A group of concerned youths in Plateau State has appealed to the State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, to fulfill earlier promises made to young beneficiaries of a government-sponsored agricultural training programme.
In an open appeal addressed to the governor, the youths commended his administration’s strides in promoting agriculture and youth inclusion in people-oriented programmes, describing them as progressive steps toward economic growth and empowerment.
The appeal, however, expressed concern over what it described as a lack of follow-up support for 340 Plateau youths who were sponsored by the state government between April and May 2024 to undergo a two-week agribusiness training at the International Skill Acquisition Centre (ISAC) CSS Farm in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
According to the statement, Governor Mutfwang visited the participants during the training and assured them that under his leadership, their dreams would not be allowed to die. The youths said the governor’s presence and remarks at the time gave them hope for a brighter future in agriculture.
However, nearly two years after the training, the beneficiaries claim they have not received the necessary financial or material support to enable them put the acquired skills into practice.
“The skills acquired cannot be implemented without adequate funding and support. Government resources should not be spent on training programmes without tangible outcomes,” the statement noted, questioning whether continued training without implementation would yield meaningful results.
The youths also referenced an earlier announcement that one thousand Plateau youths would be empowered to become millionaires through agricultural initiatives. The promise, they said, was made during a Plateau State Youth Council programme at Azi Iyako Youth Centre in Jos and was reiterated at a state ministerial briefing by the Commissioner of Youth and Sport, Musa Ashoms.
With the rainy season approaching and a new farming cycle imminent, the youths urged the governor to revisit the empowerment programmes and ensure practical steps are taken to support trained beneficiaries.
They emphasized that many of the affected youths have families and dependents who look up to them, adding that genuine empowerment would not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute significantly to the development of Plateau State.
Describing Governor Mutfwang as a “listening father,” the youths appealed to him to fulfill his commitments and give them the opportunity to turn their agricultural training into sustainable ventures.
“Build the youth and you build Plateau; destroy the youth and you destroy Plateau,” the statement concluded, urging swift action to revive hope among young people in the state.