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PLASMIDA: Financial and Digital Literacy Training for 450 Plateau Youths, Geared Towards Business Sustainability
The Director-General of the Plateau State Agency for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (PLASMIDA), Hon. Bomkam Ali Wuyep, highlighting the agency’s recent youth training program, said it is part of a broader initiative to equip Plateau youths with the skills and resources needed for sustainable business growth.
Speaking on the graduation of 450 youths selected from the 17 local government areas of the state, Wuyep described the program as a milestone for participants, emphasizing the focus on financial literacy and digital skills. “We exposed them to models that are very relevant for business success,” he said, noting that the training aimed to help young entrepreneurs navigate challenges in the business world.
Wuyep stressed that the program was not limited to providing theoretical knowledge. He explained that participants were guided in developing bankable business plans and linked with financial institutions, including FCMB, to ensure access to affordable financing for scaling their businesses. “This category of trainees is not for nano-businesses with simple grants,” he said. “They have developed business plans which they will present to banks, ensuring sustainability and scalability.”
The initiative, organized by the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA) in collaboration with the Plateau Youth Council (PYC), held its closing ceremony on October 15, 2025, at Eliel Centre, Jos. Themed “Plateau Youths Mastering Financial Literacy and Digital Skills for Business,” the program was supported by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) and FCMB.
The DG also highlighted the agency’s broader efforts in human capital development, stating that PLASMIDA has organized similar trainings for other clusters and groups across the state. He said the agency continues to run coaching, mentoring, and financial interventions, including access to POS machines for selected participants, to further support youth entrepreneurship.
According to Wuyep, these interventions are aligned with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s seven-pillar policy, particularly the pillar focusing on education and human capacity development. “His Excellency is committed to ensuring that the people of Plateau State become economically prosperous, and we are working to translate that vision into reality,” he said.
The Plateau Youth Council Chairman, Mr. Panan Gongden Dapar, earlier descried the training as “timely and transformative.” he stated that “This program comes at a time when many youths lack productive engagement,” the Council stated. “Training 450 young Plateau entrepreneurs on financial and digital literacy will undoubtedly impact the state’s economy in the years to come.”
The Plasmida DG concluded that the ultimate goal of the program is to reduce poverty, create employment, and foster sustainable economic growth, preparing youths to be business owners, noting that “businesses will not only survive but thrive here on the Plateau.” He noted that the recently created Plateau Job Center also serves as a resource hub for job seekers and entrepreneurs, promoting economic empowerment and development in Plateau State.
News
FIBA U-18 AfroBasket Quarterfinals: Time, How to Watch as Junior D’Tigress Face Cameroon Again After Nail-Biting Group Stage Encounter
The Junior D’Tigress will renew their rivalry with Cameroon in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIBA U-18 Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with a place in the semi-finals and a ticket to the 2027 FIBA U-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup at stake.
Nigeria will be seeking revenge after Cameroon edged them 75-74 in overtime in their Group C meeting.
The defeat came despite the Junior D’Tigress holding a 43-39 halftime advantage, making the rematch one of the most intriguing quarter-final fixtures.
Cameroon vs Nigeria: What Went Wrong?
Nigeria’s biggest problem in the first encounter was their inability to control the boards.
Cameroon dominated the rebounding battle 61-42, including 22 offensive rebounds, giving the Central Africans repeated opportunities to score.
The Junior D’Tigress also struggled offensively after halftime, producing only nine points in the third quarter as Cameroon clawed their way back into the contest.
Nigeria, however, showed defensive qualities that can give them confidence.
They forced 46 turnovers and recorded 29 steals, demonstrating the pressure and athleticism capable of disrupting Cameroon.
What Nigeria Must Do Differently
Win the rebounding battle: Zainab Adelaja and Nigeria’s other interior players must box out aggressively and prevent Cameroon from getting second-chance points.
Avoid another third-quarter collapse:
Nigeria cannot afford another prolonged scoring drought. Better ball movement and patient shot selection will be essential.
Keep defensive pressure high:
The Junior D’Tigress should continue attacking Cameroon’s ball handlers, but without allowing turnovers to turn into rushed offensive possessions.
Get balanced scoring:
Edore Pela and Oluwatobiloba Owolabi were among Nigeria’s leading scorers in the first meeting.
More contribution from the supporting cast could prove decisive in another close contest.
Time and How to Watch
The quarterfinal is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, with the exact tip-off is 4:30 pm, WAT.
The game is expected to be available through FIBA’s official digital platforms, including its YouTube coverage, and on You Tube in Nigeria.
The stakes could hardly be higher. Nigeria already knows how little separated the two sides in the group stage.
This time, there will be no overtime rescue for the loser—the Junior D’Tigress must find a way to execute better in the decisive moments.
One point separated them before. This quarterfinal could be decided by the same fine margins.
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