The Plateau State Government has partnered with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Oyo State. This agreement will facilitate the training of 10,000 youths in diverse agricultural fields, which will be rolled out in stages.
The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ashoms, shared this information during a youth gathering marking the second anniversary of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration. He emphasised that the program intends to develop youths as farmers and key contributors to solving food security challenges, with agriculture becoming increasingly significant.
He further revealed that thousands of youths will soon be engaged in productive and profitable agriculture through the BARC Farm Project, which is designed to position Plateau State as a centre for agri-business innovation and food processing.
According to him, arrangements have been concluded to establish an outsourcing and technology hub in Jos under the leadership of the Federal Minister of Digital Economy. He added that the project will be housed in the “Standard Building Jos,” which will be refurbished and remodelled to create a global outsourcing platform for tech-savvy youths to connect with international markets and earn across borders through digital services and products.
“The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) is not just another project. It is a dream carved in concrete— a zone that will create a marketplace for our young farmers, continually attracting off-takers to support the value chain. Plateau will produce, process, and export,” he said.
He added, “Also, 250 Plateau youths undergo intensive training at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre in Shere Hills, Lamingo. This is how we forge bold, ethical, and responsible youth leaders of tomorrow, moulded today.”
On the Youth Exposure Strategy, Hon. Ashoms said Governor Mutfwang understands that exposure is empowerment. Hence, his administration will continue to sponsor young Plateau citizens to travel across Nigeria and beyond for workshops, seminars, and global events to observe, learn, and grow.
“Growth comes through experience, and we will ensure that opportunity is within reach.
A historic shift has occurred in Plateau, with youth engagement in governance reaching unprecedented levels. Thanks to the Governor’s commitment to inclusivity, 65% of key positions are now filled by young individuals. We’re no longer mere listeners; we now have a voice and a platform.
Secretary to the State Government, Architect Samuel Jatau, encouraged youth involvement in supporting the administration’s agenda. He emphasised the state government’s dedication to initiatives empowering young people to tackle immediate and future obstacles.
Source: Tribune Online
Image Credit: IITA News
