The Bauchi State Government has inaugurated a seven-member committee to supervise the screening and distribution of starter packs and grants to 1,250 youths and women trained under its Innovative and Integrated Agricultural Value Chain and Agribusiness Programme.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening food security, creating jobs and promoting rural economic development across the state.
Speaking during the inauguration, Commissioner for Agriculture Dr. Ilyasu Gital said the programme reflects Governor Bala Mohammed’s commitment to empowering youths and women through agriculture while driving sustainable economic growth.
“This event is yet another clear demonstration of the Governor of Bauchi State’s unwavering commitment to sustainable youth and women empowerment through agriculture,” he said.
Gital explained that the beneficiaries completed agribusiness training in 2025 at the International Skill Acquisition Centre, CSS Farms, along the Keffi-Abuja Expressway in Nasarawa State.
He said they would receive starter packs and grants to establish businesses across different agricultural value chains, building on an earlier intervention that successfully trained and empowered 1,000 youths and women.
According to the commissioner, Governor Bala Mohammed approved an enhanced support package to ensure beneficiaries can effectively establish viable agribusinesses despite prevailing economic challenges.
He described the intervention as a strategic investment in human capital and rural development across Bauchi’s 20 local government areas.
To guarantee transparency, Gital said a seven-member committee headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ibrahim Yusha’u, would verify beneficiaries and oversee the disbursement process.
Beneficiaries will be screened according to their local government areas and will be required to appear in person to receive their cheques.
The committee is also expected to document the exercise and submit a comprehensive report after completing the assignment.
Responding on behalf of members, Yusha’u pledged that the committee would carry out its responsibilities with integrity, transparency and professionalism while ensuring every qualified beneficiary receives the approved support.
The programme forms part of the Bauchi State Government’s efforts to promote agribusiness, improve livelihoods and create employment opportunities through agriculture.
