Stakeholders across ethnic, religious, political and professional divides in Plateau State have been urged 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.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, made the call during a leadership retreat organised by the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement (PIDAN). The retreat brought together government representatives, traditional and religious leaders, political actors, civil society representatives and other key stakeholders.
Addressing participants, Governor Mutfwang linked peace and development to improved connectivity, rural infrastructure, communication and economic opportunities. He said his administration would continue to expand road infrastructure and rural connectivity, noting that improved access would boost economic activities while reducing the isolation of vulnerable communities.
On 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 stressed the importance of intelligence gathering, effective communication and community participation in preventing attacks and strengthening security.
Beyond security, the Governor identified Plateau’s mineral resources and livestock sector as major economic opportunities that must be responsibly managed for the benefit of the people. He called for organised artisanal mining, stronger regulation, environmental protection and greater value for host communities.
He also advocated a new approach to livestock development, urging citizens to look beyond concerns 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 policies are implemented in the interest of the people. He also assured that there would be no forceful acquisition of land.
Governor Mutfwang further urged Plateau people to rise above political, ethnic and religious differences, particularly on social media, warning against using such differences to create unnecessary divisions among leaders and citizens.
“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.
“If there was a time that PIDAN was needed, I want to say the time is now. PIDAN has come to stay,” he said, adding that government would partner with relevant stakeholders to strengthen strategic partnerships in community engagement, peacebuilding and the long-term development of Plateau State.
In his speech, PIDAN President, Amb. Nanpon Danjuma Sheni, said the organisation had built its reputation on dialogue, advocacy, research and constructive engagement.
He stressed that PIDAN’s responsibility was not only to preserve the legacy of its founding leaders but also to strengthen the institution and ensure its relevance for future generations.