Ahead of the 2027 Plateau State House of Assembly election, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for Barkin Ladi State Constituency, Hon. Hitler Joshua Pwajok, has placed agriculture and youth employment among the key areas he intends to pursue if elected.
Pwajok said his approach would focus on ensuring that government interventions and opportunities meant for the people of Barkin Ladi actually get to the intended beneficiaries, particularly farmers and young people.
According to him, agricultural support should not remain at the level of announcements, but should translate into tangible assistance for farmers, including fertiliser, improved seeds, knapsack sprayers, farm chemicals, equipment and other inputs that can improve 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. My responsibility will be to make sure that what is meant for them gets to them.”
He said such interventions could help reduce the burden on farmers, increase agricultural production and create opportunities for young people who are willing to take up farming as a business.
Pwajok’s agriculture plan is also linked to his broader concern about youth unemployment in the constituency. He said young people need opportunities that can provide them with sustainable sources of income rather than depending solely on government employment.
“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. Agriculture can provide that opportunity if we deliberately support our youths and farmers.”
He said his previous experience in youth mobilisation and engagement across Plateau State, including his involvement in youth agricultural activities at BARC Farms, had reinforced his belief in agriculture as a tool for economic empowerment.
However, he said his priority as a representative of Barkin Ladi would be to ensure that the constituency benefits directly from agricultural programmes and interventions available through government and relevant institutions.
“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.”
According to him, this could include facilitating access to agricultural inputs, government empowerment programmes, training opportunities and other interventions that can strengthen farming and create jobs within the constituency.
He also identified insecurity as another major challenge requiring attention, alongside the need for effective representation and development across Barkin Ladi.
Pwajok criticised what he described as a pattern in which politicians make promises during campaigns but fail to deliver tangible benefits to constituents.
“For Barkin Ladi, it will not be business as usual. The people deserve representation that is active, responsive and accountable. When there is an intervention meant for our farmers, youths or communities, I will make sure we pursue it and ensure that Barkin Ladi gets its fair share.”
He said his broader objective is to make the constituency an active participant in government programmes and development opportunities, while working with farmers, youths, community leaders and other stakeholders.
Drawing inspiration from what he described as the selflessness and development-focused approach of former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, Pwajok said public office should be about service 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. That is the kind of representation I want to offer the people of Barkin Ladi.”
If elected, Pwajok said his priorities would include youth employment, agricultural development, access to farm inputs, security and stronger grassroots representation.
His proposed agriculture-focused approach places emphasis on using existing government programmes and interventions to support farmers and create economic opportunities for young people in Barkin Ladi, while ensuring that benefits meant for the constituency reach the people.
