The Taraba State Government has approved a N500 million start-up fund aimed at supporting registered youths across the state in a fresh push to encourage entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
Governor Agbu Kefas announced the initiative during a statewide broadcast in Jalingo to commemorate his third anniversary in office, describing the programme as part of his administration’s broader commitment to youth development and job creation.
According to the governor, the start-up scheme is scheduled to commence in June 2026 and will provide financial support to eligible young people seeking to establish or expand small businesses in various sectors of the economy.
Kefas noted that the initiative was designed to tackle unemployment, stimulate innovation, and create sustainable opportunities for youths in Taraba State. He added that empowering young people remained central to his administration’s development agenda.
The governor explained that the programme would target registered youths with viable business ideas, stressing that the government intends to ensure transparency and equal access during the implementation process.
He further stated that the intervention aligns with ongoing efforts by the state government to improve economic activities, strengthen local enterprises, and reduce poverty among young residents.
Observers say the initiative could provide relief for many young entrepreneurs facing challenges in accessing start-up capital, especially amid rising economic pressures across the country.
The announcement has already generated positive reactions from several youth groups and stakeholders within the state, many of whom described the programme as a timely intervention capable of boosting self-employment and reducing dependence on white-collar jobs.
Since assuming office, Governor Kefas has repeatedly emphasized the need to invest in education, skills acquisition, and youth-focused programmes as key drivers of long-term development in Taraba State.
Residents are now awaiting further details regarding registration procedures, eligibility requirements, and the disbursement framework ahead of the official launch in June.
How to Apply
Although the Taraba State Government has not yet released the official application portal or detailed guidelines, interested youths are expected to register through channels that will be announced by the state government before the programme begins in June 2026.
Applicants are likely to be required to provide valid identification documents, proof of residence in Taraba State, and a business proposal or idea outlining how the funds will be used.
The government is expected to publish updates through official state communication platforms and relevant youth development agencies once applications officially open.
The N500 million start-up fund is expected to become one of the largest youth-focused empowerment programmes introduced by the current administration, reinforcing the government’s efforts to position young people as active contributors to the state’s economic growth.