The Coalition of Plateau Central Indigenous Ethnic Youths has held its maiden Youth Connect and Inter-Ethnic Parley, bringing together youths from across the five local government areas of Plateau Central Senatorial Zone in a bid to strengthen unity, peace, and cooperation among communities.
The event, which attracted participants from at least 13 ethnic groups, served as a platform for young people to interact, exchange ideas, and foster stronger relationships aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and development in the zone.
Speaking during the event, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Bldr. DG Jipal, described the parley as a historic gathering designed to unite youths from different ethnic nationalities for a common purpose.
According to him, the initiative was organised to promote peace, understanding, and collaboration among youths in Plateau Central, while also creating opportunities for mentorship, cultural exchange, and rebuilding relationships affected by political divisions over the years.
Jipal said the programme was intentionally structured to ensure the inclusion of all ethnic groups in the zone and to encourage stronger cooperation among young people.
He commended the Plateau State Government for supporting the initiative and for its commitment to youth development and peacebuilding efforts across the state.
Also speaking, Senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, Diket Satso Plang, represented by Hon. Silas Vem, praised the organisers for convening what he described as a timely and important meeting focused on strengthening unity among the people.
Vem noted that Plateau State is currently facing serious challenges and urged youths to move beyond complaints by taking practical steps toward protecting their communities and preserving their heritage.
“Unity is not negotiable for us at this point. Our diversity should be our source of strength, not weakness,” he said, while encouraging youths to reject division and support leaders committed to serving the people.
The Executive Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Bala Mwolpun, represented by his deputy, Hon. Yakwen Nuhu, also commended the youths for demonstrating courage, unity, and commitment to truth.
He urged the youths across the five local government areas to continue speaking with one voice, stressing that collective action would strengthen their ability to influence positive change in Plateau Central.
Delivering a lecture titled, “Indigenous Dialect of Plateau Central: History of Identity and a Forge for a United Plateau,” Prof. John G. Longkat cautioned youths against being swayed by financial inducements from politicians.
The university don urged them to remain focused on demanding sustainable development and accountability from elected leaders rather than short-term benefits.
He further encouraged the youths to see themselves as a strong movement capable of holding political office holders accountable after elections and promoting unity among communities in Plateau Central.
Director General of PLASCHEMA, Dr. Humphrey Kwande Dawal, described the parley as a commendable initiative aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and stronger inter-ethnic relationships among youths in the zone.
He also encouraged residents to embrace the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Scheme, noting that affordable and accessible healthcare remains vital to development and productivity.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Coalition of Plateau Central Indigenous Ethnic Youth Nationalities, Amb. Fuddang Farti Ishaku, announced that youths across Plateau Central had unanimously endorsed Caleb Mutfwang for a second term in office.
According to him, the endorsement was based on what he described as visible infrastructural development projects executed by the governor across the zone, including road construction and other upgrades.
He stated that ongoing and completed projects such as the Mangu–Mushere Road and Kuba Link Road reflect the governor’s commitment to development, adding that youths across the district were prepared to mobilise support for his re-election.
