Yobe approves ₦460.8m support for Akara sellers, Women petty traders

The Yobe State Government has approved the release of ₦460.83 million to support female small-scale business owners across the state, including akara sellers and other women engaged in petty trading.

The approval was granted during a meeting of the State Executive Council chaired by Governor Mai Mala Buni at the Government House in Damaturu.

Speaking after the meeting, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, said the intervention is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen women-owned small businesses and improve their economic wellbeing.

According to him, the funds will be used to procure 1,780 bags of 50kg beans, which will be distributed to beneficiaries across the state.

Bego explained that the beneficiaries will also receive cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils and other kitchen equipment already procured through the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation.

He said the programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to empowering women at the grassroots, particularly those involved in small-scale businesses that support household incomes and local economic activities.

According to the commissioner, the government believes supporting women entrepreneurs will improve livelihoods, promote self-reliance and stimulate economic growth across communities.

The Executive Council also approved another empowerment programme worth ₦364.48 million for the procurement of 1,000 Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines.

Bego said the machines would be distributed to residents across the state to help beneficiaries establish or expand small businesses and create additional sources of income.

Beyond the empowerment initiatives, the council approved projects and services valued at ₦73.32 billion across key sectors.

Of the total amount, ₦28.53 billion was approved for the procurement of agricultural tools and equipment ahead of the state’s 2026 mega agricultural empowerment programme.

The council also approved ₦23.97 billion for the construction of two major road projects aimed at improving transportation and connectivity within the state.

Other approvals covered housing schemes, market development projects and critical infrastructure designed to boost economic growth and improve public service delivery.

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