YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, PEACEBUILDING TAKE CENTRE STAGE AS GOVERNOR MUTFWANG BACKS 2026 NATIONAL CATHOLIC YOUTH CONVENTION
Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to partnering with faith-based institutions to advance youth development, promote responsible citizenship, and strengthen peaceful coexistence, ahead of the 2026 National Catholic Youth Convention scheduled to hold in Jos.
Governor Mutfwang made the commitment on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, when a delegation representing the Archbishop and Bishops of the Jos Ecclesiastical Province, led by Professor Monsignor Cletus Gotang, paid him a courtesy visit at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos. The visit was to formally notify the Governor of the forthcoming convention and seek the support and collaboration of the Plateau State Government toward its successful hosting.
Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Bishops, Monsignor Gotang disclosed that the convention, themed "Taking Courage, I Have Overcome the World" (John 16:33), is expected to attract thousands of Catholic youths from the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. He explained that the gathering is designed to deepen the faith of young people, foster national unity, promote responsible citizenship, and strengthen their commitment to peace, service, leadership, and nation-building.
The Church delegation described Plateau State as a land renowned for its hospitality, cultural diversity, and resilience, noting that the choice of Jos as host city presents a unique opportunity to showcase the state as a destination where people of different backgrounds can live, work, and thrive together in harmony. They further emphasized that investing in young people is an investment in the future of both Plateau State and Nigeria, while appealing for government support in the areas of security, healthcare, transportation, sanitation, and logistics.
Responding, Governor Mutfwang expressed profound appreciation to the Catholic leadership for choosing Plateau State as the venue for the national gathering, describing the decision as a strong vote of confidence in the state's enduring reputation for hospitality, religious harmony, and peaceful coexistence.
The Governor noted that the convention represents far more than a routine gathering, stressing that it is a strategic investment in the future of the nation.
"This conference is an investment in youth. It's not just a conference; it's not just a gathering. It is an investment in the future of our country," the Governor stated.
Governor Mutfwang underscored the critical role of moral and spiritual values in shaping a productive, responsible, and resilient generation. He observed that every opportunity to provide young people with moral guidance, purpose, and character formation remains one of the most impactful investments any society can make.
He assured the delegation that his administration fully aligns with the objectives of the convention and will continue to support programmes and initiatives that empower young people, strengthen social cohesion, and build a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Governor further described the Church's decision to host the event in Jos as "a step of great faith," noting that it sends a powerful message to the nation and the international community that Plateau State is safe, welcoming, and open to all.
"We are telling the world that Plateau is not a place to run away from," he said, assuring the Church that all participants would be warmly received and provided with the necessary support to ensure a successful and memorable convention.
Governor Mutfwang thanked the Catholic Church for its prayers, counsel, and unwavering contributions to peace, social development, and nation-building. He emphasized that government and faith-based institutions remain indispensable partners in fostering a society founded on justice, unity, compassion, and shared prosperity.
He pledged that Plateau State would once again demonstrate its renowned hospitality while working closely with the Church to ensure that the convention achieves its objectives of nurturing a generation of young Nigerians committed to faith, peace, leadership, service, and national development.
The Governor reiterated that youth empowerment and peacebuilding remain central pillars of his administration's development agenda, expressing confidence that the convention would inspire positive values, strengthen national cohesion, and contribute meaningfully to the emergence of a more united and prosperous Nigeria.
Gyang Bere, PhD
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
June 2, 2026
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