The year 2026 opened on a note of renewed hope and political maturity in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State as Chief Moses Nwan, PhD, mni, Executive Private Secretary to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, launched a peace, unity and development initiative for Pushit and Pukah Districts.
The event, tagged Pushit and Pukah Districts Peace and Unity Day, was held at the Mwaghavul College of Health Technology, Pushit, and drew a large gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, clergy, civil servants, youth and women groups, cultural troupes and community members from both districts and beyond.
The initiative was described as a deliberate effort to strengthen unity and cooperation between Pushit and Pukah, districts with shared historical roots. Observers noted that the programme aimed at fostering inclusive governance, grassroots development and peaceful coexistence, while reshaping political engagement through collaboration rather than division.
Speakers at the event praised Chief Nwan for his consistent advocacy for peace, unity and people-oriented leadership. They described his leadership style as selfless and inclusive, marked by integrity, balance and a deep sense of social responsibility.
Since 2003, Chief Nwan has been involved in various empowerment and humanitarian initiatives across Pushit, Pukah and neighbouring communities. Community leaders and beneficiaries testified to his support for widows, orphans, students, persons living with disabilities and youths, describing him as a leader who prioritises unity and community welfare.
Delivering the keynote address, Bishop Professor Maurice Emmanuel Dafi of the Anglican Diocese of Maiduguri and Visiting Professor at Plateau State University, Bokkos, described Chief Nwan as a symbol of unity and accountability. He stressed that peace and unity are fundamental to sustainable development and urged leaders to place humanitarian service and dialogue at the centre of governance.
The Chairman of the occasion, Elder Gyemu Tyoden, commended Chief Nwan’s commitment to peace and development, noting that the initiative was timely, particularly at a period when dialogue and unity are critical to sustaining stability in Plateau State.
In his address, Chief Moses Nwan, who also holds the traditional title of Mishkagham Tong Riyang Pushit and serves as an Ambassador of AMPB United Nations World Peace and Positive Living under ECOSOC, said the initiative was driven by his lifelong commitment to impacting lives positively, especially among vulnerable groups. He emphasised that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and unity.
Chief Nwan credited Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for providing moral and political support, describing the governor as a strong advocate of unity and development. He clarified that the initiative was not tied to any personal political ambition but was meant to support the governor’s vision and strengthen grassroots cohesion.
He also cautioned against actions and narratives capable of creating division, urging community leaders and residents to embrace dialogue, cooperation and collective responsibility for the future of their communities.
Goodwill messages were delivered by prominent personalities, including the Plateau State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Raymond Dabo, Alhaji Yaro Maireke and a representative of the state’s Permanent Secretaries, all of whom commended the initiative and called for broad support to ensure its success.
The event featured cultural performances highlighting the shared heritage of Pushit and Pukah, symbolising unity and mutual respect. District heads from both communities applauded Chief Nwan’s role as a unifier and urged sons and daughters of the districts to support the peace and unity agenda.
Held under the theme “In One Accord,” the Pushit and Pukah Peace and Unity Initiative was widely regarded as a non-partisan effort aimed at strengthening social cohesion, improving governance outcomes and positioning the communities as active contributors to the development of Plateau State.
As the programme concluded, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr Zechariah Kuden, called on residents of Pushit, Pukah and the wider Plateau community to sustain the momentum by embracing inclusivity and cooperation, describing the initiative as the beginning of a new era of collective action and hope.
