From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has called on stakeholders across ethnic, religious, political and professional divides to renew their commitment to unity, peace and inclusive development in the state.
The Governor made the call at a leadership retreat organised by the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement (PIDAN), which brought together government officials, traditional and religious leaders, political actors, civil society representatives and development partners.
Mutfwang said stronger collaboration among citizens, government, traditional institutions, civil society and development partners was essential to securing the future of Plateau State.
He linked sustainable peace and development to improved infrastructure, connectivity, communication and economic opportunities, stressing that his administration would continue to expand road networks and rural connectivity to open up communities and boost economic activities.
On the security situation in parts of the state, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while expressing determination to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral communities whenever security conditions permit.
He also emphasised the need for improved intelligence gathering, effective communication and stronger community participation in preventing attacks and promoting peace.
Mutfwang identified Plateau’s mineral resources and livestock sector as major areas of economic opportunity, urging stakeholders to promote responsible resource management.
He called for organised artisanal mining, stronger regulation, environmental protection and improved benefits for host communities.
On livestock development, the Governor urged citizens to focus on the economic opportunities across the livestock value chain, particularly the large market for milk and other livestock products.
He stressed that any policy on livestock development must be implemented in the interest of the people, assuring that there would be no forceful acquisition of land.
The Governor also urged Plateau citizens to rise above political, ethnic and religious differences, particularly on social media, warning against the use of such differences to create unnecessary divisions.
“Our differences can become a source of assets that we can leverage upon to advance our people,” he said, urging leaders and citizens to place the collective interest of Plateau above partisan considerations.
Mutfwang commended PIDAN for providing a platform for dialogue and strategic engagement, describing the organisation as an important partner in efforts to strengthen peacebuilding, community engagement and long-term development in the state.
“If there was a time that PIDAN was needed, I want to say the time is now. PIDAN has come to stay,” he said.
In his remarks, PIDAN President, Ambassador Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, said the organisation had built its reputation through dialogue, advocacy, research and constructive engagement.
Sheni said PIDAN’s responsibility was not only to preserve the legacy of its founding leaders but also to strengthen the institution for future generations.
He said the organisation would continue to promote unity, community development, youth empowerment and the protection of Plateau’s cultural heritage.
According to him, PIDAN’s non-partisan structure has 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 advocacy on security, constitutional rights and equitable development, as well as its research and documentation of the history and crises of Jos and Plateau State.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North Central Region, Dr. Abiodun Esiet, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening engagement with communities.
Esiet stressed that sustainable development could not thrive without peace and security, adding that community engagement must extend beyond government offices to direct interaction with affected communities.
She also 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 stakeholders are expected to deliberate on insecurity and strategies for sustainable peace in the region.
Other participants, including representatives of the Joint Traditional Council, religious leaders and community stakeholders, called for collective responsibility in rebuilding trust, strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Our correspondent reports that the PIDAN retreat is expected to contribute to a strategic roadmap for repositioning Plateau State around shared priorities, including peace, responsible resource management, inclusive governance, youth empowerment, cultural preservation and sustainable economic development.