By Aminu Adamu
Yola, Adamawa State. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to alleviating poverty and fostering economic growth with the flag-off of the third series of empowerment grants under the Fintiri “Business Wallet”.
This initiative, a cornerstone of the administration’s social investment strategy, aims to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) while directly targeting poverty alleviation and women and youth empowerment.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fintiri described the “Fintiri Business Wallet” as a convergence of key priorities on his administration’s 8-Point Agenda. “This initiative empowers our citizens to conquer their fears, start a business, and provide for their households,” he said.
Since its inception, the program has evolved into a robust institutional framework for entrepreneurship development, complemented by the establishment of the Ministry of Entrepreneurship Development and the Agency for Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation (PAWECA). These bodies are tasked with fostering innovation, building business skills, and supporting small enterprises.
In the past six years, over 55,000 youths have been trained in various trades through the administration’s Skill Development Corridor. Governor Fintiri highlighted the program’s focus on equipping participants with relevant skills for today’s economy, particularly in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
“ICT is the fastest-growing sector in Nigeria’s economy, offering boundless opportunities. By training our youth in ICT, we are addressing the skills shortage and positioning them for success,” he added.
The “Fintiri Business Wallet” began in 2023 with grants of ₦50,000 each to 10,000 women. A second series in August 2024 reached another 10,000 women, impacting over 200,000 individuals indirectly. This latest phase will expand to include both men and women, with grants provided to 65,000 beneficiaries before the Christmas season.
Governor Fintiri emphasized the transformative potential of empowering women, noting that financial stability for women directly impacts household nutrition, education, and overall societal well-being.
He also announced complementary programs, including the NG-Cares initiative targeting 10,000 additional beneficiaries and a partnership with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) project to uplift 1,500 vulnerable households.
“This administration is committed to fairness and inclusivity. Beneficiaries have been selected transparently from markets, streets, and homes, ensuring that every vulnerable citizen has an opportunity,” the governor assured.
In closing, Governor Fintiri encouraged the beneficiaries to utilize the grants effectively, promising continued support through follow-up training in micro-investment, savings, and bookkeeping.
“This is just the beginning,” he declared. “Better days are ahead for Adamawa State.”
