By Ikechi Enwereji
The Plateau State Government has assured Defence Holdings Company Limited (DHCL) of its readiness to partner on the establishment of Defence Farms and Agro-Allied Products (DFAAP) in Wase Local Government Area, following the handover of 30,000 hectares of land for the project’s take-off.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DHCL, Air Vice Marshal Anthony Victor Ndace, and his delegation at the Government House in Jos. The Governor was represented at the meeting by the Secretary to the State Government, Architect Samuel Jatau.
Governor Mutfwang commended DHCL for its vision and strategic intervention in the agricultural sector, describing the Defence Farms initiative as timely and impactful. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the immediate handover of the 30,000 hectares of land already allocated in Wase to enable the smooth commencement of the project.
According to the Governor, the initiative will significantly boost food production while also enhancing security in Wase and surrounding communities. He further praised the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, for his sustained efforts toward peace and national stability, and reiterated the resolve of his administration to collaborate closely with DHCL through the Defence Headquarters to ensure the project’s success.
The Governor welcomed the DHCL delegation to Plateau State and encouraged them to explore the state’s rich cultural heritage and diverse landscape during their visit.
Earlier, Air Vice Marshal Ndace said he was in the state on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff to express appreciation to the Plateau State Government for allocating 30,000 hectares of land for the initial phase of the Defence Farms and Agro-Allied Products initiative. He disclosed that he was accompanied by a technical team to assess the land and identify areas of partnership with the state government in line with the Federal Government’s food security agenda.
Ndace thanked the Plateau State Government for the warm reception accorded to him and his team, while praying for sustained peace and continued development across the state.
Highlights of the visit included a presentation on the agricultural potential of the 98,000 hectares of land in Wase—out of which 30,000 hectares have been earmarked for the first phase of DFAAP—exchange of souvenirs, and a group photograph involving Plateau State Government officials and members of the DHCL delegation. According to the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Defence Farms initiative is expected to catalyze agricultural development, job creation and improved security in Plateau State.
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