Plateau to partner France for agric, education, mining devt

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has expressed strong desire to collaborate with the French Republic in educational, agriculture and solid mineral sector development to generate employment for the youth in the state.

Mutfwang made this known, yesterday, during a courtesy visit by the Ambassador of French Republic to Nigeria, Mrs. Emmanuelle Blatmann, and her delegation to New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos.

Welcoming the envoy, the governor emphasised the state’s commitment to forging a productive partnership with the French Republic for the benefit of Nigerians residing in Plateau.

He noted, with delight, some of the ongoing projects initiated by the French Embassy in the state, particularly in the fields of education, agriculture and mining.

These initiatives, he said, are aimed at revitalising the state and ensuring quality education, food security and creating employment opportunities.

The governor acknowledged the global importance of French language for international transactions and announced plans to accelerate the growth of the Centre of Alliance Française in Jos, which has been serving the community for over two decades, to advance educational development in the state.

Reassuring the envoy of his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary counterpart funding to expedite the pace of development in the state, he emphasised: “We see potential collaboration opportunities in environmental and scientific fields as well. Be assured, we are committed to strengthening our relationship with the French government, and we eagerly anticipate a more robust partnership in the coming months and years.

“Plateau boasts significant untapped tourism potential. As the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’, we aim to explore all avenues for collaboration. We are fully committed to working with our development partners.”

Blatmann highlighted ongoing developmental projects in partnership with some educational institutions such as the University of Jos (UNIJOS), National Film Institute (NFI) in Jos and National Veterinary and Research Institute (NVIR) in Vom, focusing on agricultural programmes, including the provision of animal vaccines and enhancing food security.

She also shared details of an educational programme initiated by the embassy that will benefit Plateau and other four states in Nigeria. This programme, she said, aims to equip select schools with learning materials to promote the French language in the country.