Gov Mutfwang test-drives one of the inaugurated tractors at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos, on Thursday.
By Pamson Musa
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, on Thursday, commissioned 20 tractors for farming communities across the state, aimed at boosting the state’s agricultural sector and alleviating poverty.
The Governor said the state government was also planning to procure more than 200 additional tractors to further boost agricultural and ensure food security across Plateau.
He also disbursed 25,000 dollars each to 10 communities to foster food security and economic empowerment across the state.
The Governor while disbursing a cheque of 25,000 dollars each to 10 communities on Thursday in Jos.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the World Bank.
It is also being implemented alongside the Plateau State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL).
Speaking at the inaugural event at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos, Gov. Mutfwang assured that the tractors would be effectively utilized to benefit both the state and its people.
According to him, the state government has, through the Plateau Agricultural Development Programme, mapped out plans to procure more than 200 additional tractors.
While presenting a cheque of 250,000 dollars to ten communities in the state as Community Revolving Fund (CRF), he explained that the purpose was to provide financial empowerment to rural communities.
The ten beneficiary communities include Guratop, Kerang, Zamko, Ampang West, Dinting, Jimin, Kaler, Plateau Club/Bingham, Pishe, Yashi, and Wereh.
They are expected to be repay the money after a specified period to further empower other communities that would require it.
The Governor charged them to make optimal use of the funds, emphasizing that the initiative was designed to create a revolving financial opportunity for broader community development.
“I want to thank the World Bank for the initiatives you’ve introduced on the Plateau.
“Let me assure you that, by the grace of God, none of these projects will fail.
“We are committed to ensuring that the funds and equipment are judiciously used to uplift our people,” he said.
He further said that beyond implementing projects, government’s focus was to ensure that such investments lifted the people out of poverty.
“The bottom line is to improve the standard of living of our people by reducing poverty,” he stressed.
The Governor also urged the people of the state to unite in supporting government initiatives, and cautioned against divisive tendencies that hinder progress.
He also highlighted the need for every available piece of land, especially in schools, to be cultivated during the coming farming season.
Also speaking, Dr Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, congratulated the ten beneficiary communities and underscored the importance of addressing the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture.
He noted that desertification and climate change posed serious threats to agriculture, a key livelihood for Plateau residents.
“Through ACReSAL, we aim to help vulnerable communities adapt to climate impacts while improving their livelihoods.
“This initiative complements a comprehensive framework for land and water management through a 10-year watershed plan,” he said.
Diop applauded Mutfwang for his dedication to the project’s success and urged the communities to use the funds responsibly for the benefit of their members.
Gabriel Dewan, Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly; Dr Joy Iganya Agene, ACReSAL Task Team Leader; Peter Gwom, Commissioner of Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development; Chairman, ACReSAL Project Steering Committee; and Garba Gonkol, Plateau ACReSAL Coordinator, all hailed the state government for the initiative.
They also all lauded Gov Mutfwang for fostering a conducive environment for meaningful partnerships that directly benefit the people of the state.
