The Plateau State Government has partnered with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State, to train 10,000 youths in different agricultural fields through a phased program.
This was revealed by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ashoms, during a youth parley held to mark the second anniversary of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration. He emphasized that, with agriculture now seen as the new oil, the program is designed to equip young people not just to farm, but to become key players in advancing food security.
He also announced that thousands of youths will soon be involved in productive and income-generating agricultural activities through the BARC Farm Project, an initiative aimed at transforming Plateau State into a hub for agribusiness innovation and food processing.
He further stated that, in collaboration with the Federal Minister of Digital Economy, plans have been finalized to set up an Outsourcing and Technology Hub in Jos. This hub will be located in the “Standard Building Jos,” which will be renovated and upgraded to serve as a global outsourcing center, enabling tech-savvy youths to access international markets and earn through digital products and services.
Speaking on the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), he described it as more than just a development project.
According to him, it represents a tangible vision—an economic zone that will serve as a trading ground for young farmers, attract consistent off-takers, and strengthen every link in the agricultural value chain.
Plateau State, he concluded, will not only focus on agricultural production but also on processing and exporting.
He also revealed that 250 young people from Plateau are currently enrolled in a rigorous leadership and citizenship training program at the Shere Hills Centre in Lamingo.
He described this initiative as a deliberate effort to shape courageous, ethical, and responsible leaders for the future—starting today.
Speaking on the Youth Exposure Strategy, Hon. Ashoms emphasized that Governor Mutfwang recognizes that exposure leads to empowerment.
For this reason, the administration remains committed to sponsoring young Plateau citizens to participate in workshops, seminars, and international events, providing them with opportunities to observe, learn, and develop.
“Experience drives growth, and we are determined to ensure that such opportunities are accessible to our youth,” he said.
He went on to highlight the unprecedented level of youth involvement in the current administration, noting that 65 percent of key government appointments have been given to young people.
“This is not a case of youths merely being addressed—we are being given a platform to lead,” he added.
In his address, the Secretary to the State Government, Architect Samuel Jatau, called on young people to actively support the administration’s initiatives.
He pointed out that the government has launched several programs specifically designed to prepare them for both present and future challenges.
