The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in collaboration with COOPI and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has commenced the disbursement of business start-up grants to beneficiaries under the European Union-funded Support for Disengagement, Disassociation, Reintegration and Reconciliation (SD3R) project in Potiskum Local Government Area of the state.
A total of 385 beneficiaries who recently completed a five-day intensive training on enterprise development received financial support to launch small businesses aimed at promoting economic self-reliance and community reintegration.
Under the programme, each beneficiary received ₦300,000 as start-up capital to support approved business plans. The grants were disbursed in two phases, with ₦150,000 (50 per cent) paid on March 2, while the remaining ₦150,000 was transferred on March 3, 2026.
During a verification exercise conducted in Potiskum, beneficiaries presented start-up kits and business items purchased with the grants, demonstrating their commitment to implementing the approved ventures in line with the project guidelines.
Officials said validation of the remaining beneficiaries is currently ongoing.
The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Dr. Goje Mohammed, expressed appreciation to UNDP in Nigeria and its implementing partner, COOPI, for supporting the initiative.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transparency and inclusive recovery, while commending the implementing partners for maintaining credibility throughout the beneficiary validation process.
Dr. Mohammed said the programme was designed to promote peacebuilding, strengthen social cohesion, and support sustainable reintegration within communities across Potiskum LGA.
He also urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds and advised them to report any individual attempting to extort or exploit them in connection with the grants to the agency.
Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the intervention has enabled them to acquire essential tools and resources needed to establish viable income-generating ventures.
