Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has approved a ₦500 million youth start-up fund as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office, in a move aimed at tackling unemployment among young people and expanding economic opportunities across the state.
Speaking in a statewide broadcast from Jalingo on Friday, Kefas said the programme would begin in June 2026 and forms part of a broader agenda focused on youth inclusion, infrastructure development and economic growth.
The initiative comes at a time when many young people are facing limited access to formal employment, making entrepreneurship and self-reliance increasingly important. For many youths, access to skills, starter support and business development opportunities can provide an alternative path to earning a living, reducing dependence on scarce white-collar jobs and promoting local enterprise.
Kefas said his administration believes the future of Taraba depends on empowering young people through deliberate policies and practical support. According to him, the government has already put structures in place to strengthen youth-focused planning and intervention.
He said biometric data-capturing facilities had been commissioned to build a reliable database for youth development planning and empowerment programmes. He added that 296 youths had so far registered under the programme, while the approved ₦500 million would be used to provide starter packs from June 2026.
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The governor said the support scheme is expected to complement skill acquisition efforts by giving beneficiaries the tools and resources needed to become self-employed and productive. He noted that equipping young people with practical skills and start-up support is essential to reducing unemployment, boosting household incomes and stimulating local economic activity.
Kefas also said the administration had established the Youth Development Agency and the Sports Commission as separate entities to ensure more focused attention on youth and sports development.
On infrastructure, the governor disclosed that the proposed Ibi Bridge across the River Benue was receiving attention from the Federal Government, while feasibility studies were ongoing for additional bridge projects across the Chinkai and Karim Lamido corridors. He said the projects would improve connectivity, enhance trade and support economic activities across the state.
He further listed ongoing road projects to include the Mararaba-Biassa Abong Road, Takum-Lissam Road, Wukari-Kente-Chinkai Road, and Jalingo and Wukari township roads.
In education, Kefas said his administration declared a state of emergency in the sector shortly after taking office in 2023. He said the government made basic education free and compulsory, upgraded school infrastructure and took steps to restore confidence in the future of younger generations.
On healthcare, the governor said the administration had improved access to medical services across the state through the modernization of hospitals and investments in infrastructure and equipment.
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