Plateau Central Youths Hold First Inter-Ethnic Parley, Endorse Gov. Mutfwang for Second Term
The Coalition of Plateau Central Indigenous Ethnic Youths has successfully organised its maiden Youth Connect and Inter-Ethnic Parley, bringing together young people from across the zone in a landmark effort to promote peace, unity, and cooperation.
The event, which attracted participants from at least 13 ethnic groups across the five local government areas of Plateau Central Senatorial Zone, served as a platform for dialogue, cultural exchange, and relationship-building among youths from diverse communities.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Bldr. DG Jipal, described the gathering as a historic initiative aimed at fostering peace, unity, and mutual understanding among youths in the zone.
According to him, the programme was designed not only to encourage friendship and collaboration but also to rebuild relationships that may have been weakened by political divisions over the years.
Jipal noted that the parley also created opportunities for mentorship and cultural interaction, while commending the Plateau State Government for supporting the initiative and prioritising youth development and peacebuilding.
“The success of this programme shows that young people are ready to contribute positively to society and support purposeful leadership,” he said.
Representing the Senator for Plateau Central, Sen. Diket Satso Plang, Hon. Silas Vem praised the organisers for convening what he described as a timely and important gathering.
Vem urged youths to move beyond complaints and take practical steps toward protecting their communities and preserving their heritage.
“Unity is not negotiable for us at this point. Our diversity should be our source of strength, not weakness,” he stated, while encouraging youths to reject division and support leaders committed to the wellbeing of the people.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Bala Mwolpun, represented by his deputy, Hon. Yakwen Nuhu, commended the youths for demonstrating unity, courage, and commitment to truth.
He urged them to continue speaking with one voice, stressing that collective action would strengthen their influence and capacity to drive positive change across Plateau Central.
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 cautioned youths against being swayed by monetary inducements from politicians.
He encouraged them to remain focused on demanding sustainable development and holding elected leaders accountable after elections.
“Youths must see themselves as a movement capable of defending their communities and ensuring leaders fulfil their promises,” he said.
The Director General of PLASCHEMA, Dr. Humphrey Kwande Dawal, also commended the organisers for promoting peaceful coexistence and inter-ethnic cooperation.
He urged residents to embrace the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Scheme, noting that access to affordable healthcare is critical to development and productivity.
Meanwhile, Amb. Fuddang Farti Ishaku, leader of the Coalition of Plateau Central Indigenous Ethnic Youth Nationalities, announced that youths across the zone had unanimously endorsed Governor Caleb Mutfwang for a second term in office.
According to him, the endorsement was based on the governor’s visible infrastructural projects across Plateau Central, including road construction and other developmental initiatives.
Supported by youth leaders from the 15 indigenous ethnic nationalities, Ishaku cited projects such as the Mangu–Mushere Road and the Kuba link road as evidence of the governor’s commitment to development.
He added that youths across the five local government areas were prepared to mobilise support for Governor Mutfwang’s re-election.
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