Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports development, Prince Maiphen, has urged youths across the state to put the interest of Plateau above partisan politics and avoid actions that could damage the state’s image.
Maiphen stated this today, when the leadership of the Plateau State Youth Council (PYC), led by Chairman Comrade Panan Dapar, paid him a courtesy visit to congratulate him on his appointment and formally welcome him to office.
The commissioner said youths could criticise government policies but urged them to do so constructively, with facts, respect and a focus on finding solutions.
He described the PYC as the apex youth body in Plateau State, stressing that his ministry would work closely with the council in driving youth-focused programmes and initiatives.
Maiphen, who pledged an open-door policy, said his administration would build on existing youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, training and sports programmes.
He disclosed plans to renovate the three key youth centres in Dadin Kowa, Pankshin and Shendam within his first 100 days in office, while also announcing plans for a youth unity tour across the 17 local government areas.
According to him, the tour will promote unity among Plateau youths and encourage them to protect the state regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences.
“Let’s first and foremost be one. Let’s join our hands together to protect our land,” Maiphen said.
On sports, the commissioner called on youths to actively support Plateau-based teams, particularly Plateau United and Mighty Jets.
He also pledged to attend grassroots sporting activities and advocate greater participation by members of the State Executive Council and heads of government agencies in supporting local teams.
Earlier, PYC Chairman Panan Dapar congratulated Maiphen and described him as a long-standing youth leader who understands the aspirations of young people.
Dapar said the visit was intended to formally welcome the commissioner and establish a strong working relationship between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Youth Council.
He appealed to the commissioner to give priority to the needs of young people and maintain an open-door policy for youth groups operating under the PYC.
Dapar pledged the council’s cooperation with the ministry, saying the PYC would work with the commissioner to take youth development initiatives from the state capital to communities across Plateau State.
