From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Barkin Ladi State Constituency in the 2027 Plateau State House of Assembly election, Hon. Hitler Joshua Pwajok, has pledged to make agriculture and youth employment major priorities if elected.
Pwajok, who spoke with journalists in Jos, said his focus would be on ensuring that government programmes and interventions meant for the people of Barkin Ladi directly reach farmers, youths and other intended beneficiaries.
He said agricultural interventions should go beyond announcements to provide farmers with practical support, including fertiliser, improved seeds, farm chemicals, knapsack sprayers and other equipment needed to increase productivity.
“What is due to the people of Barkin Ladi must get to them. Whether it is fertiliser, improved seeds, knapsack sprayers or other agricultural inputs provided for our farmers, I will ensure that the people of Barkin Ladi are not left behind,” he said.
Pwajok said agriculture could provide sustainable employment for young people in the constituency if farmers and aspiring young entrepreneurs are deliberately supported with inputs, training and access to government empowerment programmes.
“We have young people in Barkin Ladi who are ready to work. What they need are opportunities, support and the right environment to become productive,” he said.
The PDP candidate, a former Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, said his experience in youth engagement and agricultural activities, including his involvement with BARC Farms, had strengthened his conviction that agriculture could serve as a tool for economic empowerment.
He said his priority in the House would be to facilitate access to existing government programmes and interventions for the constituency, rather than merely occupying a legislative seat.
“I am not going to the House of Assembly just to occupy a seat. I am going there to represent the people of Barkin Ladi and to ensure that whatever belongs to them is pursued and brought to them,” Pwajok said.
He also identified insecurity, youth unemployment and effective grassroots representation as key challenges requiring attention in the constituency.
Pwajok criticised what he described as a pattern of politicians making promises during campaigns without delivering tangible benefits to their constituents, insisting that representation should be active, responsive and accountable.
“For Barkin Ladi, it will not be business as usual. The people deserve representation that is active, responsive and accountable,” he said.
He said his proposed agenda would focus on youth employment, agricultural development, access to farm inputs, security and stronger grassroots representation, while working with farmers, youths, community leaders and other stakeholders.
Drawing inspiration from the leadership style of former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, Pwajok said public office should be centred on selflessness, innovation, vision and measurable impact.
“You have to embrace selflessness. You have to be innovative and visionary, and, above all, ensure that whatever the people need is what you work to provide,” he said.