Business
Plateau Spends N14bn On Agric
Plateau State Commis
sioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Steven Barko, has said the state had spent N14 billion on agriculture since the inception of Governor Jonah Jang’s administration.
Barko, who said this in Jos during the inauguration of board of College of Agriculture, Garkawa, said that the huge investment of state funds in the sector had boosted agricultural production in the state.
“The government of Dr Jonah Jang, has since inception invested close to N14 billion in the agricultural sector, this is evident in the three agricultural services and training centres located in Kassa/Vom, Mangu and Shendam to serve each of the senatorial districts. Alongside this investment are also four commercial ventures which include the Milky Way Dairy Farm at Batura.’’
According him, as the state has designed and is implanting its Agricultural Transformation Agenda, the Federal Government is doing same through its Growth Enhancement Support (GES) Scheme.
He said that the state and Federal Government had realised that unless agriculture was developed, youth unemployment, restiveness and food insecurity would continue to bedevil the nation.
The commissioner pointed out that the College had a critical role of training self- sustaining middle manpower in line with the government’s vision for the agricultural sector.
Barko stated that the state was aware of the challenges bedeviling the institution but assured the board and management of government’s commitment to give all tertiary institutions a face lift.
“The task ahead for this board is to ensure that these efforts are implemented and also pursue the issue of accreditation to its conclusion for the benefit of our children and the state.’’
The Board Chairman, Mr Yohanna Amagong, in his remarks, said that the board would put in its best to take the institution higher.
“Our appointments to this level is to add value to the already existing one on ground already achieved by the provost of this college and his management team.
“We shall put in our best in taking this institution to the next level of great achievements that will make it compete favourably with other institutions in other states of the federation.
“We promise to discharge our duties to the best of our ability without fear or favour.
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.
