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.