NYSC Camp, Rwang Pam Stadium, Shendam-Azi Nyako Youth Centre Among Key Priorities
The Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its focus on youth empowerment, sports development and infrastructure as the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development defended its 2027 budget proposals before the relevant budget scrutiny committee at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat, Jos.
The budget defence, held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, formed part of the ongoing exercise in which Ministries, Departments and Agencies are presenting their proposed expenditures for review ahead of the 2027 fiscal year.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Kenneth Buenyen, who represented the Commissioner during the session, described the exercise as fruitful, saying the ministry’s proposals were thoroughly examined and adjusted in line with identified priorities.
Speaking to journalists after the defence, Buenyen said the ministry responded to observations raised by the committee, with provisions considered inadequate increased where necessary, while excessive or less critical allocations were reviewed downward.
He explained that the adjustments were intended to produce a more realistic and implementable budget capable of delivering measurable results in the sports and youth development sector.
According to him, three major areas featured prominently in the ministry’s 2027 proposal: the NYSC Camp, Rwang Pam Township Stadium and the Shendam-Azi Nyako Youth Centre.
Buenyen said the projects were considered important to the government’s broader efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and create an enabling environment for youth development across Plateau State.
Beyond infrastructure, he said the ministry had also developed programmes aimed at engaging young people through empowerment initiatives, skills acquisition, advocacy and other productive activities designed to improve their economic and social wellbeing.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the emphasis on youth development was deliberate, given the large proportion of young people in the state, stressing that investment in the younger generation remained an investment in the future of Plateau State and Nigeria.
He added that the ministry would continue to promote youth-focused programmes across the 17 local government areas, with empowerment initiatives expected to form part of the government’s interventions in the sector.
On the political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections, Buenyen urged Plateau youths to remain peaceful and politically responsible, advising them against violence and attempts by individuals or groups to exploit young people for destructive purposes.
He called for maturity and sincerity of purpose during the electoral season, stressing that political activities should not be allowed to undermine peace, development and social cohesion in the state.
Assessing the administration’s interventions in sports and youth development, Buenyen pointed to ongoing investments in facilities such as the Rwang Pam Township Stadium and NYSC Camp, as well as other youth-oriented programmes.
He also disclosed that additional empowerment interventions were being prepared for young people across the state, saying the ministry would continue to pursue initiatives aimed at converting the potential of Plateau youths into productive opportunities.
The Ministry of Sports and Youth Development’s defence was part of the wider 2027 budget scrutiny exercise at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat, where MDAs are presenting and defending their estimates as the state government finalises its fiscal plans for the coming year.
