Plateau to harness youth potential through science, tech – Mutfwang

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to harnessing and developing the potential of young people in the state through strategic investments in science, technology, and innovation. The governor disclosed that arrangements have been concluded for the deployment of skilled and talented youths from the state into global job outsourcing opportunities, noting that “the necessary framework has already been put in place, with hundreds of youths going through the screening process.” Mutfwang stated this on Monday while declaring open the Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival, themed “Re-imagining Plateau: Driving Innovation and Technology for a Smarter and Sustainable Future,” held at the Crispan Hotel and Events Centre, Jos. He recalled that his administration had declared 2025 the “Year of Technology Advancement” in Plateau State, aimed at promoting innovation and encouraging young people to deploy technology in addressing societal challenges and creating sustainable livelihoods. The governor expressed satisfaction with the creativity and resilience of youths in the state who, despite limited opportunities, continue to apply their talents and skills in addressing challenges and creating value. Mutfwang further disclosed that the state government had taken deliberate steps to support local innovation by empowering a young inventor from Bokkos Local Government Area who designed and built a prototype vehicle but lacked the financial capacity to scale production. According to him, the innovator has been awarded a contract to produce 200 hand tillers as part of efforts to transition agriculture from manual practices to mechanised farming. “This young man from Bokkos has demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation. We have engaged him to produce 200 hand tillers, which we are going to test on our farms this year. “What a hand tiller can accomplish in one hour may take an entire community of farmers several days to achieve. This is the kind of innovation that will attract young people to agriculture and transform productivity,” he said. Related News NGO enrols 2,015 out-of-school children Troops free 23 abducted passengers in Kogi operation Oil workers shut NUPRC offices over welfare dispute The governor stressed that support for innovation-driven solutions remained central to his administration’s economic development agenda. “Empowering young innovators will not only address local challenges but also position Plateau State as a hub for technological advancement and entrepreneurship,” he said.