‎GOVERNOR MUTFWANG URGES STAKEHOLDERS TO CHART STRATEGIC PATH FOR UNITY, PEACE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN PLATEAU

...Expresses commitment to protecting lives and property of citizens

‎Stakeholders across ethnic, religious, political and professional divides in Plateau State have been implored to renew their commitment to unity, peace and inclusive development, with a call for stronger collaboration among citizens, government, traditional institutions, civil society and development partners to secure the future of the State.

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‎Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang made the call during a leadership retreat organised by the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement (PIDAN), which brought together the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North Central Region, traditional and religious leaders, political actors, civil society representatives and other stakeholders.

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‎Addressing Stakeholders, Governor Mutfwang linked peace and development to stronger connectivity, rural infrastructure, communication and economic opportunities. He said his administration would continue to expand road infrastructure and rural connectivity, arguing that improved access would strengthen economic activity while making vulnerable communities less isolated.

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‎Addressing the recent security challenges in parts of Plateau, Governor Mutfwang said the State would intensify efforts to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral communities when security conditions permit. He also emphasised the importance of intelligence, communication and community participation in preventing attacks.

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‎Beyond security, the Governor identified Plateau's mineral resources and livestock sector as major economic opportunities that must be managed responsibly for the benefit of the people. He called for organised artisanal mining, stronger regulation, environmental responsibility and greater value for host communities.

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‎He also advocated a new approach to livestock development, urging citizens to look beyond the fears surrounding ranching and focus on the economic opportunities across the livestock value chain.

According to him, Plateau must be positioned to benefit from the enormous market for milk and other livestock products while ensuring that any policy is implemented in the interest of the people and noted that there will be no forceful acquisition of land.

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‎Governor Mutfwang further urged Plateau people to rise above political, ethnic and religious differences, particularly on social media, warning against the use of differences to create unnecessary divisions among leaders and citizens.

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‎“Our differences can become a source of assets that we can leverage upon to advance our people,” he said, calling for a culture of collaboration in which leaders and citizens place the collective interest of Plateau above partisan considerations. While commending PIDAN for creating a platform for dialogue, Governor Mutfwang stressed that unity was indispensable to the State's progress, particularly at a time when Plateau is confronting security challenges and seeking to unlock its economic potential.

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‎“If there was a time that PIDAN was needed, I want to say the time is now, PIDAN has come to stay,” and government will partner with relevant stakeholders to strengthen strategic partner in community engagement, peacebuilding and the long-term development of Plateau State.” 

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‎In his speech, the PIDAN President Amb. Nanpon Danjuma Sheni said the organisation had built its reputation on dialogue, advocacy, research and constructive engagement, stressing that its responsibility was not only to preserve the legacy of its founding leaders but also to strengthen the institution for future generations.

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‎“Our responsibility today is not only to preserve the legacy of PIDAN but to strengthen it for the future,” the PIDAN President stated, adding that the organisation would continue to promote unity, community development, youth empowerment and the protection of Plateau's cultural heritage.

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‎He noted that PIDAN's non-partisan character had enabled it to engage governments, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners in promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding. 

He also highlighted the organisation's sustained advocacy on security, constitutional rights, peaceful coexistence and equitable development, as well as its research and documentation of the history and crises of Jos and Plateau State.

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‎The PIDAN President further pointed to the organisation's publications as an important contribution to public education and evidence-based understanding of Plateau's history, noting that they provide useful resources for researchers, policymakers, students and the media.

He said the organisation's structure, which brings together presidents representing the 56 ethnic nationalities of Plateau State, provides a platform for broad-based consultation and collective action.

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‎The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement Dr. Mrs Abiodun Esiet, reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to closer engagement with communities, stressing that sustainable development could not thrive without peace and security. 

She said community engagement must move beyond offices to direct interaction with affected communities so that their experiences, concerns and recommendations could inform government responses.

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‎He announced plans for a North Central Security Summit scheduled for August 31, 2026, in Benue State, where government officials, security chiefs, traditional and religious leaders, farmers' associations and other critical stakeholders are expected to deliberate on insecurity and strategies for sustainable peace in the region.

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‎In their unanimous submission, representative of the Chairman and President Joint Traditional Council, Gbong Gwom Jos Da Jacob Gyang Buba ; His Royal Higness Ngolong Ngas Nde Jika Golit, CAN Chairman Plateau State Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, representative of the Chairman JNI, Religious and traditional leaders at the retreat similarly called for collective responsibility in rebuilding trust and strengthening social cohesion.

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‎The PIDAN  retreat is expected to provide a strategic platform and a roadmap for repositioning Plateau around shared interests of peace, responsible resource management, inclusive governance, youth empowerment, cultural identity and economic development which is important for the sustainable transformation of Plateau.

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‎Gyang Bere, PhD

‎Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State 

‎August 20, 2026