Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering young people through deliberate investments in science, technology, and innovation, describing technological advancement as a critical pathway to economic growth and job creation.
Governor Mutfwang made this known on Wednesday while declaring open the Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (PLASSTIFEST) held at Crispan Hotel and Events Centre, Jos.
The festival, themed “Re-imagining Plateau: Driving Innovation and Technology for a Smarter and Sustainable Future,” attracted government officials, technology experts, innovators, students, and stakeholders from within and outside the state.
Speaking during the event, the governor revealed that the state government has finalized plans to connect skilled youths in Plateau State to global outsourcing opportunities. He explained that the necessary framework for the initiative is already in place, while hundreds of young people are currently undergoing screening and assessment processes.
According to him, the initiative aligns with his administration’s broader vision of equipping young people with the skills and opportunities required to thrive in the global digital economy.
Governor Mutfwang also recalled that Plateau State had earlier declared 2025 as the “Year of Technology Advancement,” a policy direction aimed at promoting innovation and positioning technology as a tool for solving societal problems and creating sustainable livelihoods.
He commended the creativity and resilience of Plateau youths, noting that many young innovators continue to develop practical solutions despite limited resources and opportunities.
Highlighting the administration’s support for local innovation, the governor referenced a young inventor from Bokkos Local Government Area who successfully designed and built a prototype vehicle.
He disclosed that the state government has awarded the innovator a contract to produce 200 hand tillers to support the transition from traditional farming practices to mechanized agriculture.
“This young man from Bokkos – Jerry Malo has demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation. We have engaged him to produce 200 hand tillers, which will be tested 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 type of innovation that can attract young people into agriculture and significantly improve productivity,” the governor stated.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized that innovation remains central to his administration’s development agenda, adding that empowering young inventors and entrepreneurs will not only address local challenges but also position 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 encouraged authorities to sustain the initiative.
The minister described science, technology, and innovation as essential tools for economic diversification, industrialization, and job creation. He added that the Federal Government is making significant investments in expanding Nigeria’s digital economy and strengthening research and development.
Dr. Udeh further disclosed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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 at the event, 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.
One of the major highlights of the festival was the demonstration of a robot designed and built by Plateau youths, showcasing the growing technological capacity and innovative potential of young people in the state.
Earlier, Governor Mutfwang received the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology alongside a delegation from MOFI on a courtesy visit at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
The festival is expected to serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of innovative solutions capable of driving sustainable development across Plateau State and Nigeria.
