Chief Kefas Ropshik Wungak Kefiano Visits BARC Farms Commends Plateau State Government for Reviving Farm

Philanthropist, Business Tycoon and Politician Chief Kefas Ropshik Kefiano has commended the visionary leadership of Governor Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang in his efforts to create alternatives means of employment and empowerment for the teeming youths in the state.

Chief Kefas made this disclosure when he joined government officials on the farm on Tuesday 22nd April 2025, who were at BARC Farms to assess the progress of work preparatory to the massive cultivation of 1,000 Hectres of farm land, which will be distributed to Plateau youths, one hectre per youth to cultivate.

Chief Kefas also toured the facilities at the Pioneer Milling Company (PMC) at the farm. He condemned the mass vandalization of the structures, stressing that such an investment should be tressured. He commended the Gov Mutfwang led administration for not abandoning the farm and for putting the farm into good use.

“We just came here to supervise BARC Farm. And I think for all of us that are here, we agree on some common things that we have all seen here. The truth is this: my heart is broken on how this place has been abandoned, vandalized, and the place has become very devastated.”

“As a businessman, I know the money that has been sunk in here, and I know from the vandalization, I know what the state government is losing. I mean, it’s disheartening. “

“I want to use this medium to talk to our people, plateau people. We should stop vandalizing government properties because we are stealing from ourselves. And that’s the truth. And I mean, like I said, it’s disheartening for me, trust me.”

“Having said that, I equally want to use this medium to commend the state government for what they are trying to do. I will only say something. Where we need to”

“Let’s criticize positively. When we need to see what is happening and talk about it positively, let’s do it. This state is our own. The government, I think, is on the right course trying to revive and bring back life in BARC Farms.”

He further commended government for providing the needed amenities to ensure the success of the farm.

“The direction that the state government is going, I think, in the right direction. The government is trying to carve out some parts of land and give them to some of us, the indigenes, so we can start farming and investing on the land. By so doing, it’s going to create a whole lot of job opportunities for our younger ones, for the youth coming up.”

“In fact, the step they’ve taken is in the right direction. They’re providing security here, they’ve installed lights, and they’re trying to grade and fix the roads. Like I’ve always said, we on the Plateau are the ones who must invest and start speaking positively about this place. Nobody else will do it for us.”

“I am very impressed, and I want to appreciate the same government for not abandoning this property the way past governments have. That’s the truth. Even the people guarding this place now are being given job opportunities. The people who are going to be farming here — it’s all part of a larger plan.”

“The truth is that, according to the state government’s plans, they are going to bring in tractors, workers, and a lot of other equipment. They’re also trying to revive the storage system here. From this effort, we can quickly begin to produce food and feed ourselves right here on the Plateau — and that’s the truth.”

He expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by government adding that these efforts will promote the rich culture of the state further.

“Plateau is the home of peace and tourism. I think by taking steps like this, we’re also promoting our culture. I’m very impressed, and I believe the government is on the right track.”

He said that the insinuations that Plateau state is a civil service state is untrue, adding that the potentials of the state are immeasurable and need to be utilized.

“Beyond this, I know there are other industrial plans in the works. Like I keep saying — and I’ll say it again — I hate it when people call Plateau State a ‘civil service state’, No. As far as I’m concerned, what Plateau has, many states do not. We are blessed: the weather, our topography, the environment — there’s nothing we cannot grow here.”

“We need to begin to utilize the opportunities and potential we have, to make sure this state grows into what we desire for ourselves. And that’s the truth.”

He used the opportunity to commend the team of officials and those wotking on the farm. He called on security agents on the farm to guard the property as though it were their personal property.

“I want to say kudos to everyone involved. I appreciate you all, and I want to encourage the security personnel: guard this property like you’re guarding your own home.”

While thanking the media, he charged them to always potray plateau state in good light so that investors have confidence and development can accelerate.

“Thank you very much to the media. Again, I want the media to start projecting Plateau in a very positive light. We’re tired of all the bad energy and the bad news coming out of the state.”

“Like I keep telling people, as far as I’m concerned, Plateau is one of the safest places for anyone to come and live or visit. Some of us travel a lot. You go to other places, even inside the cities — they’re killing people. But you don’t hear much about it. Yet when something happens in a village on the Plateau, it dominates the media narrative.”

“That is not what we desire. Plateau is a place where anybody can come, invest, and feel secure. I appreciate the government. Keep doing your best. Of course, there’s going to be criticism, but as long as you’re on the right track, don’t get distracted.”