The Yobe State Government has approved N460.83 million to empower female small business owners, including akara sellers, across the state.
The approval was granted during the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Mai Mala Buni at the Government House in Damaturu on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, said the initiative is aimed at improving the livelihoods of women engaged in small-scale businesses through the provision of essential business support materials.
According to him, the government approved the procurement of 1,780 bags of 50kg beans, valued at N460.83 million, for distribution to female entrepreneurs.
He added that the beans would be distributed alongside cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils and other kitchen items, which have already been procured and stored by the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation.
Bego said the empowerment package forms part of Governor Buni’s administration’s commitment to improving the living conditions of women and strengthening small-scale businesses across Yobe State.
The commissioner also disclosed that the Executive Council approved N364.48 million for the procurement of 1,000 Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines to be distributed to beneficiaries under the state’s empowerment programme.
He further revealed that the council approved projects and services worth 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 under the state’s 2026 mega agricultural empowerment programme, N23.97 billion for two major road projects, as well as funding for housing, markets and other critical infrastructure projects.
