A cross section of participants at the official engagement held at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre in Jos
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
In a bold move to combat youth unemployment and drive food security, the Plateau State Government has launched its first-ever large-scale agricultural empowerment initiative aimed at engaging 1,000 young people in mechanized farming across the state.
Tagged the Plateau Youths Agricultural Empowerment Program(PLA-YAEP), the scheme marks a historic shift in youth inclusion by allocating one hectare of farmland each to selected beneficiaries at BARC Farms. The government will provide land, seedlings, fertilizers, tractors, extension services, accommodation, feeding, and daily transportation to and from the farm—all at no cost to participants.
At the official engagement held at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre in Jos, Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ashoms, said the initiative is designed not just for food production but as a full-scale economic transformation plan for young people.
“This project is a deep and strategic move from government’s end. If the government wants any policy to be sustained, the youths must be at the beginning and the end of it.
“We are cultivating 1,000 hectares out of the 4,000 available at BARC Farms, and our aim is to make youths self-sufficient, productive, and ready to compete globally,” Ashoms stated.
He assured that security will be provided through agro-rangers and called on youths who may not make the initial list not to be discouraged. He added that the state is planning more youth-centered initiatives in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Leadership Institute.
Furthermore, Ashoms announced that the Azi Nyako Youth Centre, which hosted the engagement, would soon receive a facelift following Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s directive to improve facilities for youth engagement across the state.
In his address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment, Hon. Joshua Pwajok Hitler, described the project as unprecedented.
“It is indeed novel—we’ve never had it this way before. For the first time, youths will be physically involved in agriculture. This is not just talk—it’s a practical approach. With success, it will be expanded across all 17 local government areas,” Hitler said.
He emphasized that the project would be deliberately sustained through already existing structures like the Ministry of Agriculture, ASTC, and the Plateau Agricultural Development Agency (PADA), which the current administration has reactivated to full capacity.
“This is not just a program—it’s a policy and a legacy in the making. Every year, we will expand and incorporate more youths,” he added, noting that priority would be given to the 340 youths trained in 2023, members of the Plateau Youth Council, ethnic youth nationalities, persons with disabilities, and youths from displaced communities.
Lead Focal Person of PLA-YAEP, Mr. Yari Kumchi, said the initiative stems from Governor Mutfwang’s campaign promise to build a youth-driven economy and create avenues for self-sufficiency and prosperity.
Also, Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, Dr. Pana Dapar, hailed the administration’s commitment to youth inclusion, describing the initiative as a landmark in participatory governance.
“We applaud the Commissioner, the Special Adviser, and above all, Governor Caleb Mutfwang for making this a reality. The number of youths in his cabinet and the policies being implemented are proof of his love and trust for young people
“I urge all Plateau youths to take this opportunity seriously. We cannot afford to fail—if we do, future opportunities for young people may not come again.” He said.
