Plateau State Sustainable Development Goals Project Support Unit (SDGs-PSU) has empowered artisans and traders across the state with business training, equipment and financial support aimed at strengthening micro-enterprise, creating jobs and reducing poverty.
The empowerment programme, held on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, brought together government officials, development partners and beneficiaries from across the state under the theme: _“Building Skills, Empowering Artisans, and Creating Impact.”_
Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator of the SDGs-PSU, Mrs. Nanbam Danjuma Lot, said beneficiaries underwent intensive training in financial literacy, business management, digital finance and sustainable entrepreneurship before receiving equipment and financial support.
She said the initiative was designed to move participants beyond capacity building by providing the practical resources needed to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
“Training alone opens the mind, but training combined with tangible resources unlocks actual economic transformation,” she said.
Mrs. Lot noted that the programme aligns with the Plateau State Government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction, while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals on ending poverty, promoting decent work, supporting innovation and reducing inequality.
According to her, beneficiaries were selected from the 17 local government areas of the state to ensure inclusiveness and uphold the SDG principle of ” _Leaving No One Behind.”_
She urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the support provided by applying the knowledge acquired during the training to grow their businesses and create employment opportunities within their communities.
Mrs. Lot also expressed appreciation to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Deputy Governor Ngo Piyo and development partners for prioritising human capital development and supporting the implementation of the programme.
Representing Governor Mutfwang, the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ngo Piyo, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to empowering citizens operating within the informal sector, describing them as critical drivers of the state’s economy.
She said sustainable development is measured by the opportunities available to ordinary citizens, particularly young people, women and vulnerable groups, stressing that the government would continue to implement programmes that equip residents with the skills, resources and enabling environment needed to thrive.
The deputy governor encouraged beneficiaries to make responsible use of the equipment and financial support, describing the intervention as an investment in their future and in the economic development of Plateau State.
She also commended the SDGs-PSU and its development partners for successfully implementing the initiative, noting that partnerships remain essential to accelerating development and improving livelihoods across the state.
