In a significant boost for local entrepreneurship, the Nasarawa State government has distributed N18.7 million in business grants to 75 less-privileged individuals from the Nasarawa North Senatorial District. The initiative, aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of these beneficiaries, was launched by Governor Abdullahi Sule during an event held in the Akwanga Local Government Area on Saturday.

Governor Sule emphasized the importance of this program in strengthening small businesses and increasing access to capital for traders in the region. He expressed optimism that the funds would stimulate grassroots economic growth, urging the recipients to utilize the N250,000 each received to establish and grow their businesses. "This is about the highest empowerment programme I have seen so far where each person benefited N250,000, so I sincerely want to thank Dr. Kassim for such a wonderful gesture," he said.

The Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr. Kassim Muhammed-Kassim, who spearheaded the initiative, explained that the beneficiaries were selected based on their potential to manage the funds prudently, rather than personal connections or political affiliations. He encouraged them to invest the grants wisely, noting that the funds were intended to help those who lack means of livelihood, especially in light of current economic challenges.

Dr. Kassim shared that the funds were generated from the sale of clothes to schools in Ghana, showcasing a successful model that he hopes will inspire others. He stated, "This gesture is designed to provide direct support to the less-privileged members of the society who do not have any means of livelihood to start up a business in order to cushion the effect of the prevailing economic challenges."

In addition to the current grants, Dr. Kassim announced plans for a future empowerment program that will offer N50,000 each to 300 individuals from the Wamba, Akwanga, and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas.

Beneficiaries of the current program expressed their gratitude for the support. Individuals such as Usman Mohammed, Peter Joe, and Ahmed Usuf thanked Dr. Kassim for his commitment to uplifting the less-privileged in their community. They assured him that they would use the funds responsibly, aiming to justify the investment made in them and to create further opportunities for others in the state.