Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering young people through strategic investments in science, technology, and innovation, describing technological advancement as a key driver of economic growth and job creation.
The governor made the commitment on Wednesday while declaring open the Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (PLASSTIFEST) at the Crispan Hotel and Events Centre in Jos.
The festival, themed “Re-imagining Plateau: Driving Innovation and Technology for a Smarter and Sustainable Future,” brought together government officials, technology experts, innovators, students, and stakeholders from across the state and beyond.
Speaking at the event, Governor Mutfwang disclosed that the state government has concluded arrangements to connect skilled Plateau youths with global job outsourcing opportunities. According to him, the framework for the initiative has already been established, while hundreds of young people are currently undergoing screening and assessment.
He noted that the initiative forms part of his administration’s broader agenda to equip young people with the skills and opportunities needed to compete in the global digital economy.
The governor recalled that Plateau State had previously declared 2025 as the “Year of Technology Advancement,” a move aimed at encouraging innovation and positioning technology as a tool for solving societal challenges and creating sustainable livelihoods.
Governor Mutfwang commended the creativity and resilience of Plateau youths, noting that many young innovators continue to develop practical solutions despite limited access to resources and opportunities.
As part of efforts to support local innovation, the governor highlighted the success story of a young inventor from Bokkos Local Government Area who designed and built a prototype vehicle.
According to him, the state government has awarded the young innovator a contract to produce 200 hand tillers to support the transition from traditional farming methods to mechanized agriculture.
“This young man from Bokkos has demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation. We have engaged him to produce 200 hand tillers, which we will test on our farms this year. What a hand tiller can achieve in one hour may take an entire community several days to accomplish. This is the kind of innovation that can attract young people to agriculture and significantly improve productivity,” the governor said.
Governor Mutfwang stressed that innovation remains central to his administration’s development agenda, adding that supporting young inventors and entrepreneurs will help address local challenges while positioning Plateau State as a leading hub for technology and innovation.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Rochukwu Udeh, SAN, commended the Plateau State Government for organizing the festival and urged authorities to sustain the initiative.
He described science, technology, and innovation as critical tools for economic diversification, industrialization, and employment generation, noting that the Federal Government is investing heavily in expanding Nigeria’s digital economy and strengthening research and development.
The minister further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is pursuing a target of growing Nigeria’s economy to one trillion dollars by 2030 through industrialization, value addition, and innovation-driven development.
Other dignitaries, including the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Ayo Omotayo, and representatives of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), delivered goodwill messages at the event.
One of the highlights of the festival was the demonstration of a robot designed and built by Plateau youths, showcasing the growing technological capabilities and innovative potential of young people in the state.
Earlier, Governor Mutfwang received the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology and a delegation from MOFI on a courtesy visit at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
The festival is expected to provide a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of innovative solutions capable of driving sustainable development across Plateau State and Nigeria.
