The Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA) in Adamawa State has finalized preparations to support 35,000 individuals with N50,000 each in its latest round of empowerment initiatives.
The Director General of PAWECA, Michael Zira Wadaragwo, announced this to journalists in Yola on Wednesday, noting that the support, approved by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, aims to alleviate economic hardship among youths, widows, and vulnerable members of society.
Wadaragwo explained that the beneficiaries will receive the funds directly into their bank accounts to enhance their business capital, thereby promoting economic development and self-reliance.
In addition, 5,000 students are currently undergoing skills acquisition training across 10 government technical training centers in the state. These students are being trained in various entrepreneurial fields, including tailoring, carpentry, metalwork, trading, electrical, and mechanical repairs.
He also revealed that the Agency plans to train 600 to 1,000 young men and women from each local government area through a collaborative framework. After the training, they will be provided with starter packs to launch their chosen business ventures.
“We are planning to engage 600 to 1,000 youths from each local government council through a collaborative framework for skills acquisition training. Afterward, they will be provided with starter packs to help them start their selected businesses,” Wadaragwo said.
He reiterated the Agency’s commitment to its vision and mission of reducing poverty and creating wealth among citizens. He also introduced a new scheme, “From Retirement to Wealth,” which aims to empower retirees. Under this scheme, civil servants will be enrolled in skills acquisition programs five years before their retirement, enabling them to gain entrepreneurial skills and become self-reliant.
Wadaragwo further stated that under the Fintiri Business Wallet program, PAWECA had disbursed N50,000 to 10,000 beneficiaries, with a focus on women to address gender disparities. This disbursement, completed last month, recorded a 98.6% success rate, with the remaining 2.4% experiencing delays due to network issues at some banks.
He urged rural residents to ensure that their bank accounts, BVN, and NIN numbers are functional, as the government aims to reach every corner of the state with its empowerment programs.
