The Plateau State Sustainable Development Goals Project Support Unit (SDGs-PSU)
(SDGs) office has empowered artisans and traders across the state with training, equipment and funds to boost micro-enterprises and reduce poverty.  

The State Coordinator, SDGs-PSU, Mrs. Nanbam Danjuma Lot said the event was held under the theme "Building Skills, Empowering Artisans, and Creating Impact."

Speaking to the beneficiaries during the empowerment program at the Government House Little Rayfield, Lot acknowledged that, today, we set out on a mission under the theme 'Building Skills, Empowering Artisans, and Creating Impact.

"I am delighted to report that our artisans have spent the last few hours fully engaged in intensive capacity-building sessions-learning the essentials of practical financial literacy, modern business management, digital finance, and sustainable entrepreneurship", Lot noted.

The coordinator further explained that the program was moving from training to tangible support.

"In this segment of program, we are moving from knowledge to action as we transition to empowerment. Training alone opens the mind, but training combined with tangible resources unlocks actual economic transformation.

"We adopted inclusivity in the selection process, targeting micro businesses that face the brunt of the hardship in the economy. We also ensured that the beneficiaries were selected from across the 17 local governments in line with the SDG mantra of 'Leaving No One Behind", she mentioned.

The coordinator charged beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity, saying"the training you received today was to prepare your mind, and the equipment and funds you are about to receive are to empower your hands. 

"We expect you to take these tools, apply the financial discipline you have learned, expand your businesses, and even become employers of labor in your respective communities." 

While acknowledging the role of partners towards the actualisation of the program, Lot appreciates Plateau State government under Governor Caleb Mutfwang for making human capital development a core pillar of the  present administration.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang represented by the deputy Ngo Josephine Piyo reaffirmed the state government unwavering commitment and desired to harness and equipped the potential of it's citizens at the informal level that drives the economy of the state.

Piyo said Sustainable Development Goals remind us that true development is measured not only by economic statistics but by the opportunities available to ordinary citizens, "it is measured by the ability of young people to find meaningful livelihoods,the capacity of women to participate fully in economic activities, and the empowerment of vulnerable populations to become productive contributors to society.

"Today, the future belongs to those who are prepared to innovate, create solutions, build enterprises, and seize opportunities.

"Our Government will continue to support programmes that equip our youth with the skills, resources, and enabling environment necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

"To the women of Plateau State,who continue to serve as the backbone of families, communities, and local economies, this programme is also a recognition of your invaluable contributions to our development, we remain committed to promoting women's economic inclusion, expanding access to opportunities, and ensuring that women are empowered to achieve their full potential as entrepreneurs, employers, and agents of change", She stated.

The deputy commended SDGs-PSU for their dedication and professionalism in implementing the programme, adding that
meaningful partnerships can accelerate progress and improve lives."

She also tasked beneficiaries to utilise the starter packs and financial assistance responsibly and productively to better their future and become the foundation of thriving enterprises that create jobs, support families,and contribute to community development.