APC National Chairman empowers Plateau women with N50 million, says they’re lifeblood of local economy

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, has donated N50 million to empower 400 market women in Plateau State, reaffirming his commitment to economic inclusion and grassroots development.

Prof. Yilwatda made the donation during a breakfast meeting with market women held at the Millennial International Event Centre, Jos, where he announced that N20 million would be distributed directly to women traders as cash grants, while N30 million would be used to establish a cooperative fund to promote sustainable business growth and financial independence among women entrepreneurs.

He said his support to the Women is part of the “Renewed Hope for Generation Next Empowerment Programme,” is designed to support women whose businesses have been affected by economic hardship and insecurity, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for poverty reduction and social welfare.

“I come from a background where people supported me, a woman I never knew not of my tribe or religion invested her time, energy, and money to train me. She changed my life. What I’m doing today is simply replicating that kindness, because service to humanity is the greatest calling.”

He recalled that the experience of being helped by a total stranger in his youth became a lifelong inspiration for his commitment to helping others, adding that “making someone smile is the best gift anyone can offer.”

Prof. Nentawe explained that the empowerment programme was structured to be sustainable, noting that the cooperative model will enable beneficiaries to access credit, scale their businesses, and become self-reliant.

“These women are the lifeblood of our local economy. By supporting them, we’re supporting families, communities, and the entire value chain, This is not just about giving money it’s about restoring dignity, rebuilding livelihoods, and ensuring our women and youth have hope again.”

The APC National Chairman emphasized that his ministry and partners are committed to bridging the gap between humanitarian service and economic empowerment.

He added that the empowerment scheme complements the ongoing free medical outreach in Plateau State, which has reached nearly 50,000 beneficiaries, providing surgeries, consultations, and treatments at no cost through a partnership with Sharing Hope International Medical Mission USA.

“Just as we are restoring health to the sick, we are also restoring hope to traders, farmers, and artisans, It’s about creating a cycle of care where one act of kindness multiplies into many.”

Representing the beneficiaries, Mama Mary Sabo who received the N50 million cheque on behalf of the market women, expressed profound gratitude to the APC National Chairman, describing the gesture as a lifeline that has revived the dreams of struggling traders.