Update on APC Empowerment Grant for Business Owners

This is an Update on APC Empowerment Grant for Business Owners 

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has organised a large empowerment programme for small business owners in Jos, Plateau State, where over 1,400 beneficiaries received grants and business support worth more than ₦280 million.

The programme, held under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, brought together government officials, development partners, and business support agencies.

According to organisers, the APC Empowerment Grant initiative received massive interest, with about 48,000 applications submitted from Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria, including Lagos, Cross River, Borno, and Sokoto. After screening business plans, 870 applicants were initially selected, while an additional 500 beneficiaries were later added, bringing the total to around 1,400 people.

Beneficiaries received different forms of support, including ₦1 million, ₦200,000, and ₦100,000 cash grants. Others received business equipment such as tricycles, sewing machines, welding tools, catering items, POS machines with cash support, makeup kits, GSM repair tools, and auto mechanic tool boxes. The organisers said the goal was to help existing small businesses grow and remain stable.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Yilwatda encouraged beneficiaries to focus on entrepreneurship rather than relying only on government employment. He said Nigeria’s economic future depends on people who can build and expand businesses that create jobs for others. He also linked the programme to President Bola Tinubu’s economic plan to grow Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy, supported by infrastructure and private sector development.

He added that beneficiaries would be monitored over time, with their businesses reviewed after six months and again after one year. According to him, those who perform well could receive additional support in future phases, but they are expected to keep proper records and manage their businesses responsibly.

The Director General of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Ezekiel Gomos, who supervised the selection process through Jos Business School, explained that the entire application was done online to ensure transparency. He said each submission was carefully reviewed based on business viability, realism, and growth potential. He also clarified that the grant was designed for existing businesses, not startups.

Representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo praised the initiative and described it as a timely intervention for residents. She urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, stressing that the support was meant for investment and business growth, not personal spending.

The organisers also hinted that more phases of the programme may be introduced in the future depending on results and available funding.