Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Terlumun Utsev, Saturday, empowered 635 youths and women in Benue state with various items aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and reducing unemployment.

Blueprint.ng correspondent reports that the empowerment programme, which took place at Senator Dr. George Akume’s residence in Makurdi, the Benue state capital, included distribution of cars, motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, irrigation pumps, and communication gadgets.

The programme is designed to enhance irrigation farming, transportation, and commercial agriculture in the state.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Utsev emphasised his personal connection to entrepreneurship and agriculture.

“I am a youth and a lover of entrepreneurship,” he said.

“As a former Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, I understand the importance of empowering our people.”

He explained that the initiative was born out of a desire to address key challenges facing farmers and small business owners, particularly access to mobility and agricultural implements.

“The irrigation pumps fall under the mandate of my ministry. We are pushing irrigation farming to improve food production and economic growth,” he added.

Beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation for the initiative.

Oko Moses from Otukpo described it as “the first of its kind,” noting its potential to strengthen local leadership and party structures.

Miss Mercy Ate, a young entrepreneur, shared her joy: “God bless Minister Utsev. The sewing machine I received will help me open my shop. I’ve been struggling to raise money for this. Now I can support my family and siblings.”