The administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri remains unwavering in its commitment to addressing poverty and unemployment through targeted interventions. On Tuesday, December 17th, 2024, the government launched the second phase of its flagship empowerment initiative—the Fintiri Business Wallet. This program is strategically designed to empower youth and women by providing financial support to expand existing businesses or establish new ones.
In its first phase, the Fintiri Business Wallet successfully empowered 25,000 women and youth, creating opportunities for growth and economic inclusion. Building on this success, the second phase will extend support to an additional 60,000 beneficiaries, each receiving a direct cash grant of 50,000 Naira. This brings the total number of beneficiaries across the two phases to 85,000 individuals, making the program one of the most extensive empowerment initiatives in the state’s history.
Governor Fintiri, while addressing the Adamawa state house of assembly during the presentation of the Adamawa state 2025 budget, highlighted the broader impact of the Fintiri Business Wallet . He stated:
“Going by the United Nations’ conventional definition of an ideal household as five (5) people eating from the same pot, the empowerment is expected to lift at least 425,000 people out of abject poverty. This is not just about individuals; it is about families, communities, and the future of Adamawa State. We intend to do even more as we move forward into 2025.”
The Role of PAWECA
To ensure the successful implementation of this transformative initiative, the Adamawa Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA) has been instrumental. Established in July 2020 under the Ministry of Entrepreneurship Development by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, PAWECA serves as a specialized agency focused on addressing socio-economic challenges.
PAWECA’s mandate includes:
• Providing empowerment programs for youth, women, and vulnerable groups in society.
• Enhancing micro-economic development through targeted financial interventions.
• Promoting value re-orientation and social integration to foster self-reliance and economic stability.
Through programs like the Fintiri Business Wallet, PAWECA has played a pivotal role in reducing poverty, stimulating local economies, and empowering individuals to take charge of their livelihoods.
Economic and Social Impact
The Fintiri Business Wallet initiative is more than a financial intervention—it represents a strategic investment in the people of Adamawa State. By empowering 85,000 individuals with direct grants of 50,000 Naira each, the program is expected to:
• Foster small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across the state.
• Create ripple effects that stimulate local markets and supply chains.
• Alleviate poverty by improving household incomes and economic resilience.
• Support youth and women, who are key drivers of social and economic progress.
With an estimated 425,000 people benefitting indirectly from the program, the Fintiri Business Wallet is a testament to Governor Fintiri’s vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Looking Ahead
Governor Fintiri’s administration has consistently demonstrated a clear commitment to empowering citizens and creating pathways for economic prosperity. As the state prepares to enter 2025, the government remains focused on scaling up its interventions, fostering entrepreneurship, and building a robust economy that leaves no one behind.
The Fintiri Business Wallet is not just about providing financial support—it is about restoring hope, unlocking potential, and ensuring a brighter future for the people of Adamawa State.
