Governor Mutfwang Kicks Off Eden Initiative’s Resettlement Project for Displaced Persons Amidst Excitement

Hope was rekindled and excitement filled the air for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Plateau State as the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Wednesday flagged off a pilot resettlement project initiated by the Eden Initiative for Humanitarian Support at Ribakwa Village, Rigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government Area.

Describing the intervention as the dawn of a new chapter, Governor Mutfwang said the project marks the beginning of “a journey of hope, a story of resilience, and a testimony of a people determined to withstand adversity.”

Addressing stakeholders at the foundation-laying ceremony, the Governor said the initiative symbolises the resolve of compassionate citizens who refused to turn a blind eye to the plight of displaced persons. Drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Nehemiah, he noted that meaningful change begins when people are genuinely troubled by injustice.

“When people arise to take responsibility, especially for the vulnerable, God arises with them,” he said, expressing confidence that the Eden Initiative is divinely inspired and will attract divine honour.

Governor Mutfwang emphasised that the Ribakwa project represents only the first phase of a broader recovery and resettlement journey, assuring displaced persons in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas that relief is imminent.

“We can leave here and tell our people that hope is coming. Despair not, because our God is a promise keeper,” the Governor declared, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to resettling citizens who have lived in displacement for over a decade.

He reiterated his vision of ensuring that every Plateau son and daughter lives in dignity, peace and prosperity on the land God has bestowed upon them, describing Plateau as a blessed land where injustice cannot prevail.

“No matter how long a people have suffered, when God arises, a captivity of many years can be turned around in a single day,” he added.

The Governor pledged his personal support and that of the Plateau State Government to the project, stressing that it is not profit-driven but purely humanitarian in nature.

“This is not a contract for personal gain; it is a community-based effort calling on all of us to be our brother’s keeper,” he stated.

Calling on the Irigwe people and all Plateau citizens to take ownership of the initiative, Governor Mutfwang commended individuals and communities who donated land without seeking compensation.

“There is nothing anyone can give you for helping your brother in distress except God Himself,” he said, urging citizens to contribute labour, materials or resources, no matter how modest with the assurance that all contributions would be judiciously utilised.

He further applauded the Rigwe Traditional Council, the Irigwe Development Association and the host community for their unity, sacrifice and commitment, describing their actions as exemplary and worthy of emulation across Plateau State as efforts toward lasting peace and resettlement gather momentum.

Earlier, the Bra Ngwe Irigwe, Reverend Dr. Rokwu Aka, described the Governor’s presence as a source of healing and renewed hope for a long-suffering people, while the Chairman of Bassa Local Government Council, Joshua Riti, welcomed the project as a milestone towards peace, stability and sustainable development in the area.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Eden Initiative for Humanitarian Support, Rev. Prof. Pandang Yamsat, disclosed that the pilot scheme would resettle 100 families, complete with housing, a school, clinic and trauma centre, potable water, electricity and access roads. He added that the model would be replicated in other affected local government areas.

“Your Excellency, this gesture of communities coming together to form one united community is a practical demonstration of your desire for unity on the Plateau. Worthy of note is the fact that the 30 hectares of land for this project was freely donated by the Rigwe Chiefdom, particularly by individuals whose farmlands have been sacrificed for this noble cause,” he stated.

Providing an overview of the project, the Executive Director of the Eden Initiative for Humanitarian Support, Dr. Stephen Hirse, assured that the initiative would be impactful, sustainable and beneficial to the displaced persons, adding that implementation would be completed within record time.