A THOUGHT ON THE RECENT YOUTH EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE IN TARABA STATE
By Jeremiah Daniel Baba
The recent youth empowerment initiative by the Executive Governor of Taraba State, implemented through the Taraba State Youth Development Agency under the leadership of its Chairman, Mr. Gara, deserves commendation.
It is encouraging to see the government paying attention to young people by providing financial support to help them establish or expand businesses. Such initiatives have the potential to reduce unemployment, promote entrepreneurship and improve the economic well-being of young people across the state.
However, beyond the distribution of funds, there is a need to critically examine the sustainability and effectiveness of the programme.
Reports from today's empowerment exercise show beneficiaries receiving ₦500,000 each. While this amount may provide meaningful assistance, an important question remains: What type of business can realistically be established or significantly expanded with ₦500,000 in today's economic environment?
More importantly, how will we know whether the funds are actually being invested in the businesses for which they were provided?
In my opinion, the empowerment programme should not end with the distribution of money. There should be a proper monitoring and evaluation mechanism. A committee or designated team should periodically follow up with beneficiaries to determine whether businesses have been established, whether existing businesses are growing, and whether the funds are being used for their intended purpose.
This is important because the ultimate goal should not simply be to give young people money, but to create sustainable businesses, jobs, and independent entrepreneurs.
If beneficiaries receive funds today and are left without guidance or monitoring, some may eventually spend the money on immediate personal needs and return to government seeking another intervention. But if the government follows up, provides mentorship and evaluates the businesses, the same ₦500,000 can potentially become the foundation for something much bigger.
There is also a need for transparency in the selection process. If the programme is genuinely designed for young people with viable business ideas or existing businesses that require financial support, beneficiaries should be selected based on clear and transparent criteria—not familiarity, connections or political considerations.
There are young people across Taraba State who already have business ideas, business plans and the determination to succeed. What many of them need is access to capital, mentorship and the right environment to turn those ideas into sustainable ventures.
Therefore, while we commend the efforts of the Taraba State Government, the Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Mr. Gara, and His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas for creating this opportunity for young people and vulnerable members of society, we also encourage the government to look beyond the initial distribution of funds.
Empowerment should not end when the money is handed over. It should begin there.
The real measure of success should be how many businesses survive, how many jobs are created, how many young people become financially independent, and how much economic value is generated from the investment.
This is not a criticism of the initiative, but a call for stronger implementation, transparency, monitoring, and sustainability.
A concerned citizen,
Written from somewhere in Taraba State.