The Taraba State government has announced its plan to distribute grants to 18,000 youths across the state in a bid to alleviate poverty.Â
This was disclosed by Habu Philip, the state Commissioner for Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, during a press briefing in Jalingo, marking his one-year anniversary in office.
Commissioner Philip highlighted that the Ministry had previously disbursed grants to 3,000 youths, following Governor Agbu Kefas’ approval for the initiative.
The governor has now approved the expansion of this program to reach an additional 18,000 youths, with the disbursements expected to commence in a few weeks.
“I want to sincerely commend our leader, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his support and for providing an enabling environment for us to do our best,” said Philip. “Between June and December last year, we were able to disburse grants of 50,000 and 100,000 Naira respectively to 3,000 youths. Now, Governor Kefas has approved to expand this to 18,000 youths across Taraba.”
Philip also mentioned that his ministry has collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Labour to take over and revitalize skills acquisition centres that were previously underutilized.
The Skill Acquisition Centre at Donga local government area has been handed over to Taraba State University for better management and youth training.
Similarly, the centre at Kona Road in Jalingo is undergoing renovations to bring it up to standard and make it fully functional.
In addition to the grant disbursements, Governor Kefas has implemented several measures to combat poverty in the state.
These include the declaration of free education in primary and secondary schools, covering the payment of registration fees for WAEC and NECO exams, and providing uniforms and books for students.
Commissioner Philip acknowledged the high poverty levels in Taraba, noting that eight out of every ten people live below the poverty line. “This is totally unacceptable, and the governor is determined to change this narrative,” he stated.
“Already, the people in our streets and villages are feeling the impacts of his interventions and are grateful because he insists that what is meant for the people goes directly to them.”
