In its drive to build the capacity of young entrepreneurs across the state, the Plateau State Government has graduated 450 youths under a financial literacy and digital marketing skills training program aimed at enhancing business growth and sustainability.
The initiative, organized by the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA) in collaboration with the Plateau Youth Council (PYC), held its closing ceremony on October 15, 2025, at Eliel Centre, Jos. Themed “Plateau Youths Mastering Financial Literacy and Digital Skills for Business,” the program was supported by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) and FCMB.
Representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Secretary to the State Government, Arch. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, described the initiative as a step toward “liberation and economic renewal” for Plateau youths.
“This means bigger opportunities and fulfilled promises,” Jatau said. “During the campaigns, Governor Mutfwang promised to give youths a new lease of life, and today’s empowerment shows that the government is walking that talk. In the coming months, more initiatives including grants and entrepreneurship programs will be launched to boost youth participation in the economy.”
He further disclosed that the state is addressing security concerns through youth-focused recruitment into Operation Rainbow, with 1,450 recruits set to begin training to support security efforts across Plateau communities.
“Security is not entirely in the hands of state governments, but Plateau is taking proactive steps. We’ve trained 600 personnel previously and will now train 1,450 more to complement federal security agencies,” he said, adding that Jos is now regaining its reputation as one of the safest cities in northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Bomkam Ali Wuyep, Director General of PLASMIDA, said the program marks another milestone in the state’s effort to promote entrepreneurship and reduce poverty.
“We trained 450 youth entrepreneurs drawn from the 17 local government areas of Plateau on financial literacy and digital skills to prepare them for today’s evolving business environment,” Wuyep said. “Our aim is to ensure sustainability, scalability, and economic prosperity across the state.”
He emphasized that the training, which covered business management, access to finance, and digital marketing, would help reduce business failure rates often seen among small enterprises in developing regions.
“We expect to see thriving businesses and increased job creation. We’ve linked participants with financial institutions like FCMB to enable them to access MSME-friendly products. Those who met requirements have already received POS machines to support their operations,” he added.
The Plateau Youth Council Chairman, Mr. Panan Gongden Dapar, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the state government and partners for the initiative, describing it as “timely and transformative.”
“This program comes at a time when many youths lack productive engagement,” the Council stated. “Training 450 young Plateau entrepreneurs on financial and digital literacy will undoubtedly impact the state’s economy in the years to come.”
The Council also urged beneficiaries to extend the knowledge gained to others within their local communities, ensuring that the benefits trickle down to the grassroots.
The training forms part of the Mutfwang administration’s Seven-Point Policy Thrust, particularly the pillar on education and human capacity development, aimed at empowering citizens, creating jobs, and reducing poverty across Plateau State.
