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The Plateau State government has endorsed and launched strategic food security plan in other to boost the general agricultural system.
The programme which held on Friday in Jos the state capital, was a project developed under the SPRING Program, implemented by the Supply Chain Research and Innovation Hub (SCRIH) in Collaboration with the Government of Plateau State.
Agriculture and Rural Development representatives of Mangu, Pankshin and Shendam LGAs of the state, as well as community leaders, researchers, and other stakeholders all contributed their expertise, and perspectives to the project
Speaking at the event, the Regional Program Manager of SPRING, Mujidang Sitang, said apart from the strategic food security plan, they have also been able to develop early-warning and early-response framework for the state.
Represented by the Regional Grant Officer of SPRING, Tony Mark Yusuf, the Manager also pointed out that they have also trained some security personnel, as well as a state’s security outfit, Operation Rainbow.
According to him the project went through a high level of professionalism, and so the food security plan will be effective and sustainable.
He called on the state government not to put the plan under the carpet or to only endorse it, but to also run with it and implement it it is capable of solving food crises generally.
In his remarks, Adebayo Adeleke who is the Executive Director, Supply Chain Research and Innovation Hub (SCRIH) represented by Yusuf Akorede, explained that the plan will undoubtedly transform the agricultural landscape as it ensured that women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups are active participants in strengthening food security across our State and contributing to Nigeria’s broader food security agenda.
“The plan we are launching today provides a clear roadmap for coordinated action, effective resource mobilisation, and shared accountability.
“However, its success will not be measured by today’s launch, but by the actions we take and the results we achieve together in the months and years ahead.
“I urge each of us to remain focused on the bigger picture of the plan: a Nigeria where food security is a reality for every household,’ he said.
Reacting on behalf of the government, the Director of Agric Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lang Zakka, stated that the programme and partnership with the government is to see how families and livelihoods, as well as communities can be improved.
Importantly also, he said, it is targeted boosting peace and security in the communities, because without peace and security they will not be food security in the communities.
Zakka further stated that the project has united many communities and improved security within those communities, adding the tremendous testimonies have come out of there in that respect.
“You promised that the government will take up the remaining task from where the partners have stopped, and will make the plan not to just be a policy document but a working document, because the government prioritizes peace and food security in the communities”, Zakka concluded.
