The Plateau State Government has pledged to implement a newly developed food security strategy aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, strengthening livelihoods and promoting sustainable peace across the state.
The commitment was made during the launch of the strategic plan developed through a partnership between the state government and the Supply Chain Research and Innovation Hub under the SPRING Programme.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Director of Agricultural Services in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lang Zakka, described the strategy as a practical initiative aimed at improving the welfare of families and communities across Plateau State.
Zakka said the programme had promoted cooperation among communities, contributed to improved security and created an enabling environment for agricultural development.
He assured that the government would fulfil the outstanding responsibilities left by the implementing partners and ensure that the strategic document serves as a practical guide for policy and action rather than remaining on paper.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the state government’s broader commitment to strengthening peace and food security.
The launch brought together representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development from Mangu, Pankshin and Shendam Local Government Areas, alongside community leaders, researchers and other stakeholders who contributed to the development of the strategy.
Speaking on behalf of the Regional Programme Manager of SPRING, Mujidang Sitang, the Regional Grant Officer, Tony Yusuf, disclosed that the programme had also developed an Early Warning and Early Response Framework for Plateau State.
He said security personnel, including members of Operation Rainbow, had received training aimed at strengthening their capacity to support community safety and food security.
Yusuf expressed confidence in the quality of the strategic plan, describing it as professionally developed and capable of producing sustainable results if properly implemented.
He urged the state government to move beyond adopting the document and focus on translating its recommendations into concrete programmes and actions.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Supply Chain Research and Innovation Hub, Adebayo Adeleke, represented by Yusuf Akorede, said the strategy was designed to transform Plateau State’s agricultural sector by promoting the participation of women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in efforts to improve food production and food security.
He explained that the document provides a framework for collaboration, resource mobilisation and accountability among stakeholders involved in agricultural development.
Adeleke stressed that the real value of the strategy would ultimately be measured by the tangible progress achieved through its implementation in the years ahead.
The stakeholders expressed optimism that effective implementation of the plan would strengthen agricultural production, improve household livelihoods, promote inclusive participation and contribute to lasting peace and food security across Plateau State.
