The Plateau State Government has outlined a series of practical initiatives aimed at engaging young people in agriculture and digital technology as part of its youth development strategy under Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.
At a Youth Parley held at the Government House in Jos to mark two years of the current administration, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, said the government is working to create long-term opportunities for young people through skills training and targeted programmes.
He announced that the Ministry has signed an agreement with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, to train 10,000 youths in batches, with the goal of integrating them into modern agriculture and agribusiness.
He added that more youths will also benefit from the BARC Farm Youth Project, which focuses on expanding access to productive agricultural activities.
Ashoms said the government is also focused on strengthening agricultural value chains through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), where young farmers will have access to processing and market linkages.
On digital skills development, he disclosed that 100,000 young people will be trained in areas such as coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. This effort is part of a broader digital literacy plan, which includes a proposal to convert the Standard Building in Jos into a technology and outsourcing hub in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Digital Economy.
“This is intended to help Plateau youths take advantage of global digital work opportunities,” Ashoms said.
He further noted that 250 youths are currently participating in a leadership training programme at the Citizenship and Leadership Centre in Shere Hills, with plans for more youths to attend both local and international training and exchange programmes.
Ashoms also pointed out that 65% of key government appointments have gone to young people under the current administration. “This shows that youth inclusion is being put into practice, not just discussed,” he said.
In his remarks, The Secretary to the State Government, Arch. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, encouraged youths to focus on unity and self-development.
“You don’t need a position to contribute. What matters is discipline, focus and consistency,” he said.
Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, said a Youth Agricultural Policy Plan has been submitted to the governor, which will allow young farmers to access inputs and repay after harvest.
He also noted the increased representation of youths in state appointments and the House of Assembly, saying the aim is to support economic independence and skill acquisition among young people.
“Young people should focus on building capacity—whether through education, entrepreneurship or professional training,” he added.
The event also featured presentations from government agencies, including those in the environment and ICT sectors. Participants raised concerns around land access, environmental sustainability, mining, and the need for greater youth participation in governance.
