Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA) on Monday, 1st December, engaged beneficiaries of its Job Fair program and Pitch Competition at the agency’s Blackness Jos Business Proposal Centre, in an interactive session aimed at assessing the impact of its youth empowerment initiatives.
The session brought together young people who secured employment through the Job Fair, winners of the Pitch Competition, and members of the Shan (C-Hob Alumni Network) Entrepreneurship Club—an initiative birthed from PLASMIDA’s secondary schools entrepreneurship program. The network comprises youths under 25 who are CEOs of their own businesses.
Speaking during the interface, PLASMIDA Director-General, Hon. Bomkam Ali Wuyep, congratulated beneficiaries on their achievements and urged them to leverage their experiences to mentor others. “Congratulations to all of you. Your success is a testament to your creativity, resilience, and hard work. I encourage you to step down what you have learnt to others and use this platform to inspire more youths,” Wuyep said.
He emphasized the agency’s strategic focus on poverty reduction, job creation, MSME development, and skills acquisition, highlighting programs such as the Plateau Job Center, Modular Basic Entrepreneurship Training in partnership with GIZ and GOPA Worldwide Consultants, Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy Trainings, Agric-Business SME Investment Scheme, SLEMS Scheme, and Plateau-CARES.
“Poverty does not know gender, age, religion, or political affiliation. Our goal is to ensure that every youth and entrepreneur has the opportunity to thrive. The Pitch Competition and Job Fair have already created pathways for meaningful employment and business growth,” Wuyep added.
He also acknowledged the importance of capacity-building, digital literacy, and access to finance and markets in sustaining entrepreneurial ventures. “Even as some of you secure employment, continue to build your skills, explore new streams of income, and mentor your peers. This agency remains a resource and partner in your growth,” he said.
Daniel Awin, first-place winner of the Pitch Competition and President of the Shan Entrepreneurship Club, expressed appreciation for PLASMIDA’s support. “It’s truly an honor. From the first engagement to now, the agency has provided guidance, resources, and opportunities that have enabled us to succeed,” he said.
The DG further revealed plans to fully implement the C-HOP activities across secondary schools by January next year, positioning the alumni and successful beneficiaries to serve as coaches and mentors for the next generation of young entrepreneurs.
PLASMIDA reiterated its commitment to continuous engagement, mentorship, and support for youths and SMEs, encouraging all beneficiaries to maximize available resources, expand their ventures, and share knowledge with others.
