received ₦50,000 each to strengthen and expand their businesses.
According to government officials, the goal was to stimulate grassroots economic growth by boosting local enterprises.
Since its introduction, the program has disbursed 6 billion naira to 120,000 beneficiaries, creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and reducing unemployment. Governor Fintiri described the initiative as “a deliberate step to secure the future of our youth and women by giving them the resources to succeed.”
Building on this achievement, the administration has announced plans to empower an additional 100,000 beneficiaries across Adamawa State in the next phase.
Hon. Michael Zira Ph.D, who piloted the program, explained that the success of the Fintiri Business Wallet demonstrates the impact of targeted financial interventions in reducing poverty and supporting self-reliance.
The program has been widely recognized as a model for direct empowerment. “We are not just reducing the poverty index, we are creating wealth and unlocking the potential of our most vibrant population,” Hon. Zira said.
Through this intervention and other poverty alleviation schemes, Adamawa State continues to strengthen its economy and ensure inclusiveness by giving young people and women access to business funding, small business loans, and entrepreneurship development opportunities.