The Plateau State Government has called on young people to embrace agriculture and artificial intelligence (AI) as pathways to economic empowerment and sustainable development, unveiling plans to cultivate 7,000 hectares of farmland and create up to 20,000 jobs by 2027.

Speaking on Tuesday during the 2025 International Youth Day celebration in Jos, themed “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, said the Mutfwang-led administration is deliberate about positioning Plateau youths to compete globally through innovation, agribusiness, and leadership opportunities.

“In all the 17 LGAs of Plateau State, youth-led agricultural cooperatives are boosting food production and jobs. Young peace advocates prevent conflict through dialogue, while youths are advancing business, mental health, environmental care, and gender equity. These efforts embody the Plateau spirit of resilience and ingenuity,” Ashoms stated.

Highlighting the potential of AI to drive innovation, he noted that the government is investing in youth-friendly technologies, skill-building, and entrepreneurship. “The Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Program (P-YAEP) equips hundreds of youths with skills for sustainable agribusiness, aligning with SDGs like ending hunger and promoting decent work. The potential of agriculture and AI in securing the future of youths is not in doubt, and that’s why we must embrace them now,” he said.

Ashoms, who represented Governor Caleb Mutfwang, stressed the administration’s pro-youth stance, revealing that 60% of leadership roles in Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and local councils are currently held by young people.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Engagement, Hitler Pwajok, outlined the phased expansion of the Back-to-Farm initiative. “By next year, we aim to cultivate 2,500 hectares. In 2027, it will increase to 3,500 hectares. In total, between now and 2027, we will have cultivated nearly 7,000 hectares,” he said.

Pwajok added that the project will extend to the Central and Southern zones of the State, with a combined job creation potential of between 15,000 and 20,000 positions in the agribusiness value chain. He encouraged unity among beneficiaries, noting, “If five or ten youths pool their resources, they can acquire equipment like milling machines, run them profitably, and sustain themselves. That is the power of unity.”

Both officials underscored the need for collaboration, character-building, credible qualifications, and peaceful coexistence. Ashoms also urged youths to approach security challenges with wisdom, advising, “Remain alive so you can contribute to the growth of our State. Others come here to take advantage of our climate, resources, and beauty, turning them into thriving businesses. We too must seize these opportunities.”

The Commissioner further announced ongoing upgrades to the Rwang Pam Township Stadium and reaffirmed the government’s readiness to monitor and support youth-led businesses receiving seed capital.

This year’s celebration featured sessions on leveraging AI for smarter businesses, skill enhancement, and improved interpersonal relationships. “Youths are critical stakeholders in every developmental stride. They are there at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. This government will continue to empower them so they can compete globally,” Ashoms assured.