by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has commissioned 20 tractors for farming communities across the state, and presented a cheque of $250,000 for the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) for ten communities.
In a bid to demonstrate his commitment to revitalizing Plateau State’s agricultural sector and alleviating poverty, the initiative is part of his administration’s vision for food security and economic empowerment.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, which followed the Plateau State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL) Day/CRF disbursement at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos, on Thursday, the governor assured that the tractors would be effectively utilized to benefit both the state and its people.
According to him, “The government, through the Plateau Agricultural Development Programme, has mapped out plans to secure over 200 tractors to further boost agricultural activities, ensuring food security and sovereignty across the state.
In addition to the commissioning of tractors, Governor Mutfwang also presented a cheque of $250,000 Community Revolving Fund (CRF) to ten communities. This initiative, supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the Plateau State Government under ACReSAL, aims to provide financial empowerment to rural communities.
Each community received $25,000, with the funds expected to be repaid after a specified period so as to empower other communities in the state.
The ten beneficiary communities include Guratop, Kerang, Zamko, Ampang West, Dinting, Jimin, Kaler, Plateau Club/Bingham, Pishe, Yashi, and Wereh.
The governor charged the communities to make optimal use of the funds, emphasizing that the initiative is designed to create a revolving financial opportunity for broader community development.
Having welcomed the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, on a courtesy visit to the state, Governor Mutfwang stated, thus: “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.
“Beyond implementing projects, our focus is to ensure that these investments lift our people out of poverty. The bottom line is to improve the standard of living of our people by reducing poverty,” the governor stated.
While urging the citizens of Plateau State to unite in supporting government initiatives, Mutfwang but 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.
The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, congratulated the ten beneficiary communities and underscored the importance of addressing climate change’s adverse effects on agriculture.
He noted, “Desertification and climate change pose 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.”
Dr. Diop commended Governor Mutfwang and his team for their dedication to the project’s success and urged the communities to use the funds responsibly for the benefit of their members.
Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, ACReSAL Task Team Leader, Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, Commissioner of Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, and Chairman of Plateau ACReSAL Project State Steering Committee, Hon. Peter Kannang Gwom and Plateau State ACReSAL Coordinator, Mr. Garba Gowon Gonkol, all praised Governor Mutfwang for fostering a conducive environment for meaningful partnerships that directly benefit the people of Plateau State.
Speaking during a detailed review session, the governor expressed delight that Plateau State had hosted the World Bank delegation twice in less than a year, saying, “This is a testament to the growing partnership between the state and the global financial institution.”
Governor Mutfwang emphasized the importance of strategic engagements with the World Bank, both locally and internationally, to share what he termed as the “true Plateau story.”
He highlighted several impactful projects under discussion – particularly those targeted at rural communities – and commended the World Bank’s commitment to initiatives that foster sustainable development in the state.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to collaborate with the World Bank and other reputable organizations to lift Plateau State out of poverty and drive meaningful progress.
Dr. Ndiame Diop, in his remarks, praised Governor Mutfwang’s exceptional leadership, describing it as “instrumental” in strengthening the partnership between Plateau State and the World Bank.
He expressed admiration for Plateau’s peaceful environment, scenic beauty, and vast tourism potential, and commended the governor’s proactive approach in fostering a productive relationship with the World Bank, and assured the governor of the World Bank’s commitment to supporting transformative projects that will have enduring impacts on the lives of Plateau citizens.