The need for purposive unity became the central message at the Maiden Plateau Middle-belt Leaders Connect and End of Year Get-together Organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Plateau State on Middle-Belt Ethnic Nationalities, Hon. Dan Kwada on Sunday at Eliel Centre Jos, the Plateau State Capital.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Plateau State on Middle-belt Ethnic Nationalities and Convener of the Event, Hon. Daniel Kwada in his remarks hinted that the event was aimed at providing a veritable platform to connect, unite and discuss critical issues affecting the region as well as to chart a new cause that will translate to the region’s unity and growth.
According to him, the intention of the event also include to spark discourse about strategic collaboration and strengthen the ties between the ethnic nationalities across the Region that has suffered negligence and political marginalisation.
According to him, the event is part of the ongoing efforts of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s Administration directed towards fostering unity, understanding and cooperation among various Middle-belt Nationalities with an overall objective of achieving regional prosperity.
He lauded the Governor for putting the right policies and programmes which according to him is birthing sustainable peace, agricultural and infrastructural development for the prosperity of the State.
Keynote Speaker at the Event, Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam lauded the event and said it is geared towards the collective identity of the People of the region especially its collective desire for unity, peace and progress. He said gone are the days of self-destructive tendencies and disorganised People in the region.
He harped on the need to build a harmonious future for the People of the region since the region is better and stronger when united.
He commended the Governor of Plateau State for believing in and championing the cause of the region.
He also welcomed the appointment of Daniel Kwada as the Senior Special Assistant on Middle-belt Ethnic Nationalities describing him as a reputable Journalist.
He highlighted key issues affecting the region to include lack of unity, majority/minority syndrome and lack of sense of direction. According to him, it is important for the people of the Middle-belt to identify with the region, have its best interest at heart and promote it at all times to make it the pride of the Nation.
He asserted that the region has all what it takes to transform the Nation and called on the People to reject second-class citizenship which has always being the case. He also spoke on the need to harness the cultural heritage and economic potentials of the region saying the region has shared stories of perseverance as many of its illustrious Citizens fought to keep the Nation united.
In his words “Leaders should work together to foster inter-community alliance and economic cooperation. There is need for a Middle-Belt security network to foster peace across the region”
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Bldr. Jeremiah Satmark commended the initiative and reiterated the commitment of his administration to foster unity towards achieving greatness for the State and Citizens.
He said his administration will not relent in achieving peaceful coexistence, a safer and prosperous State.
He said the State will witness massive infrastructural development in the coming years all geared towards transforming it to make it prosperous.
He urged the Citizens to support his plans of bettering the State and its Citizens.
There were Goodwill messages from the The Conference Of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationalities Communities Development Associations (CONAECDA), Plateau Initiative for the Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN), Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), Coalition of Plateau Indigenous Youth, Civil Society Organisation, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Plateau State Chapter, Middle-belt Journalists Forum, Middle-belt Youth Assembly and others who commended the initiative, appreciated the Governor for Appointing the Convener and called for better unity in the region.
The event was well attended by top Government Functionaries, Leaders of Ethnic Nationalities and ethnic nationalities from the Middle-belt.
Guests were entertained with live performances by Cultural Groups.
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