The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is partnering with the Plateau State Government and Plateau State Polytechnic to launch the Jos Agro-Innovation Makerspace in the state.
The initiative is set to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture, positioning Plateau State as a leader in the agro-tech sector.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in his keynote address on Wednesday at the Plateau state Polytechnic Hypan, Barkin Ladi local government area of the state, venue of the event emphasized Plateau’s commitment to advancing science and technology, expressing excitement over the Makerspace’s potential to nurture young innovators.
He stressed that the state is dedicated to cross-fertilizing ideas and encouraging collaboration between diverse sectors, aiming to transform agriculture into an industry that can generate wealth and create jobs.
Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP Resident representative commended governor Mutfwang for his leadership and the state government’s dedication to fostering an environment conducive to youth innovation.
She highlighted that the 1.8 million youth in Plateau are poised to lead in sectors like agro-tech, green economy, and digital innovation. According to Attafuah, the Makerspace will serve as a catalyst for transforming ideas into industries, particularly by revolutionizing farming practices through technologies like drone-powered precision farming and agro-processing.
“The Makerspace will feature cutting-edge laboratories that include a Design and Rapid Prototyping Lab, Drone and Precision Agriculture Lab, Agro-Processing Lab, Sustainable Farming Technology Lab, and an Electronics and Robotics Lab. These facilities aim to provide entrepreneurs and inventors with the resources needed to turn innovative concepts into tangible, scalable businesses that will contribute to the local economy and sustainability”.
Attafuah also emphasized that the Makerspace aligns perfectly with Governor Mutfwang’s vision for Plateau’s economic growth.
She said the state was moving away from subsistence agriculture, focusing instead on technology-driven food systems and modern manufacturing. Adding that the Makerspace will empower Plateau’s youth to develop, test, and scale solutions that will modernize agriculture, create jobs, and support economic resilience in the region.
Clement Chirman, Rector of Plateau State Polytechnic, earlier in a welcome address expressed gratitude to the state government for its support of the institution’s growth and commitment to driving agricultural research.
He noted that the Polytechnic, in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), is cultivating 21 hectares of land with crops like soya beans, maize, and Irish potatoes, as part of its efforts to enhance sustainable farming practices.
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