Beyond Tribe and Tongue: Plateau Central Youths Chose Unity, Unanimously Endorsed Gov. Mutfwang for Continuity.

The Coalition of Plateau Central Indigenous Ethnic Youths has successfully hosted its maiden Youth Connect and Inter-Ethnic Parley, bringing together youths from different communities across the zone in a remarkable effort to strengthen peace, unity, and mutual understanding. The gathering provided an avenue for young people to interact, exchange ideas, and foster lasting relationships that would promote harmony within the region.

The event, which took place at the NUT Hall in Mangu Local Government Area, was organised to encourage peaceful coexistence, friendship, and collaboration among youths of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Participants from at least 13 ethnic nationalities drawn from the five local government areas of Plateau Central Senatorial Zone graced the occasion, demonstrating a collective resolve to advance unity and sustainable development across the zone.

Delivering a welcome address, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Bldr. DG Jipal, stated that the Youth Connect and Inter-Ethnic Parley was conceived to deepen peace, unity, and mutual respect among youths in Plateau Central Senatorial Zone. According to him, the programme marked a historic milestone aimed at bringing together young people from different ethnic groups to pursue a shared vision for the future of the zone.

Jipal further explained that the initiative was designed to provide opportunities for mentorship, cultural interaction, and the restoration of relationships that may have been affected by political differences over time. He added that the programme intentionally created a platform where all ethnic nationalities could interact freely and strengthen cooperation among themselves.

He also appreciated the Plateau State Government for supporting the initiative and for demonstrating commitment towards peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and development within the zone. According to him, the successful turnout at the event clearly indicates that youths are prepared to play meaningful roles in nation-building and support responsible leadership.

Speaking at the occasion, the Senator representing Plateau Central, Sen. Diket Satso Plang, who was represented by Hon. Silas Vem, expressed delight over the initiative taken by the youths in organising the Youth Connect and Inter-Ethnic Parley. He commended the organisers for convening what he described as a timely and significant gathering aimed at reinforcing unity and understanding among the people.

Vem noted that Plateau State is currently confronted with numerous challenges and therefore urged the youths to move beyond lamentations by taking proactive measures towards safeguarding their communities and preserving their heritage. He expressed optimism that the resolutions reached during the parley would contribute meaningfully to addressing the issues affecting the zone.

“Unity is not negotiable for us at this point. Our diversity should be our source of strength, not weakness,” he stated, while encouraging the youths to shun division, embrace cooperation, and make informed choices in electing leaders who genuinely have the interest of the people at heart.

In the same vein, the Executive Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Bala Mwolpun, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Yakwen Nuhu, applauded the youths of Plateau Central for their courage, unity, and unwavering commitment to truth and justice. He also appealed for prayers for the speedy recovery of the Chairman, explaining that ill health prevented him from attending the programme.

Speaking on behalf of the five local government areas, he commended the youths for their confidence in their leaders and for believing in the vision of the Plateau State administration. He further urged them to remain united and continue speaking with one voice, stressing that collective effort remains the strongest tool for achieving meaningful progress and positive transformation.

Delivering a lecture titled “Indigenous Dialect of Plateau Central: History of Identity and a Forge for a United Plateau,” Guest Speaker, Prof. John G. Longkat, Professor of History, cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be swayed by insignificant financial inducements from politicians. He maintained that temporary gains should never prevent them from demanding genuine and lasting development within their communities.

Prof. Longkat further charged the youths to see themselves as a formidable force capable of holding political leaders accountable after elections. He encouraged them to ensure that elected officials fulfil their campaign promises while also remaining united in protecting their land and promoting peaceful coexistence among communities in Plateau Central.

Also speaking are Hon. Dr. Mathew Kwarpo, Dr. Humphrey Kwande Dawal, Hon. Elisha Bitrus and lots of others. They praised the organisers of the Youth Connect and Inter-Ethnic Parley for promoting peace, unity, and collaboration among youths in Plateau Central. They described the initiative as a commendable step towards strengthening inter-ethnic relationships and encouraging harmonious living across the zone.

Meanwhile, the Leader of the Coalition of Plateau Central Indigenous Ethnic Youth Nationalities, Amb. Fuddang Farti Ishaku, disclosed that youths across Plateau Central have unanimously endorsed Governor Caleb Mutfwang for a second term in office. He explained that the endorsement was influenced by the governor’s visible developmental strides across the zone, particularly in road construction and infrastructural development.

With the backing of youth leaders from the 15 Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities, he stated that the endorsement also symbolises the growing unity among youths from the five local government areas within the senatorial district.

According to him, ongoing and completed projects including the Mangu–Mushere Road, Kuba link road, among others, are clear indications of the governor’s commitment towards development. He added that the youths are fully prepared to mobilise massive support for Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s re-election bid.