By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
As part of efforts to revive agricultural activities and create employment opportunities for youths in the state, the Plateau State Government has reached key agreements with stakeholders of the Pengana Chiefdom—host community of the revitalized BARC Farms—on youth inclusion, land use, and security ahead of the 2025 farming season.
The community engagement, held in Zabolo, brought together traditional rulers, youth leaders, local government officials, and residents to deliberate on the initiative’s implementation and community involvement. The event provided a platform for residents to raise concerns, ask questions, and explore opportunities within the agricultural scheme.
At the end of the meeting, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, announced that resolutions had been reached to ensure the inclusion of host community youths in the project, designate a portion of the farm for cattle rearing, and prioritize security across both the farm and surrounding areas.
He added that the government would also allocate farmland within BARC Farms to local farmers who wish to continue cultivating, in line with its inclusive approach to agricultural development.
Addressing journalists at the farm, Hon. Ashoms explained that in a bid to reduce costs and support rehabilitation efforts, furniture and materials from the ongoing renovation of Plateau Hotel were being repurposed for use at BARC Farms.
“We are here repackaging this farm. Some of the doors that are not useful in Plateau Hotel, we have brought them here to repackage this place. So, it’s about accountability. It’s about sustainability. We are not just giving these young people tools, we are giving them a vision. What we are building here is a model farm—it’s a model farm that will redefine agriculture in Plateau State.”
“We have come here not just to instruct, but to listen. Because for any project to succeed, it must reflect the aspirations of the people. We are going to train these young people, we are going to empower them, and they are going to be employers of labour. Through agriculture, we will touch families, we will touch communities, and we will touch the economy of the state.”He stated.
He emphasized that the host community would not be sidelined at any stage of the project.
The Executive Chairman of Bassa Local Government Council, Dr. Joshua Riti, and the Ogomo Pengana, HRH Mamman Esau Shayang, lauded the initiative and called on the community to give it their full support.
They were joined by other officials including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Engagement, Hon. Joshua Pwajok Hitler; the Focal Person of the initiative, Mr. Yari Kumchi; and representatives of relevant ministries and agencies.
Speaking during the engagement, Samuel Bulus Sarrabo, President of the Buji Development Association Youth Wing, and Dakama Sunday Emmanuel, National President of the Guz Development Association, welcomed the initiative and described it as timely.
They called on the government to ensure proper timing of cultivation to maximise yields and expressed optimism that the revival of BARC Farms would increase youth participation in agriculture and boost food security in the state.
