The Taraba State government plans to distribute grants to 18,000 youths as part of its efforts to alleviate poverty, announced Habu Philip, the Commissioner for Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, during a press briefing in Jalingo marking his first anniversary in office.
Philip noted that the Ministry had previously disbursed grants to 3,000 youths following Governor Agbu Kefas’ approval. The governor has now authorized the program's expansion to include 18,000 youths, with disbursements expected to begin in the coming 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 disbursed 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 the ministry has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Labour to revitalize underutilized skills acquisition centres. The Skill Acquisition Centre in Donga local government area has been handed over to Taraba State University for better management and youth training, while the centre on Kona Road in Jalingo is being renovated to bring it up to standard.
Additionally, Governor Kefas has introduced several measures to combat poverty in the state, including free education in primary and secondary schools, covering registration fees for WAEC and NECO exams, and providing uniforms and books for students.
Commissioner Philip highlighted 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.”
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