Taraba Startup Fund: Our Goal Is to Make Youths Job Creators, Not Job Seekers — Kefas

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has said the state government’s N1 billion startup fund is aimed at empowering young people to become employers of labour rather than job seekers.

Kefas stated this on Thursday in Jalingo during the flag-off of the disbursement of startup grants to trained young entrepreneurs under the Taraba State Youth Development Agency.

The governor explained that the programme was initially approved with N500 million to support young people with existing businesses, but the fund was later increased to N1 billion to accommodate more beneficiaries across the state.

“These grants are not for political reasons. They are to improve the wellbeing of our young entrepreneurs. My desire is to see every responsible young Taraban become a creator of jobs, not a job seeker,” Kefas said.

The governor stressed that the initiative was designed to promote entrepreneurship, strengthen existing businesses and create more employment opportunities for young people in the state.

300 Entrepreneurs Receive N500,000 Each

The Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Gara Nongha, said the agency had captured data on more than 1,600 entrepreneurs with existing businesses across the state.

Nongha disclosed that 300 beneficiaries were selected for the first phase of the programme, with each beneficiary receiving a N500,000 grant.

He said the selection process was based on trust and the applicants’ demonstrated capacity to use their businesses and innovations to create positive economic and social impact.

According to him, beneficiaries were drawn from the 168 wards and two special development areas in Taraba State.

He added that the second phase of the grant disbursement would commence in September 2026.

Made-in-Taraba Entrepreneurs Receive Recognition

Also speaking at the event, the Taraba State Coordinator of Made in Nigeria, Hon. Justin Aondoasee Tyopuusu, said the Made-in-Taraba component of the programme had identified and documented talented young entrepreneurs contributing to the state’s economic development through innovation.

Tyopuusu urged the state government to establish an Adire centre to promote the production of locally made fabrics and improve access to traditional attire in the North-East and North-Central regions.

He said such an initiative would create additional opportunities for young entrepreneurs, strengthen local industries and further promote Taraba-made products beyond the state.

The N1 billion startup fund is expected to provide financial support to young entrepreneurs, strengthen existing businesses and contribute to job creation and economic development across Taraba State.