The Plateau State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development held a landmark Youth Parley on Tuesday, marking two years of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s youth-friendly administration. The event, themed “Celebrating Two Years of Youth-Inclusive Leadership,” took place at Victoria Gowon Hall, Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, and brought together youths from across the state for dialogue, empowerment updates, and strategic engagement with government officials.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Arch. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, delivered a candid message to the young people, urging them to take charge of their futures by focusing on skill development and entrepreneurship.
“There is no country with more opportunity than Nigeria,” Jatau said. “You must stop waiting to be pampered and start creating your own path. Government alone cannot employ everyone, but with the right environment, every young person can thrive.”
He emphasized that power belongs to the youth and encouraged them not to misuse it but to channel it for productive and nationalistic goals. Addressing issues of governance, appointments, and infrastructural challenges, the SSG reassured participants that the government was committed to transparency and youth development across sectors.
Delivering a stirring address, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, highlighted key milestones of Governor Mutfwang’s administration focused on youth empowerment, innovation, and capacity building.
He announced major programs including:
- Training of 10,000 youths in modern agriculture through a partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
- Launch of the BARC Farm Youth Project to create agri-business opportunities.
- Establishment of a Technology and Outsourcing Hub in Jos through federal partnerships, to connect Plateau youth to global digital markets.
- Ongoing development of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) to drive food processing and export.
- Leadership development programs for 250 youths at Shere Hills Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre.
- Aggressive youth inclusion in governance, with 65% of current government appointments held by young people.
“Governor Mutfwang is not just speaking to the youth — he is empowering them,” Ashoms declared. “From tech to agriculture to governance, our young people are being given the tools to thrive.”
He also unveiled ambitious future plans, including a Digital Literacy Roadmap to train 100,000 youths in cutting-edge technology, expansion of state farm programs, and international exchange opportunities for learning and exposure.
Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, applauded Governor Mutfwang for placing youths at the heart of his administration, calling it a testament to trust in their abilities.
He urged young people to prioritize education and professionalism, saying, “The future belongs to those who prepare. Let our youths be encouraged to pursue meaningful skills, not be divided along ethnic or political lines.”
Other dignitaries at the event included members of the State Executive Council, the Plateau State Youth Council, heads of government agencies, and stakeholders such as the commissioner for Environment, Agricultural ministry, General Manager of Plateau Express Service, DG PICTDA and the DG of PEPSA amongst others who shared some key achievements centered on youths participation.
They echoed calls for unity, hard work, and innovative thinking among the youths, while also highlighting initiatives in sports development, entrepreneurship, and education.
A recurring message at the parley was the need for Plateau youths to rise above ethnic and political divisions and work together for the prosperity of the state. Speakers called on them to support governance, pray for leaders, and actively build a better Plateau.
The Youth Parley concluded with an interactive session where young participants raised issues, shared ideas, and received feedback from government representatives — reinforcing the participatory nature of the event.
The event marked a renewed commitment by the state government to continue building a future where youths are central to development, innovation, and inclusive governance.