The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, has said the portal for the Restructured Youth Investment Fund of N110 billion will be accessible in the coming days.

The minister stated this during a courtesy visit by the Middle Belt Youth Council (MBYC) to her office in Abuja.

The minister stated that the fund is designed to provide crucial support for businesses owned by young entrepreneurs who are currently experiencing financial challenges.

 She said the fund aims to offer financial assistance, mentorship, and resources to help businesses overcome their struggles so that they  can thrive.

“We are working very hard so that the portal can be opened to allow young people to register to access the fund. When the  portal is opened, we will continue to inform and guide young people on how to access the N110 billion committed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

“This fund will prioritise existing businesses. We understand that they are already established and have their clients. What they need is a little push to avoid sinking due to the current state of the economy,” she stated.

The director press and public relations of the ministry, Omolara Esan, in her press release made available to Blueprint, the minister said within one year, the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu has achieved numerous milestones which include the approval of a 30% youth quota for government appointments, the implementation of the Presidential Initiatives on Youth Enterprise Clusters, the establishment of a 70,000 minimum wage for civil servants ,the introduction of CNG buses to transport citizens, direct purchase and distribution of food items to the most vulnerable families across the nation, plans to resume local production in refineries to reduce the cost of fuel, and the rehabilitation and commissioning of the Abuja Metro Stations. 

The minister further stated that government is also committed to providing free services by the end of 2024, as directed by Mr. President.

She further stated that the recently passed North Central Development Commission bill is a testament that the president is very supportive of that region.”

Earlier in his remarks, the president of the Middle Belt Youth Council and leader of the team, Hon Emmanuel Zopmal,   told the minister that the purpose of the visit was to engage with the federal government on policies that affect the youth and to discuss how they can contribute to governance.