A new era has dawned for Plateau State’s youth as over 1,000 young men and women officially embarked on a transformative journey under the Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Program (PYAEP). Launched by the administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the initiative aims to reposition agriculture as a tool for wealth creation, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods.

The onboarding event, which began with a convergence at Government College Jos, saw the selected beneficiaries transported to BARC Farms—a once-moribund agricultural estate now revived to host the program’s first phase.

Out of over 10,000 applicants across the state’s 17 local government areas, 1,000 were chosen based on merit. Each participant received one hectare of land within the 4,500-hectare BARC Farms site, alongside inputs such as seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, and mechanized support—all fully funded by the government.

Mr. Yari Kumchi, Lead Focal Person of the program, said the initiative is designed to make agriculture attractive and profitable for the youth.

“This program is about reintroducing agriculture to the youth in a way that is attractive, engaging, and inspiring,” Kumchi said. “We want the youth to see agriculture not as a fallback but as a first choice — a profitable and respected career. Agriculture is the future, and the youth must lead.”

He highlighted the economic urgency driving the project:

“Employment opportunities are scarce. There are hardly any jobs left anywhere. But agriculture? It can employ all the youths in Plateau State — and beyond. Our goal is simple: start with 1,000 hectares, cultivate maize, rice, and soybeans, and prove that farming can sustain lives and communities.”

“Visit the farm and you’ll see the enthusiasm. You’ll see potential. That’s why we’re doing this — to create a future where youth can stay in their communities and thrive.”

Speaking on behalf of the governor, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashom, passionately emphasized the administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.

“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.”

In a major policy reveal, Ashom announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Plateau State Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to upgrade the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Heipang, to an international cargo terminal.

“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. Off-takers are lined up — ready to buy maize, rice, soybeans, and more. Plateau is fast becoming Nigeria’s agricultural hub.”

Ashom emphasized the inclusive and apolitical nature of the project:

“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.”

The event also featured remarks from Hon. Hitler Joshua Pajok, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Engagement, who provided insight into the sustainability and growth strategy of the initiative.

“This is the start of something big,” Pajok affirmed. “It’s not just about one farm or one season. We plan to expand this to the Central and Southern Zones of Plateau State in the coming years.”

Pajok outlined a simple yet empowering model: government provides startup inputs, the youth participate in farming the land, and after harvest, production costs are deducted while the profits become seed capital for future independent ventures.

> “For 1,000 youths to cultivate 1,000 hectares is a bold step. Government is providing inputs such as seedlings, herbicides, pesticides, and machines. After harvest, the government will recover the cost of production. The remaining profit becomes each youth’s capital — so they can return to their local governments and reinvest in agriculture.”

He further shared the long-term goal:

“The plan is to make this an annual program. By the end of His Excellency’s tenure, we aim to empower between 15,000 and 20,000 youths to become fully independent farmers.”

“This provides an income stream beyond degrees or certificates. It’s real work, with real results.”

Importantly, Pajok stressed the transparency of the selection process:

“We selected youths across all local governments, irrespective of indigene or non-indigene status. It was an open call. Everyone had a fair chance, and the final 1,000 were chosen purely on merit.”

Ensuring the buy-in of the host community was critical to the project’s rollout. Mr. Ishaku Jilensam, Program Manager of the Plateau Agricultural Development Program (PADP), described their pre-launch dialogue efforts:

“We engaged everyone — youth, women, traditional leaders, farmers, and herders. The success of this program depends on community support.”

“We allocated spaces for locals to pursue their own business activities, installed security lights, and stationed personnel to ensure peace. Already, over 1,000 hectares have been cultivated, with more than 500 hectares planted with maize, soybeans, and rice.”

“The youth are eager. They’re not just working — they’re dreaming again. That’s what this is about.”

As buses departed Government College Jos carrying youths to the sprawling fields of BARC Farms, the mood was electric. For many, this marks more than just a farming initiative — it’s a turning point.

A new generation is rising — with mechines roaring, purpose in heart, and a government finally backing their potential.