There was a massive show of support on Wednesday as youths from across Plateau State turned out in their numbers to welcome the newly sworn-in Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Prince Miaphen, as he officially assumed office.
The youths embarked on a solidarity walk from Secretariat Junction to the office of the Commissioner, escorting Miaphen as he resumed his new assignment.
The colourful show of solidarity came as the new commissioner unveiled an ambitious agenda focused on youth unity, grassroots engagement and sports development across the state.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, Miaphen a former President of the National Association of Nigerian St pledged to unite Plateau youths across political, religious and ethnic divides, while repositioning grassroots sports as a major pathway for discovering and developing young talents.
As part of his immediate priorities, the commissioner set a 100-day target for the renovation and completion of three youth centres across Plateau State.
He said the centres would provide young people with spaces for skills development, engagement and other productive activities.
Miaphen also announced plans to embark on a statewide tour of all 17 local government areas to meet youth leaders and grassroots structures, listen to their concerns and understand their aspirations.
“I want to meet all the youth structures at the grassroots level, interact with them and seek their opinions on how best we can represent them,” he said.
Miaphen Pledges to Unite Plateau Youths
The commissioner stressed the importance of unity among Plateau youths, saying political differences should not prevent young people from working together for the overall interest of the state.
He pledged to engage youths irrespective of political affiliation, tribe or religion.
“We need unity. Plateau youths need to be more united than ever before,” Miaphen said, urging young people to work together despite their political differences.
He also called on youths to be mindful of how they portray Plateau State, particularly on social media, warning against narratives capable of damaging the image of the state.
Focus on Grassroots Sports
On sports development, Miaphen said his administration would prioritise grassroots competitions and create stronger structures for identifying and nurturing sporting talents.
According to him, Plateau has abundant talents that can rise to national and international prominence if given the right opportunities.
“We will encourage grassroots competitions. When I came, even when I had not resumed, I attended the Chairman’s Cup finals and we saw talents,” he said.
He promised to work with sporting associations and other stakeholders to establish a stronger foundation for sports development from the community level through the local governments to the state.
Miaphen also assured ministry staff, athletes and other stakeholders of an open-door administration, describing himself as a team player committed to working with everyone to achieve the desired results.
“I am a team player. I want to work and I will work. I belong to all,” he said.
The commissioner commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as efforts to create opportunities for Nigerians and praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his commitment to youth inclusion and development.
He said his appointment was a responsibility he would discharge with accountability to God and the people of Plateau State.
