Yobe State Approves N460.8 Million for Beans and Kitchen Supplies
The Yobe State Executive Council has approved the sum of N460,828,450 for the procurement of beans and supporting kitchen supplies to be distributed to female small-scale business owners across the state. This initiative, part of a broader empowerment programme, was endorsed at the State Executive Council meeting on Thursday, presided over by Governor Mai Mala Buni at the Government House in Damaturu.
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, briefed journalists on the resolutions, stating that the intervention targets women engaged in petty trade, including akara sellers who rely on beans as their core raw material. According to Bego, the approved funds will cover the procurement of beans, which will be distributed along with cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils, and kitchenware. These additional items have already been procured and stored by the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation.
Details of the Empowerment Package
Bego disclosed that 1,780 bags of beans, each weighing 50 kilogrammes, would be shared among the target beneficiaries. This initiative is expected to provide significant support to women in the food trade, helping to stimulate small-scale economic activity across the state.
In addition to the support for women, the council also approved N364,475,000 for the purchase of 1,000 Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines. These machines will be distributed to residents under the state's ongoing empowerment programme. Bego confirmed that the Ministry of Wealth Creation will oversee the distribution of these grinding machines to ensure they reach those in need.
Total Approvals Reach N73.32 Billion
The commissioner revealed that the total value of projects and services approved at the council session reached N73.32 billion. This figure includes N28.53 billion set aside for agricultural tools and implements under Yobe's 2026 mega agricultural empowerment programme. Additionally, N23.97 billion was approved for two major road construction projects, with further allocations directed towards housing, markets, and other infrastructure development across the state.
Bego described the package as consistent with the Buni administration's wider commitment to improving the welfare of residents and stimulating small-scale economic activity, particularly among women. The approvals reflect the government's focus on empowering local communities and enhancing infrastructure to drive economic growth.
Context and Related Developments
This empowerment initiative comes amid broader efforts by state governments to support residents facing economic challenges. Previously, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris announced a N10,000 monthly allowance for all National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to the state, citing the need to ease financial pressure caused by rising inflation. That announcement was made at the 2026 NYSC Management/Corps Employers' Workshop in Birnin-Kebbi.
The Yobe State Government's latest approvals underscore its commitment to grassroots empowerment and infrastructure development, with a focus on women and small-scale entrepreneurs. The distribution of beans, kitchen supplies, and grinding machines is expected to provide immediate relief and long-term economic benefits for beneficiaries across the state.
