Chief Samuel T Pukat Leads Initiative to Empower IDPs in Plateau State through Agriculture

In a significant move to uplift the lives of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Plateau State, Chief Samuel Pukat, alongside prominent state and federal government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders, officially launched the Renewed Hope Agricultural Empowerment Project in Kpwasho, Bassa LGA.

This initiative, which is a key part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, is designed to provide IDPs with sustainable agricultural opportunities, giving them the tools and resources needed to rebuild their lives. Through this project, the administration aims to ensure that vulnerable populations, especially those displaced by conflict, are included in the broader goal of national development.

The ceremony drew an impressive assembly of dignitaries, including representatives from the Plateau State Government, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Daniel Asama, who represents Bassa/Jos North constituency, and the Gbom Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba. Hajiya Fatima Mamman Daura, the Director of the IDPs Department, also graced the occasion. These leaders praised President Tinubu for his timely and impactful initiative, which they believe will play a crucial role in addressing food security, not only for the IDPs but for the nation as a whole.

The project is set to benefit 1,000 IDPs across Plateau State, each of whom will receive half a hectare of farmland. For many of these individuals, this marks a new beginning after years of hardship and uncertainty. The beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for this opportunity to engage in agriculture, seeing it as a chance to restore their dignity and contribute to the nation’s food production.

Chief. Samuel Pukat, who chairs the organizing committee and serves as the Lead Consultant of Food Masters Nigeria Ltd expressed heartfelt thanks to both the state and federal governments for their trust in his leadership. He emphasized that this project represents a pivotal shift towards modernizing agriculture in the state, moving from traditional farming methods to more mechanized approaches. This transition, he noted, is vital for boosting productivity and ensuring that the IDPs can fully utilize their allotted farmlands.

The flag-off ceremony highlighted the importance of collaboration between government entities, traditional institutions, and private sector partners in addressing the needs of displaced persons. The Renewed Hope Agricultural Empowerment Project is more than just a livelihood program—it is a beacon of hope, instilling a sense of purpose and dignity in the beneficiaries. As the project unfolds, it is expected to leave a lasting impact on the lives of IDPs, helping them to secure a stable future and play a meaningful role in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.