The Plateau State Government is stepping up efforts to combat unemployment by proposing a supplementary budget of ₦2 billion to expand its flagship Plateau Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition (PLAYESA) for Wealth initiative.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Achom, announced the plan during the launch of a new training cycle at the National Youth Centre, Shere Hills, Jos. The programme, delivered in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, is equipping young people with practical skills in ICT, fashion design, and leatherworks.
Achom explained that once the budget is approved by the State House of Assembly, the funds will significantly boost Plateau’s youth empowerment drive and consolidate its ambition to become a hub for digital innovation and the creative economy.
“This training is about preparing young people for real opportunities, not just white-collar jobs,” he said. “In this batch, 150 participants are enrolled, with 100 more expected, bringing the total to 250 youths from all 17 local government areas.”
He noted that the government is deliberate about empowerment, revealing that Governor Caleb Mutfwang has allocated the Joseph Gomwalk House as a dedicated ICT centre for youth development, while the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy is laying 30km of fibre optics to strengthen the state’s digital backbone.
Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Deborah Simon Pitmang, emphasized the programme’s focus on practical skills under the Skills for Wealth scheme. “This is not about learning for social media appearances. Trainees will receive start-up kits to help them create wealth and build sustainable businesses,” she said.
Participants expressed optimism about the life-changing potential of the initiative. One ICT trainee said, “The world is going digital, and this training is an eye-opener. I’m determined to build on what I’ve learned and create something meaningful for myself.” Others in fashion and leatherwork shared similar sentiments, calling the programme a rare and timely intervention.
Launched under Governor Mutfwang, the PLAYESA programme continues to expand across Plateau’s 17 LGAs, equipping young people with entrepreneurial and vocational skills that offer pathways to employment, innovation, and long-term prosperity.
