Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has approved N500 million for a youth start-up support programme aimed at reducing unemployment and expanding economic opportunities for young people across the state.
The governor announced the initiative during a statewide broadcast in Jalingo to mark his third anniversary in office, revealing that the programme will begin in June 2026.
According to Kefas, the fund is part of his administration’s broader strategy to strengthen youth development and drive economic growth through targeted empowerment initiatives.
“Our administration strongly believes that the future of Taraba State depends largely on the empowerment and development of young people,” he said.
The governor disclosed that 296 youths have already registered under the programme and are expected to benefit from the first phase of the intervention.
“Presently, 296 youths have successfully registered under the programme, and the government has approved the release of Five Hundred Million Naira for starter packs, scheduled to commence in June 2026,” Kefas stated.
The state government has also commissioned biometric data-capturing facilities to support the programme. According to the governor, the system will provide a reliable database for planning youth-focused policies and ensuring that empowerment initiatives reach intended beneficiaries.
The N500 million start-up fund comes as part of efforts by the Taraba State Government to create pathways for entrepreneurship and self-employment among young people. Access to start-up capital remains a major challenge for many aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Kefas said his administration has taken additional steps to strengthen youth-focused governance through the establishment of the Youth Development Agency and the Sports Commission as separate entities. The move is expected to improve policy implementation and provide dedicated attention to youth and sports development programmes.
The governor noted that empowering young people remains central to the state’s long-term development plans, adding that investment in youth entrepreneurship can help stimulate local businesses, create jobs and support economic expansion.
The upcoming disbursement is expected to provide selected beneficiaries with starter packs and resources needed to launch or expand small businesses, as the state seeks to encourage greater participation of young people in economic activities.
