The Bauchi State Government has disbursed N625 million in startup grants to 1,250 youths and women to boost agricultural production and promote agribusiness across the state’s 20 local government areas.

Governor Bala Mohammed made this known during the official presentation of the grants at Tafawa Balewa on Tuesday, adding that each beneficiary would receive N500,000 to establish a business in a chosen area of agriculture.

He said the initiative was aimed at tackling unemployment, creating wealth and improving food security through increased youth participation in agriculture.

Addressing the youths, who underwent a two-week intensive practical training in various batches, conducted by the International Skills Acquisition Centre (ISAC) at CSS Farms, the governor said, “You will recall that in 2021, this administration supported 1,000 youths and women from across the 20 local government areas.

“The youths went through intensive practical training at the International Skills Acquisition Centre of CSS Farms in crop production, livestock production, aquaculture, poultry, greenhouse technology, agribusiness management, value addition, and enterprise development.”

He added that the training was fully funded by the Bauchi State government, covering tuition, transportation, accommodation, feeding and other training expenses.

He noted that upon completing the training, each participant received a startup pack valued at about N450,000 to establish their agribusiness.

Mr Mohammed explained that the successes recorded by beneficiaries of the 2021 programme informed the launch of the second phase, which commenced in 2025.

He stated, “Encouraged by these achievements, the government expanded the programme in 2025 to train another 1,250 youths and women from across the state in practical agriculture and agribusiness.

“I am delighted to announce today the commencement of the payment of startup grants of N500,000 each to these 1,250 beneficiaries.

“This is an investment in productivity, enterprise, employment generation, and the future prosperity of our state. Invest wisely and use the funds judiciously.”

The governor urged the beneficiaries to make prudent use of the grants by establishing sustainable agribusinesses capable of creating jobs and reducing unemployment.

He also encouraged them to contribute meaningfully to the food security and economic development of Bauchi State and Nigeria.

Mr Mohammed directed the state’s Ministry of Agriculture to ensure prompt disbursement of the grants to beneficiaries.

Some of the beneficiaries commended the initiative, describing it as a life-changing intervention.

One of them, Maryam Ibrahim, who received training in poultry production, said the programme and the startup grant would significantly contribute to employment generation in the state.

Mustapha Abdullahi, who was trained in feed production, pledged to establish a feed manufacturing business to supply quality livestock feed to farmers across the state. 

(NAN)