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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.
A new French study has linked several common food preservatives used in store-bought foods to an increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, raising fresh concerns about the health effects of additives commonly found in processed and ultra-processed foods.
The study, published in the European Heart Journal, found that people who consumed higher amounts of certain preservatives were more likely to develop hypertension, heart attacks and stroke over time.
Researchers analysed data from more than 112,000 participants enrolled in the NutriNet-Santé cohort, an ongoing French nutrition and health study that has tracked dietary habits since 2009.
Burden of heart disease in Nigeria
The findings come as Nigeria continues to face a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, stroke and heart disease.
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels remains consistently too high. Over time, the condition can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and kidney disease.
A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, potentially causing paralysis, speech problems or death.
Heart attacks happen when blood flow to part of the heart becomes blocked, preventing oxygen from reaching heart muscles.
According to a report by PREMIUM TIMES, health experts and existing reports, hypertension remains one of the most common non-communicable diseases in Nigeria, with many cases undiagnosed until complications develop.
Preservatives linked to cardiovascular risk
According to the findings, preservatives used to prevent spoilage caused by bacteria, mould and yeast were associated with significantly higher cardiovascular risks.
The study reported that higher consumption of these preservatives was linked to a 29 per cent greater risk of elevated blood pressure and a 16 per cent increased risk of heart attacks and stroke.
Researchers identified three “non-antioxidant” preservatives strongly associated with hypertension. These include potassium sorbate, potassium metabisulphite and sodium nitrite.
Potassium sorbate is commonly used in baked goods, cheeses, sauces and wine, while potassium metabisulphite is often found in wine, juice, cider and beer.
Sodium nitrite is widely used in processed meats such as bacon, ham and deli meats.
The study also found that several antioxidant preservatives, often described as “natural”, were associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
These include ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, sodium erythorbate, citric acid and rosemary extracts, which are commonly used to prevent foods from turning brown or rancid.
Higher intake of these antioxidant preservatives was associated with a 22 per cent greater risk of high blood pressure.
Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, was specifically linked to cardiovascular disease in the study.
Researchers noted that although ascorbic acid and citric acid naturally occur in fruits and vegetables, additives used in processed foods may not have the same health effects as naturally occurring compounds.
Ultra-processed foods under scrutiny
The findings add to growing evidence linking ultra-processed foods to poor health outcomes.
Researchers noted that preservatives are not limited to ultra-processed foods alone, as earlier findings showed that only about 35 per cent of preservative intake came from ultra-processed products.
Still, the study highlighted the widespread presence of preservatives across many commonly consumed foods and reinforced recommendations encouraging people to consume more fresh and minimally processed foods.
Researchers advised consumers to prioritise fresh, uncooked and minimally processed foods where possible.
Frozen foods preserved through low temperatures rather than additives were also identified as preferable alternatives.
Long-term dietary tracking
To conduct the research, participants recorded all foods and drinks consumed over three days every six months, including brand names.
Researchers then matched these records with ingredient databases to estimate preservative exposure over several years.
Medical records from the French national healthcare system were used to track diagnoses of hypertension and cardiovascular disease over the study period.
The researchers examined 58 preservatives in total and conducted detailed analysis on 17 additives consumed by at least 10 per cent of participants. Eight of those preservatives were associated with increased hypertension risk over the following decade.
READ ALSO: WHO, EU launch health support project as Nigeria battles multiple disease outbreaks
Links to cancer, diabetes
The study builds on previous research linking similar preservatives to increased risks of cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Earlier findings identified preservatives such as sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, sorbates, potassium metabisulphite, acetates and acetic acid as being associated with higher risks of prostate cancer, breast cancer and other cancers.
Several of the same preservatives were also previously linked to a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Although the researchers noted that the findings do not establish direct cause and effect, they said the results highlight the need for further investigation into the long-term health effects of food additives and preservatives.
Rangers International emerged champions of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season after a dramatic 2-1 away victory over Ikorodu City on the final day of the campaign.
Midfielder Chidiebere Nwobodo proved to be the hero for the Flying Antelopes, scoring twice in the 30th and 52nd minutes before Moses Ali pulled one back for Ikorodu City in the 58th minute. The crucial victory saw Rangers finish top of the table with 68 points, sealing their second NPFL title in three seasons.
Read Also: Jide Oguntuase Backs Ex-International Tournament as Platform for Grassroots Development
Title rivals Rivers United kept up the pressure with an emphatic 3-0 win over Katsina United in Port Harcourt. Chijioke Mbaoma netted a brace while Aniekeme Okon also got on the scoresheet, but the result was not enough as Rivers United finished one point behind the champions on 67 points.
At the bottom of the table, Remo Stars’ fate remains uncertain following a 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance in Benin City. Victor Mbaoma had given the Sky Blue Stars the lead in the first half, but Chijioke Akuneto struck deep into stoppage time to deny them a crucial victory.
However, Remo Stars’ survival will now depend on the outcome of the postponed Kun Khalifat match, which was disrupted by heavy rainfall and will be concluded on Monday morning. A victory for Kun Khalifat would confirm Remo Stars’ relegation to the Nigeria National League.
Elsewhere, Shooting Stars lost 1-0 to Niger Tornadoes but still secured a CAF Confederation Cup ticket after finishing third on the table.
Other final-day results saw Enyimba thrash El-Kanemi Warriors 3-0, while Bayelsa United hammered Kwara United 4-0.
In Akure, Warri Wolves boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 victory over Abia Warriors, while Plateau United edged Kano Pillars 1-0 thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time strike from Victor Dawa.
Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists have already been confirmed relegated to the Nigeria National League.
Results At A Glance
Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Shooting Stars
Enyimba 3-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Bayelsa United 4-0 Kwara United
Bendel Insurance 1-1 Remo Stars
Ikorodu City 1-2 Rangers International
Rivers United 3-0 Katsina United
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