The Plateau State Government has announced plans to train 10,000 youths in modern agriculture to enhance food security. This initiative, disclosed by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ashoms on Thursday in Jos, at government house, during an interaction with youth of the state, involves a partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan.
The training aims to equip young people with the skills to become agricultural entrepreneurs and solution providers, recognizing agriculture as a vital sector for economic growth.
During the interaction, the Youth Commissioner highlighted Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s commitment to youth development, noting that 65% of the current administration’s appointees are young individuals.
The Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Arch. Samuel Jatau, encouraged youths to explore opportunities within Nigeria rather than seeking greener pastures abroad, emphasizing the potential for entrepreneurship and skills acquisition to improve their lives.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Samson Bugama, expressed the government’s willingness to enhance youth employability through capacity-building initiatives.
Meanwhile, the General Manager of Plateau Express Services, Mr. Samuel Gwott, discussed the introduction of metro city buses as a measure to alleviate transportation challenges for youths.
However, concerns were raised about individuals suspected to be youths attempting to vandalize government properties, with an appeal for them to desist from such actions.
The youths were also advised to support government policies and programs, abide by the law, and avoid harmful activities such as illegal mining.
Some youths expressed frustration over delays in employment processes, having applied and been interviewed for positions in state-owned tertiary institutions over eight months prior without receiving feedback.
