…First UNDP innovation hub targets 1.8 million youths in Plateau State
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has recently laid a foundation for technological innovation on the Plateau, targeting at least 1.8 million young people who are going to be solution drivers in the area of agricultural technology and clean energy.
Building a global partnership with the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) for the prosperity of youths in the state, Mutfwang said the groundbreaking development is part of the efforts of his administration in repositioning Plateau State as a center of innovation, economic transformation, and sustainable development.
The hub which is the first of its kind in Nigeria is targeted at scientific inventions in the field of agric technology and solar energy, among others towards addressing food production and the menace of climate change in the state.
Mutfwang made known his convictions that the key to unlocking the vast potential of the state lies in empowering young people, equipping them with modern skills, and providing them with access to global opportunities.
He said: “Today, I am proud to announce a significant step in this journey, the launch of the Plateau Agro-Innovation Makerspace, a pioneering initiative established in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“This milestone is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and the immense possibilities that arise when we work together toward a common vision.”
The UNDP Makerspace which is the first of it’s kind in Nigeria, situated at Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin-Ladi main campus is not just a facility but it is a transformational hub designed to provide youths with advanced skills in agriculture, technology-driven education, and renewable energy solutions, particularly in solar power among others
The initiative, according to Mutfwang, will not only create employment opportunities but also drive innovation and sustainable development across communities in the state.
Mutfwang, while extending his deepest gratitude to the UNDP resident representative in Nigeria for choosing Plateau as the host for the groundbreaking project in the country, noted that her support and that of the UNDP reaffirm the shared belief that investing in young people is the surest way to build a prosperous future.
“Our administration is intentional about fostering meaningful collaborations with global institutions. We are committed to ensuring that our young innovators and entrepreneurs receive the necessary support to compete on a global stage, contribute to national development, and transform Plateau into a hub for science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
“To the young people of Plateau, this is your moment; the opportunities before you are limitless. The world is changing, and with the right skills and mindset, you can be the driving force of that change.
“I urge you to take full advantage of the resources available at the Makerspace, develop your ideas, hone your skills, and build enterprises that will redefine our economy.
“We have also taken another strategic step by handing over Guest House Number 1 to UNDP for their North Central office. This move will further facilitate the smooth implementation of development programs, ensuring that our state remains a focal point for progressive initiatives.
“As we move forward, my administration remains unwavering in its commitment to repositioning Plateau for greatness. With the right team, the right vision, and the right partnerships, I have no doubt that we will achieve remarkable feats. Together, we are building a future where Plateau shines not just within Nigeria, but on the global stage.
“If you’re here, there is no issue of boyfriend or girlfriend; this place is for serious minded people. Let us seize this opportunity and make history. The time is now!,.” he charged youths across the state.
The United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative, Ms. Elsie Gyekyewaa Attafuah, at the groundbreaking ceremony, said the project will target the 1.8 million talented ambitious Plateau youths, and tech-savvy who are the real architects of the state’s transformation.
She stressed that the UNDP Makerspace is a game-changer and has the potential of contributing to the agriculture, clean energy and the bountiful tourism opportunities on the Plateau.
Attafuah hinted that the UNDP will attract a lot of resources to Plateau state due to its rich potentials while establishing similar hub across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
She assured the ambitious youths in the state:
“This is not just a building, it is a launchpad for ideas, a factory for innovation, and a catalyst for prosperity. The Jos Agro-Innovation Makerspace will give entrepreneurs, inventors, and artisans the tools to turn ideas into prototypes, prototypes into businesses, and businesses into industries.
“It will redefine how agriculture is practiced in Plateau State from drone-powered precision farming to agro-processing that adds value to raw produce.
“Plateau’s youth will now have the opportunity to lead in agro-tech, green economy, and digital innovation, positioning the state as a national leader in smart agriculture and manufacturing.”
The SDG residential representative maintained that the Makerspace Agro-Innovation Hub will house world-class labs, including: “Design and rapid prototyping lab where ideas take shape and become reality.
“Drone and precision agriculture lab using advanced technology to revolutionize farming efficiency. Agro-processing lab turning raw farm produce into high-value food products.”
Given her charge to youths in the state, the UNDP resident representative urged them to seize the opportunity and make good use of the hub. “This is your moment, use this space to experiment, innovate, collaborate, and lead.
“Push boundaries, build solutions, create jobs, shape the future of Plateau State. Form a community of agro-innovators, a generation of thinkers, builders, and pioneers who will redefine Plateau’s economic future.
“UNDP stands firmly as a partner in this journey, committed to supporting Plateau State’s quest for sustainable development. Today is not just a groundbreaking ceremony, it is the beginning of a movement that will transform lives and shape the future.”
With a sustainable farming technology lab that will advanced climate-smart and eco-friendly agricultural practices and electronics and robotics lab to enable automation and smart systems for agribusiness, inventors are expected to emerge in the coming years with effective maintenance and sustainability of the initiative.
The DG, ICT Development Agency in Plateau State, Mr. Dominic Datong, at the opening of the agric innovation centre, lamented that Africa has been locked up in a cycle of learning, analyzing, discussing, but struggling to implement solutions at sustainable scales.
He described the hub as key to practical solutions that will drive accelerated development through technology, adding that some of the innovative solutions developed and displayed at groundbreaking ceremony by some of the striving youths in the tech community groomed by the Agency consist of.
“Smart and Precision Agriculture Urban Harvest (AI-powered vertical farming), Nomabot (AI-driven weed control robot), Poultrix (IoT-based poultry monitoring), Digital Marketplaces & Supply Chain, Gonana (Smallholder farmer marketplace), GreenKonnect (Global farm produce trade), Jos-Fresh (Investment and logistics for farmers)
“AI and Data-Driven Farming Support PLAGRIC AI (AI-powered farm advisory) GreenPlateau App (Digital extension services for farmers) Smart Irrigation & Automation Automatic Plant Watering System (Sensor-based irrigation) Irrigation and Mushroom Farming Innovations
“Smart Irrigation and Automation-Automatic Plant Watering System (Sensor-based irrigation), Irrigation and Mushroom Farming Innovations, Cybersecurity and Information Integrity WIVA (AI-powered misinformation and cyber threat detection),” Datong listed.
With a call to action, the DG noted that policy makers and investors should step in by supporting funding and scaling (crowd funding), while farmers and agribusinesses should be open to adopt technologies and the new changes with the various solutions developed for efficiency, he urged innovators to collaborate with the Innovation Centre to refine and scale solutions.
The Acting-Rector of the Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin-Ladi, Dr. Clement Chirman noted that the institution is poised to expand its knowledge through collaborations to harvest opportunities that will add value in its drive to producing graduates that will compete favourably in the 21st century.
“We must comment the state government and UNDP for driving the initiative of creating a Makerspace in the Polytechnic which will benefit our students and local farmers on the Plateau.
“Apart from the groundbreaking event, our institution working in collaboration with the NBTE to cultivate about 21 hectares of the institution’s land with soya beans, maize and Irish potatoes.” He expressed his optimism.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Quantum AI & Robotics LTD. Engr. Naankang Garba maintained that the centre is coming at a time that solutions driving efforts are been made to ease labour in the agricultural sector especially with the utilisation of drones technology for rice planting which offers several advantages that enhance efficiency and productivity in agriculture amongst others.
For him, “Drone technology in agriculture gives efficient coverage of large areas; drones can swiftly and effectively seed extensive fields, especially those that are challenging to access with traditional machinery due to wet or uneven terrain. This capability ensures timely planting, which is crucial for optimal crop yields.
“It also minimized soil compaction and crop damage by operating above the ground, drones eliminate the risk of soil compaction and reduce potential harm to existing crops, preserving soil health and plant integrity.
“And above all, it gives precision in terms of agricultural integration because the drones are equipped with advanced sensors and GPS technology. So, they facilitate precise seed distribution and can monitor crop health throughout the growing season. This integration allows for data-driven decisions, optimizing resource use and improving overall farm management,” Garba noted.