The Coalition of Plateau Central Indigenous Ethnic Youths has successfully held its first-ever Youth Connect and Inter-Ethnic Parley, bringing together young people from across the zone in a bold move to promote unity and peace. The event served as a platform for youths to meet, share ideas, and build stronger relationships.
Held at the NUT Hall in Mangu LGA, The event was aimed at encouraging friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation among youths from different communities. Youths from atleast 13 ethnic groups across the five local government areas of Plateau Central Senatorial Zone attended the event, showing a shared commitment to peaceful coexistence and progress.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Bldr. DG Jipal, said the Youth Connect and Inter-Ethnic Parley was organised to promote peace, unity, and understanding among youths in Plateau Central Senatorial Zone. He described the gathering as a historic event designed to bring young people from different ethnic groups together for a common purpose.
Jipal said the programme also serves as a platform for mentorship, cultural exchange, and rebuilding relationships that may have been weakened by political differences over the years. He noted that the event was structured to bring all ethnic groups together and encourage stronger cooperation among the youths.
He commended the Plateau State Government for supporting the event and for its commitment to promoting peace, youth growth, and development in the zone. He added that the success of the programme shows that young people are ready to contribute positively to society and support good leadership.
Speaking during the event, The Senator representing Plateau Central, Sen. Diket Satso Plang, represented by Hon. Silas Vem, expressed pride in the youths of the zone for organising the Youth Connect and Inter-Ethnic Parley. He commended the organisers for initiating what he described as a timely and important meeting aimed at strengthening unity among the people.
Vem said Plateau is facing serious challenges and urged the youths to move beyond complaints by taking practical steps that would protect their communities and heritage. He expressed confidence that the meeting would produce useful resolutions to address the problems confronting the zone.
“Unity is not negotiable for us at this point. Our diversity should be our source of strength, not weakness,” he said, while urging youths to reject division, work together, and make wise decisions in choosing leaders who will truly serve 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 of Plateau Central Zone for their unity, courage, and commitment to truth. He also urged prayers for the Chairman’s quick recovery, noting that he was unwell and unable to attend the event.
Speaking on behalf of the five local government areas, he praised the youths for trusting their leaders and believing in the vision of Plateau State leadership. He encouraged them to remain united and speak with one voice, stressing that collective action would strengthen their influence and ability to bring positive change.
Guest Speaker, Prof. John G. Longkat, Professor of History, in his lecture titled “Indigenous Dialect of Plateau Central: History of Identity and a Forge for a United Plateau,” cautioned youths against being influenced by small monetary gifts from politicians. He stressed that such short-term benefits should not distract them from demanding real and sustainable development in their communities.
He further urged youths to see themselves as a strong movement capable of holding leaders accountable after elections. Prof. Longkat encouraged them to insist that politicians fulfil their campaign promises and to remain united in defending their territory and promoting cooperation among communities in Plateau Central.
The Director General of Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA), Dr. Humphrey Kwande Dawal, commended the organisers of the Youth Connect and Inter-Ethnic Parley for fostering unity, peace, and cooperation among youths in Plateau Central. He described the initiative as a positive step towards strengthening relationships across ethnic groups and promoting harmonious coexistence in the zone.
He also encouraged youths and residents to embrace the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Scheme, noting that access to quality and affordable healthcare is essential for development. Dr. Dawal urged them to support government programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing and productivity of citizens.
Amb. Fuddang Farti Ishaku, Leader of the Coalition of Plateau Central Indigenous Ethnic Youth Nationalities, said youths across Plateau Central have unanimously endorsed Governor Caleb Mutfwang for a second term. He said the decision was based on the governor’s visible development projects across the zone, especially road construction and other infrastructure upgrades.
Supported by Youths leaders of the 15 Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities, he explained that the endorsement also reflects a strong show of unity among youths from the five local government areas of the Senatorial District.
According to him, ongoing and completed projects such as the Mangu–Mushere Road, Kuba link road, and others demonstrate the governor’s commitment to development, and the youths are ready to mobilize support for his re-election.
