By OUR REPORTER
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has entered into a strategic partnership with the Republic of Namibia aimed at strengthening economic development, youth empowerment, agriculture, tourism and cultural exchange.
The agreement followed a high-level engagement between officials of the Plateau State Government and a delegation led by Namibia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Walde Ndevashiya, resulting in a joint communiqué establishing a framework for long-term cooperation across key sectors.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, and obtained by THE NIGERIA STANDARD, the partnership is intended to deepen international collaboration and expand development opportunities for Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang described the initiative as part of efforts to position Plateau State for global engagement and sustainable development.
“This engagement reflects our determination to build strategic international partnerships that will unlock Plateau State’s economic potential and create sustainable opportunities for our people, especially our youth,” the governor said.
He added that his administration remains committed to inclusive growth and purposeful partnerships that strengthen the state’s economy and integrate it into global development networks.
Tourism, agric cooperation
Under the agreement, tourism development emerged as a key area of focus, with Namibia sharing its experience in wildlife conservation and eco-tourism to support Plateau State’s efforts to reposition itself as a major tourism destination.
Both parties agreed to collaborate on the revitalisation of tourism assets such as the Jos Wildlife Park, as well as the promotion of conservation programmes and investment in hospitality infrastructure.
In agriculture and food security, the partnership will cover livestock development, veterinary services, aquaculture, irrigation farming, mechanisation, agro-processing and agribusiness value chains.
Namibia’s High Commissioner, Walde Ndevashiya, said his country was ready for practical cooperation in key sectors.
“We are ready to share our experience in sustainable tourism and agricultural innovation to support Plateau State’s development aspirations,” he said.
Youth empowerment, cultural exchange
The agreement also places strong emphasis on youth development through vocational training, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, skills acquisition, leadership development and job creation initiatives.
It further provides for collaboration in arts, culture and the creative economy, including cultural diplomacy, film and music partnerships and institutional exchanges aimed at promoting Plateau State’s cultural heritage.
Both sides also agreed to explore cooperation in mining, environmental sustainability, housing, land administration, climate resilience and urban planning.
To ensure effective implementation, a Joint Programme Implementation Committee will be established to coordinate activities and monitor progress of the partnership.
Discussions are also ongoing on a proposed sister-state relationship between Plateau State and Namibia’s Omusati Region.
Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed that the partnership is anchored on a long-term vision for development.
“We are building bridges that will outlive administrations and deliver real benefits to our people through sustained cooperation and shared growth,” he declared.