Golfa Francis, Yola
The Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has disbursed N50,000 each to 40,000 beneficiaries under the fourth phase of the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency, PAWEC9A, scheme, popularly known as the Fintiri Business Wallet.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, made this known during the inauguration ceremony held in Yola, the State Capital, Northeastern Nigeria.
The initiative, launched in 2023, is part of the Fintiri administration’s strategy to reduce poverty, promote entrepreneurship, and support small-scale businesses, especially among women and youths.
The governor explained that the first and second phases of the programme targeted 20,000 women traders, while the third phase in late 2024 extended to 100,000 men and women, bringing total disbursements so far to N5 billion.
According to the governor, the scheme has contributed to lowering the state’s poverty rate from 74 per cent to 60 per cent, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics.
“In this phase, we are disbursing N2 billion to 40,000 beneficiaries, while another N5 billion will be released to 100,000 beneficiaries before the end of 2025,” he stated.
Fintiri also highlighted his administration’s investment in skills acquisition, noting that over 55,000 youths have been trained in various trades, including ICT, and provided with starter packs. He urged beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously to improve their livelihoods, support their families, and contribute to community development.
Director-General of PAWECA, Dr. Michael Wadaragwo said more than 100,000 residents have already benefitted from the scheme and that monitoring and evaluation reports indicate measurable economic impact, including GDP growth and reduced poverty levels.
He revealed that the governor has approved an additional 100,000 wallets for the next phase, which could boost productivity in micro and small businesses by up to 70 per cent.
According to Wadaragwo, beneficiaries are selected openly in markets, streets, and homes to ensure fairness and transparency. The Ministry of Entrepreneurship Development and PAWECA will also provide follow-up business support, trader clinics on investment, savings, and bookkeeping, as well as continuous monitoring to sustain the businesses.
He added that more than 60,000 citizens have graduated from the state’s Technical Skills Acquisition Centres, with 10,000 new trainees recently shortlisted to choose their preferred trades. Plans are also underway to establish a technology hub in partnership with the Bank of Industry and other stakeholders.
“These efforts are aimed at transforming Adamawa from a civil service state into a small-business-driven economy,” Wadaragwo said.