by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Plateau State Government has recently held a “high-level” engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his visit to the State. In the light of this, the State Government has constituted a Strategic Committee – to “harmonize issues raised” during the Plateau State delegation’s visit to the President.
Chairman of the Committee, who is former Governor of Plateau State, Sen. Joshua Dariye, while presenting the report to Governor Mutfwang, disclosed that the committee developed a comprehensive engagement agenda with the Presidency, identified priority areas requiring Federal Government’s intervention, and recommend sustainable measures to promote peace, security, social cohesion, and development. Governor Mutfwang received the Report at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos, on Monday.
The Committee Chairman disclosed that the committee’s assignment extended beyond administrative responsibility and directly concerned the protection of lives, the safety of communities, and the pursuit of enduring peace across the state.
According to him, a comprehensive report in two-volume was produced by the committee containing detailed analyses, key findings, implementation frameworks, and practical recommendations for government action.
He noted that, peace and security challenges facing the State are multidimensional, historical, layered, and dynamic, which cannot be attributed to a single factor.
He observed that although, Plateau State possesses numerous reports, policy documents, gazettes, peace initiatives, and recommendations, the major challenge has remained inadequate implementation, weak institutional support, inconsistent follow-up, personnel discontinuity, and insufficient accountability.
The Committee recommendations include, among other things, a proposed comprehensive stabilization and recovery framework that extends beyond military responses to include the protection of vulnerable communities, support for internally-displaced persons, reconstruction of affected settlements, livelihood restoration, trauma healing, youth empowerment, women’s participation, interfaith collaboration, traditional conflict mediation, and education.
Sen. Dariye noted that, there is the need for the importance of strategic communication in reshaping public perception of the state.
“Plateau State must be deliberate in telling its own story, correcting distorted narratives, showcasing government efforts, and transforming its image, from one defined by conflict and crisis to one anchored on peace, resilience, justice, hospitality, investment, tourism, and opportunity,” he said.
Receiving the report, Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Mutfwang, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to achieving lasting peace through inclusive dialogue, institutional reforms, and strengthened collaboration with the Federal Government, following the submission of a comprehensive report.
He described the document as a strategic roadmap that would guide informed dialogue and practical interventions aimed at addressing the complex security and socio-political challenges confronting Plateau State.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu demonstrated genuine concern for Plateau State during the delegation’s visit and specifically directed the state to intensify efforts towards restoring enduring peace.
“When we visited Mr. President, it was evident that he has a genuine concern for Plateau State. That is why he gave us clear marching orders to reignite and reinvigorate the search for lasting peace on the Plateau,” the governor said.
He explained that widespread misrepresentation of the purpose of the presidential engagement in some quarters necessitated the establishment of the committee to provide factual clarity and foster a common understanding of the issues affecting the state.
The governor explained that, “The clarity provided by this committee will serve as a solid foundation for the critical conversations we must continue to have as a people.”
While commending traditional rulers, political leaders, religious leaders, and community stakeholders across ethnic and religious divides for sustaining dialogue in an atmosphere of mutual respect rather than confrontation, Gov Mutfwang described their collective commitment as indispensable to preserving Plateau’s social fabric.
He assured of his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, and disclosed that the report would be presented to a broader Plateau stakeholders’ assembly to ensure wider participation and ownership of the peace-building process.
“Those, who accompanied us to the Presidential Villa, do not represent the entirety of Plateau. Many, who were unable to make the trip, also have valuable perspectives that deserve to be heard. We must, therefore, create an enabling environment where every interest group has a voice at the discussion table,” Mutfwang urged.