Yobe State Government has approved N460.83 million for the empowerment of female small business owners, including akara sellers, as part of efforts to improve livelihoods and strengthen small-scale enterprises across the state.
The approval was granted during the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Mai Mala Buni at the Government House in Damaturu on Thursday.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, said the Yobe female traders empowerment initiative would provide beneficiaries with essential items needed to expand their businesses.
He explained that the council approved N460,828,450 for the procurement of beans to be distributed to women engaged in small-scale businesses.
According to him, the beneficiaries will also receive cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils and other kitchenware, which have already been procured and stored by the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation.
Bego disclosed that a total of 1,780 bags of 50kg beans would be distributed to eligible female entrepreneurs across the state.
He said the programme reflects the Buni administration’s commitment to improving the economic well-being of women by providing resources that will help sustain and grow their businesses.
In another major approval, the Executive Council sanctioned N364.48 million for the procurement of 1,000 Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines under the state’s empowerment programme.
Bego said the machines would be distributed to residents across the state through the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation to promote self-reliance and support income-generating activities.
The commissioner also announced that the Executive Council approved projects and services valued at N73.32 billion across key sectors of the state’s economy.
According to him, the approvals include N28.53 billion for the procurement of agricultural tools and implements for the state’s 2026 Mega Agricultural Empowerment Programme, as well as N23.97 billion for two major road projects.
He added that the approved funds also cover housing, market development and other infrastructure projects aimed at boosting economic growth and improving public services across Yobe State.
The latest approvals underscore the Yobe State Government’s continued investment in economic empowerment, agriculture, infrastructure and social development, with a strong emphasis on supporting women entrepreneurs and expanding opportunities for residents through targeted intervention programmes.
