The Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to placing young people at the centre of governance, equipping them with Artificial Intelligence skills, and expanding economic opportunities across the state.
Speaking in Jos during the 2025 International Youth Day celebration themed “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,”Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, who represented Governor Caleb Mutfwang, said the current administration is deliberate about preparing Plateau youths to compete globally.
“It was intentional that we embraced the use of AI in today’s event to expose our youths to new experiences. This government is pro-youth, as you can see from the appointments given: in our local governments, you will find young councillors, chairmen, and commissioners. The Governor will continue to open spaces for more young people because he cannot do it alone,” Ashoms said.
He emphasised unity, diversity, and innovation as key drivers of youth success. “We must know one another, embrace our diversity, and build on the blessings God has given us. Plateau youths are dogged, brilliant, resilient, and have been critical stakeholders in the peace, development, and growth of the state,” he added.
Reinforcing the Governor’s message, Special Adviser on Youth Development, Hon. Hitler Joshua Pwajok, said Mutfwang is committed to empowering young people mentally, economically, and through large-scale agricultural initiatives.
“This year alone, over 1,000 hectares have been cultivated under the Back-to-Farm initiative. By next year, the target is 2,500 hectares, and by 2027, 3,500 hectares—projected to empower between 15,000 and 20,000 youths,” Pwajok said.
Pwajok noted that the Governor had promised to ensure 60 per cent of leadership positions are occupied by young people and has kept that promise, with youths now serving as local government chairmen, councillors, and commissioners.
The event, jointly organised by the Plateau State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Plateau State Youth Council, brought together participants from all 17 local government areas to explore AI applications in business and chart new strategies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
