In a groundbreaking event, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) branches in Jos East, Plateau State, came together on September 7, 2024, for a historic meeting aimed at promoting peace and unity in the local government. The meeting, held at the GNS Hall in Angware, was the first of its kind, bringing together religious leaders, political aspirants, and community representatives to discuss pressing issues affecting Jos East.
The Agwom Izere of Izere Nation, Rev. Dr. Isaac Azi Wakili, along with the Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Isa Madaki Ajiji, and several other prominent figures, graced the meeting. The political aspirants vying for chairmanship and deputy chairmanship positions in the upcoming elections also participated, alongside Imams, CAN leaders, and community representatives from the local government’s federal zones.
During the session, religious leaders and community members raised concerns about various challenges plaguing Jos East. These included insecurity, poverty, neglect of education and agriculture, political divisions, and poor infrastructure. Specific emphasis was placed on the recent surge in kidnappings and extrajudicial killings, which have devastated the local community and left many in fear for their safety. The participants also discussed the dire state of primary education in the area, with many schools suffering from dilapidated facilities and lack of essential teaching materials.
The agricultural sector, once a backbone of the local economy, was another focal point of the discussion. Despite the fertile land and favorable climate, farmers in Jos East have been struggling due to a lack of fertilizer, chemicals, and farming equipment, leading to a mass exodus of young people from the area in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
Political divisions and the prevalence of godfatherism in the local political landscape were also highlighted as major obstacles to progress. Religious leaders expressed concerns that this trend was undermining collective efforts to improve the community and called for more transparency and accountability from politicians.
At the end of the meeting, several resolutions were made to address these challenges. CAN and JNI leaders vowed to promote peace and unity through their religious platforms, while also committing to educating the electorate about their rights and civic responsibilities. They also urged the local government to prioritize key areas such as road infrastructure, access to healthcare, support for farmers, and the empowerment of women through affordable loans.
The leaders also called for more investment in education, particularly at the primary level, and emphasized the need for scholarships and recognition of academic excellence among young people in the area. Additionally, they stressed the importance of bringing together political and community leaders across party lines to foster collaboration and development in Jos East.
In their closing remarks, the CAN and JNI representatives expressed gratitude for the peace and harmony that currently exists in Jos East and commended the leadership of the Agwom Izere, Rev. Dr. Isaac Azi Wakili, for his commitment to promoting peace and development in the local government. They also thanked the political aspirants for their contributions, with notable donations made by the APC and LP candidates to support the renovation of local amenities.
The meeting concluded with prayers for continued peace and progress in Jos East, Plateau State, and Nigeria as a whole.
E-signed by:
– Rev. Fr. Youngten Emmanuel Temswang, Chairman, CAN Jos East Branch
– Alhaji Ibrahim Abdu, JNI Chairman, Jos East Branch
– Rev. Bitrus Agwom, Secretary, CAN Jos East Branch
– Mallam Yawa, Secretary, JNI Jos East Branch
