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Reviving BARC Farms: Plateau Government Rallies Community Support
The Plateau State Government has held a stakeholder engagement with the Pengana Chiefdom, host community of BARC Farms, as part of its preparations to launch the Plateau State Youth Agricultural Empowerment Program, which is set to launch at BARC Farms.
The forum provided an opportunity for members of the host community to ask questions about the initiative, its sustainability, and the security of the farm. They also raised concerns about certain unclear aspects and explored opportunities they could leverage.
The Executive Chairman of Bassa LGC, Dr. Joshua Riti, the Ogomo Pengana, HRH Mamman Esua Shayang, and other leaders took turns commending the government for the initiative and encouraging their people to support the project.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Engagement, Hon. Joshua Pwajok Hitler, and the Focal Person for the initiative, Mr. Yari Kumchi, shared the Governor’s vision for the farm and emphasized the importance of community involvement. They also received valuable suggestions regarding various aspects of the project.
The government delegation was led by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms. Other members of the delegation included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Jonathan Dabo, the General Manager of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board, Arch. Hart Bankat, the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Development Agency, Pharm. Kim Bot, as well as the Managing Director of the Plateau Investment and Property Development Company (PIPC) Limited, Mr. Danlami Jelka, and the General Manager of the Jos Market Authority, Engr. Mangna Wumyil. Village heads, leaders of development associations, and youth groups from the host community also attended the meeting.
At the end of the engagement, four key resolutions were read by Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms and adopted by the gathering:
1. Stakeholders agreed that youths from the host community should be incorporated into the project.
2. A portion of the farm should be allocated for cattle rearing.
3. Security for both the community and the farm is crucial to the success of the initiative.
4. A portion of the farm will be set aside for community members who wish to continue farming at BARC Farms.
After the meeting, Hon. Ashoms outlined the importance of stakeholder engagement for the success of the Youth Agricultural Empowerment Initiative. He also announced that, in an effort to reduce costs, items such as doors, windows, and other materials from the ongoing renovation of Plateau Hotel will be repurposed at BARC Farms as part of preparations for the 2025 farming season.
“For every project to be sustained, stakeholder engagement is key. That’s why we’ve brought in local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and community gatekeepers to ensure they are well-informed about the plans for BARC Farms,” said Hon. Ashoms.
He continued, “We are also using materials from Plateau Hotel to help transform this place. This is part of our commitment to cutting costs while restoring BARC Farms to its full potential. Our goal is to create a functional and productive environment here.”
Hon. Ashoms also announced plans for further community and youth engagement as the farm prepares for the full launch of farming activities. “By May, we plan to start cultivating the land and give young people the opportunity to benefit from this initiative.”
He emphasized that despite being a government-owned property, the farm will include the host community. “The community will not be excluded; a portion of the land will be allocated to them for farming and other agricultural activities, including animal husbandry.”
On security, he reassured the community that the government has put in place all necessary measures to protect the farm, though he noted that security details could not be discussed openly.
“This project is for the people of Plateau. It is an opportunity for the youth to earn a living, learn modern agricultural techniques, and improve their economic situations. This is just the beginning, and we intend to expand it to the Central and Southern Zones once it succeeds,” he concluded.
Hon. Ashoms stressed the economic benefits of the initiative, highlighting that the project will provide financial opportunities for Plateau youth. “By the end of this program, the youths will be empowered with both skills and earnings. This is a project that will change lives and contribute to food security in the state.”
Earlier, Samuel Bulus Sarrabo, President of the Buji Development Association, Youth Wing, praised the government’s effort to engage youth and address security concerns at the farm. “We are excited about this project because it not only provides employment but also tackles the issue of youth idleness.”
He added, “Our only concern is the timing of the planting season. In farming, timing is crucial. If we start late, we may not achieve the desired harvest, but if the timing is right, the project will be a great success.”
Dakama Sunday Emmanuel, National President of the Guz Development Association, also spoke positively about the initiative. “We commend the government for revitalizing the BARC Farms. The improvements, such as new roads and the introduction of training workers, will benefit farmers and youth in the region.”
He concluded, “This initiative will have a lasting impact on food security in Plateau State. We believe the government will sustain this project and continue to provide opportunities for the people.”
This engagement marks a significant step in ensuring the success of the Youth Agricultural Empowerment Initiative, fostering collaboration between the government and the host community for mutual benefit.
As a heated debate rages over the unceremonious exit of multiple award winning attacker, Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal’s national team, I make a bold declaration that the five-time Bollon d’Or winner is simply regarding himself as untouchable.
Doubtlessly, CR7 is an icon and a legend, but that does not mean he is indispensable. It also does not mean he is the Lord over every other person or that he will reign forever. He even lasted this long in the Portuguese team because they gave him lots of respect for all he has done for the country.
However, as Lionel Messi stated in his reaction to the unfolding drama, Ronaldo should have known how to quit when the ovation was loudest. Indeed, Messi acknowledged the giant strides of his biggest rival for global awards and recognition as G O.A.T. but concluded by pointing out where ‘Ciroro’ went wrong.
Unwittingly, like the Biblical rich man who thinks his ideas are sacrosanct and everything about life must revolve around him, Ronaldo is still crying blue murder and keeps alleging that Portugal’s coach, Jorge Jesus betrayed him.
Interestingly, Ronaldo had a similar situation with Erik ten Hag during his second spell at Manchester United, and he also left under a storm. But, while his fans keep slamming the coaches who dare to bench CR7, they fail to note that he is quite conceited and falls out with anyone who tries calling him to order.
That’s because, like the rich man who thinks he’s larger than life, Ronaldo does not like being questioned. He thinks his word is Holy Writ, unquestionable and incontrovertible. He sees himself as a demigod who must be carried like an egg all the time, and other people must tremble at his feet.
That’s not taking away the zeal and passion he has for football, nor his dedication to hard work as the route to success as well as his well-known heart of charity. Good values, no doubt but, of what good is a Greek gift that ends up consuming you?
Must the rich man rubbish anyone he gives a token in the name of charity? Should the rich man see himself as alpha and omega to everyone who looks up to him? Should they keep silent where he errs, simply because they are benefitting from him? That’s what Ronaldo wanted Portugal to do because he has uplifted them.
That’s where Ronaldo got it wrong, and that’s why I stick out my neck today against all the hue and cry his fans are hurling at the coach who brought him down to earth. It’s not about Portugal losing many followers on social media because of his exit, it’s not about corporate bodies pulling out of deals because they feel dividends will stop coming since CR7 is no longer there.
For me, it’s about someone who is happy that things are not going well because he has been sidelined. Yes, the focus should be on someone who took advantage of a whole nation, trying to make them worship him forever – even when he was no longer effective. It’s about someone who thinks no one is better than him and nobody can do what he does. It’s about someone who thinks he’s a tree that can make a forest and damn anyone who thinks otherwise.
So, while his fans threaten karma where it is not going to apply, since no one did him any harm, they should accept the simple truth that C. Ronaldo overstayed his welcome in Portugal’s national team.
It’s also a lesson for us that we should not take people for granted and think that they will keep on respecting (adoring or worshiping) us even when we inconvenience them; thinking they will keep quiet forever because them depend on us for comfort.
Let’s face the reality that Ronaldo had become a liability whose presence in Portugal’s national team was slowing them down. It’s not a surprise that they won their next game 4-2 away without him. It’s a lesson for rich people of the world to know that poor people also have dignity. It’s in the past that the beggar has no choice. Nowadays, poor people beg with dignity because God will always provide a rich person in their life as a helper.
That’s why the Bible says the poor will never cease from the land. The story of Lazarus and the rich man serves a strong inference that each poor man has someone to look up to for help. Any rich man who fails to willingly help the poor man at his doorstep stands to face God’s anger.
At the same time, the rich man should not take advantage of the poor man with promises that are not kept, make him wait endlessly before handing over what he needs, giving him half assistance instead of what he needs in full, thinking the poor man cannot survive without him or telling a third party how the poor man is disturbing him. These are the errors Ronaldo committed subconsciously.
He held Portugal to ransom until a Messiah came in the form of their own Jesus, who is now their national team’s coach. It’s not that he doesn’t like Ronaldo any longer.
No, the fact is that CR7 cannot reign forever. But, unlike Messi, he did not know how to quit when the ovation was loudest. He didn’t want to quit because he loves being the centre of all attention – just like the average rich man in Nigeria (if not the whole wide world).
He loves to be adored, hailed, praised referenced and rated highest all the time – anyone who tries to cut him down to size draws his ire (just like the average rich man would do to the outspoken poor man). The rich man would ask, “Who gave you mouth to talk?” Simply because he’s paying the bills.
All said and done, let’s hope Nigeria’s so-called ‘big men’ learn from this. Like Ronaldo, they give bountifully only when they are worshiped, then stop at the slightest sign of discontent from those looking up to them. Instead of serving with true Agape love, they give only when it’s convenient for them, and they quickly talk about ingratitude once the poor man seeks a way to break loose.
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