The people of Plateau State have been charged to use their diversity to their advantage and unite for the common good and prosperity of the State.
This clarion call came from an apolitical and sociocultural group, Plateau Our Heritage Revival Initiative (POHri) at its first Summit which held on Thursday 31st March, 2022 at Greatlinks Continental Suites Hall Jos, the Plateau State Capital.

The Summit with the theme “Plateau State: Changing the Narratives – Our Stand brought together professionals from diverse specialties as Discussants who made paper presentations on better ways to achieve a more united people and prosperous State in the future.

Chairman of the occasion, a security Expert and top retired Military Officer, Gen. Jon Temlong OON in his remarks called for attitudinal change by the people of the State to attract the much needed development.
He urged the elders to be good mentors and lead the younger generation aright, so the State can take it rightful place in terms of unity and development.

Gen. Temlong harped on the need for National will if the Country is to make progress and overcome the numerous challenges confronting it.

In his remarks Convener of the group, Hon. Ayuba Pam Dangwong a seasoned Journalist hinted that the Summit was aimed at bringing to the front burner, addressing critical issues affecting the State and to proffer solutions to the problems confronting the State that has hindered it from making expected progress.
“We are here to discuss, rob minds and ensure that we forge ahead as a people and for the sake of our common heritage” he posited.

He said the group will continue to work for the unity, peace, progress and development of the State as well as the promotion, preservation and protection of its heritage.

Chairman of the Group, Hon. Alex Kwapnoe said the Summit was organized to spark up conversation and discuss better ways the State can achieve greatness, hence the careful choice of the Discussants who are Experts in various fields to provide solutions to the mirage of problems bedevilling the State.
According to him, the State ought to be better than its present state hence the need for purpose unity and true patriotism by the Citizens to take it to enviable.
“Plateau ought to be the envy of all; we ought to be the centre of attraction, but we are not. So, we must be involved on who govern Plateau in 2023, and that person should emerge base on experience and the quality of what he or she has to offer.
“So we must put our sentiments and interests aside and elect credible leaders that move this forward” he disclosed.

According to him, the security challenges over the years has posed fresh challenges that various administrations in the state had to battle with.

“The current situation where the security apparatus is being controlled from Abuja
with the State Governor being the Chief Security Officer only in name needs to be
addressed immediately to check the level of insecurity in the States.
Addressing the insecurity problem would open up more areas for development as
well as attract investors and tourists to the state.

To move from this unfortunate situation, concerted efforts must be put in place through amending out status to give the States greater role to play in defining the economic destination of this Country”

The discussion session saw Prof. Patricia Lar a Professor of Medical Microbiology University of Jos who also is the Vice President West Africa Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA) speaking on the topic “Plateau: A State in Progress or Inertia?” with Mr. Viktor Kuchili the Lead Development Consultant CCN Nigeria making presentation on “building economic gains for Plateau State”.
Barr. Henry Longpoe a Lecturer Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Building University of Jos presentation was on the “punishment of crimes in conflict situations, a case study of Plateau State” while a seasoned Banker and former Management Committee Chairman of Kanke LGA, Hon. Yohanna Panshak presentation was on “changing the narrative for sustainable revenue generation in Plateau State”.

There was also presentation by Development Teams of the Group with Prof. Chris Yilgwan for the Health Development Team, Dr. Sumaye Hamza for the Education Development Team, Nde Barr. Isaac Dimka for the Infrastructure Development Team and Mr. Daniel Pam for the Cooperative Development Team.

The summit was streamed live for participation of Members who could not attend physically.

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Plateau Group Urge Indigenes to Manage Their Diversity Well for the Prosperity of the State