The Yobe State Government has approved N460.8 million to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and traders through the distribution of business support materials aimed at boosting livelihoods and stimulating economic growth across the state.
The intervention will primarily benefit women engaged in small-scale businesses, including akara vendors, who will receive beans, cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils and other kitchen equipment to support and expand their enterprises.
The approval was granted yesterday at the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Mai Mala Buni at the Government House in Damaturu.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, said the initiative reflects the Buni administration’s commitment to empowering women and strengthening micro and small businesses.
According to him, the council approved N460,828,450 for the procurement of beans to be distributed to female entrepreneurs engaged in various small-scale businesses across the state.
He explained that the beans would complement cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils and other kitchen items already procured by the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation.
Bego said 1,780 bags of 50-kilogram beans would be distributed to beneficiaries, noting that the support package is expected to reduce production costs, increase business capacity and improve the earning potential of women-owned enterprises.
The commissioner also disclosed that the council approved ₦364.48 million for the procurement of 1,000 Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines under the state’s empowerment programme.
He said the machines would provide beneficiaries with sustainable income-generating opportunities while advancing the government’s efforts to reduce poverty, encourage self-reliance and stimulate economic activities at the grassroots.
In addition, Bego announced that the Executive Council approved projects and services worth N73.32 billion across critical sectors of the state’s economy to accelerate development and improve infrastructure.
The approvals include N28.53 billion for the procurement of agricultural tools and equipment under the state’s 2026 Mega Agricultural Empowerment Programme, N23.97 billion for the construction of two major roads, as well as funding for housing, markets and other infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing economic activities and improving residents’ quality of life.