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Over 1,000 Youths Onboarded for Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme at Revived BARC Farms

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1000 Plateau Youths, Agricultural Empowerment ,Revamped BARC Farms

More than 1,000 young people from Plateau State’s three senatorial zones have been mobilized under the Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme (PLA-YEAP), a flagship initiative of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration. The official onboarding ceremony was held on Saturday at the rejuvenated BARC Farms, marking a significant step toward youth-driven, mechanized agriculture in the state.

BARC Farms, once dormant, has been fully revitalized under the current administration to serve as a hub for agricultural training and enterprise. The 1,000-hectare facility now supports the cultivation of staple crops including maize, rice, cassava, and sugarcane, using modern, mechanized farming techniques.

At the event, beneficiaries were presented with agricultural inputs such as seedlings, herbicides, tractors, and mechanized tools to aid in achieving high-yield production. Speaking to reporters, one of the participants, Mr. Sam Shwarta, praised the initiative as one of the most impactful youth empowerment efforts in the state’s history.

“This is a laudable initiative by the governor. Agriculture remains the most viable sector to empower young people and create sustainable livelihoods,” Shwarta said. He noted that the program, which began in March, is structured not only to build technical farming skills but also to instill a strong sense of purpose and vision among the youth.

“All essentials have been provided—from seeds to machinery. Everything is in place for us to succeed,” he added.

The transparent selection process for participants was carried out in collaboration with the Plateau Youth Council, the Office of the Special Adviser on Youth, ethnic nationality leaders, and other youth-focused agencies. Organizers emphasized that the process was free of political, ethnic, or religious bias.

Each week, 100 youths will engage in hands-on farm work, gaining practical experience under the guidance of professional farmers. Plans are also underway to bring in successful agricultural entrepreneurs from other regions to mentor and inspire participants.

“The turnout has been impressive,” Shwarta remarked. “You can feel the energy and hope among the youth. It shows how much we believe in this administration.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Mobilization, along with other youth leaders, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the project’s long-term success.

Several participants expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for reviving BARC Farms and investing in youth-focused, income-generating ventures. They voiced optimism that the program would help reduce unemployment, address food insecurity, and lift many out of poverty.

PLA-YEAP is one of several strategic interventions introduced by the Mutfwang administration to reposition Plateau State for inclusive development, agricultural transformation, and meaningful youth engagement.

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Health

FEC approves N540bn to upgrade National Hospital, build cancer centre

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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved projects worth about N540 billion to upgrade the National Hospital, Abuja, to a quaternary healthcare institution and to build a new cancer treatment centre.

Quaternary healthcare refers to highly specialised medical care involving advanced treatment, research and management of complex conditions.

The approvals were disclosed by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, after the weekly FEC meeting on Wednesday.

The Personal Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Special Duties, Kamorudeen Yusuf, shared details of the approvals in a post on X.

The approved projects include the construction of new facilities at the National Hospital, Abuja, a Neuroscience Institute and a new National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) facility.

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National Hospital upgrade

According to Yusuf, the council approved N18.74 million for the refitting of the hospital’s administrative block, with Visible Construction Limited awarded the contract.

It also approved N64.92 billion for modular clinics and a theatre complex, to be constructed by Strabbing Construction Limited.

Another N103 billion was approved for a new hospital wing, with CBC Global Civil Construction Limited awarded the contract.

The project is expected to be completed within 24 months.

The council further approved N69 billion for a Neuroscience Institute covering neurosurgery, radiology and rehabilitation. CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Limited was awarded the contract.

The approvals are part of plans to transform the National Hospital, which Pate said had lagged behind its “original vision” due to years of underinvestment since its establishment about 25 years ago.

Cancer centre

The largest of the approved projects is the N302.3 billion facility for the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment.

Yusuf said the project, awarded to CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Limited, has a 36-month completion period.

READ ALSO: FG seeks African-led research, partnerships to tackle hepatobiliary cancers

The facility is expected to strengthen cancer research and treatment capacity in the country.

“The projects follow President Tinubu’s directive to strengthen healthcare infrastructure nationwide, and that funding comes through National Assembly appropriations already reflected in the 2025 and 2026 budgets rather than direct ministry allocation,” Pate was quoted to have said.


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2027: Osun already in bag for Tinubu – Bashir Ahmad

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Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has expressed the optimism that President Bola Tinubu already has the backing of Osun State in the 2027 general elections.
Ahmad made this statement in a post on his verified X handle on Thursday.

This came after Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke on Thursday visited Tinubu alongside other members of the state chapter of Accord Party and presented him his Certificate of Return.

Reacting, Ahmad said, “President Bola Tinubu has Osun on both sides, with the ruling party (Accord) and the main opposition (APC) both firmly within his political orbit.

“For President Tinubu, Osun is already in the bag. The political dynamics in the state have already pointed in one direction, the Renewed Hope and victory in 2027.”

DAILY POST reports that Adeleke won the August 15, 2026 election after polling 511,067 votes against his opponent, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who polled 444,815 votes.

Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, scored 17,180 votes coming third on the ballot.

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