Plateau State Government Launches Bold Agricultural Revival for 1000 Youths

Jos, Plateau State – June 14, 2025

In a groundbreaking step towards tackling youth unemployment and transforming agricultural engagement, the Plateau State Government has officially launched the Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Program (P-YAEP) — a first-of-its-kind initiative to empower young people across the state through mechanized farming.

At the heart of the program is a powerful vision: to make agriculture attractive, modern, and profitable — so much so that even highly educated youths might willingly trade desk jobs for farming boots.

“We’re not just handing out seeds; we are handing out a future,” said Yari Kumchi, Anchor Person for the program. “Agriculture is no longer about hoes and cutlasses — it’s about business, it’s about innovation, and it’s about independence. Our goal is to help the youth see agriculture not as a fallback but as a first-choice career.”

Kumchi stressed the urgent need to reimagine employment pathways in the face of Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“Let’s face it,” he said, “there is no more employment anywhere — not in the civil service, not in oil, not in the banks. The only sector that can absorb the number of youths we have in Plateau State is agriculture. That’s why we’re starting with 1,000 young people, cultivating 1,000 hectares, producing maize, rice, and soybeans.”

The program, which attracted over 10,000 applications, selected 1,000 beneficiaries across Plateau’s 17 LGAs — regardless of ethnicity or background. Each participant receives one hectare of land, along with inputs, training, and mechanized support.

“This is not about politics or who you know,” said Hitler Joshua Pajok, the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Youth Mobilization and Engagement. “We made sure the process was transparent and inclusive. Indigene or non-indigene — it doesn’t matter. What matters is your willingness to farm and grow.”

Pajok explained the funding model as one designed for sustainability and long-term impact.

“Government is taking care of the initial production costs — the herbicides, the pesticides, the seedlings, even the tractors,” he said. “After the harvest, we’ll deduct only the cost of inputs. The profit goes directly to the youth. That becomes their capital to start or expand a farm in their own locality.”

According to Pajok, this is just the beginning. The state plans to make this an annual effort, expanding across the Central and Southern zones, with the goal of reaching 15,000 to 20,000 youths by the end of Governor Mutfwang’s tenure.

“This isn’t just about food security,” he said. “It’s about economic liberation. We’re giving young people something better than a job — we’re giving them ownership.”

“This is more than farming,” Pajok concluded. “It is a movement. A revolution. And we are just getting started.”

To ensure smooth implementation and local support, the Plateau Agricultural Development Program (PADP) said that proactive measures were taken to build trust with the host communities.

“One of our first actions was what we call a non-kinetic approach,” said Ishaku Samaila Jilensam, Program Manager of PADP. “We sat down with traditional leaders, women groups, youth representatives, herders, farmers, everyone. We explained the mission. We didn’t want resistance; we wanted partnership.”

Jilensam noted that the program even allocated a portion of the land to the host community for their own use — a move that has reduced tension and encouraged cooperation.

“We created space for the locals to do their own farming alongside the program. That way, they feel included, not displaced,” he said.

Security has also been a top priority he stressed.

“We have security lights installed, personnel stationed 24/7, and regular monitoring,” Jilensam added. “This is not just a farm. It’s an investment zone.”

“Already, more than 1,000 hectares have been cultivated, and over 500 hectares are planted — with maize leading the way, followed by rice and soybeans. Youths are actively involved in the process — from planting to land preparation to equipment handling.” Jilensam added.

Earlier in his remark, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashom, Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development delivered a stirring message on behalf of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang before the participants departed for BARC Farms.

“The governor has made it clear: the youth are the centerpiece of his administration,” Ashom said. “You are at the beginning, the middle, and the end of everything we do.”

He revealed a game-changing plan including the recent Memoranda of Understanding signed between the Plateau State Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAN) seeking to upgrade the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang to an International Cargo Airport.

“We are upgrading Yakubu Gowon Airport to an international cargo airport. This means the produce you farm here at BARC Farms will find buyers not only in Nigeria but across the world.”

“There is no grain you produce that won’t be bought. There are off-takers lined up, ready to buy maize, rice, soya beans, and more. Plateau is fast becoming Nigeria’s agricultural hub.”

Ashom urged unity and focus, stressing the nonpartisan stance of the initiative:

“This initiative is not political. It’s intentional. It’s about creating wealth — deliberate, sustainable wealth for our youths. Once the youths are empowered, Plateau State is empowered.”

“As you go to BARC Farms, remember: we have a new sheriff in town. The government is serious, and so must you be.”

Some of the participants exppressed graritude to Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the initiative aimed at creating employment and empowerment for youths across the state. They promised to make good of the opportunity.

As the sun sets over the bustling farmland, it is clear that the Plateau State Government is not only sowing seeds in the soil but also planting hope in the hearts of its youth.

If successful, the Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Program could serve as a blueprint for other states looking to create employment, boost food production, and shift the mindset of young Nigerians towards agriculture.