According to
the popular former American President, John Kennedy, ” Peace is a daily, a
weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old
barriers, quietly building new structures “
Gov. Simon
Bako Lalong of Plateau State appears to be translating this sage saying into
reality. Little by little, he is building structures towards sustainable peace.
From the regular payments of emoluments to the civil servants, to the injection
of 24,000 metric tones to farmers at subsidized rates, and the establishment of
two zonal police commands in Bukuru and Pankshin, the underlying message is one
– peace building.
The just
concluded maiden Joscarnival
made a strong statement on the return of peace on the plateau. In more peaceful
climes, very few public officers can take a walk round their immediate
constituency without fear of the unknown. Gov. Simon Lalong alongside his quite
and caring wife, Regina walked eight long kilometers in the heart of Jos
to grace the carnival. Apart from the physical fitness so apparent from this
exercise, a bold message of return of peace reverberates the land. As he waves
back at residents from rooftops and windows, it is clear that he is the man of
the people.
Peace has
indeed returned.
While labor
unions in other climes, are in the trenches embarking on aluta continua for workers salaries, Lalong’s Plateau has become
the darling of comrades. Recently, he was presented with an award for payment
of workers and pensioners by Ibrahim Khaleel, National President of local
government unions (NULGE). Shortly after, The Nigerian Union of Pensioners
(NUP) has also shortlisted Gov. Lalong for award at its 10th quadrennial
conference. According to its spokesman, Comrade Bunmi Ogunkolade, he is among
the six out of the 36 governors and who do not owe pensioners in their states.
For Trade Unions known for bringing states to a standstill, such commendations
are not based on logistics.
The return
of peace is manifest from the influx of people into the State. Jos is not only
regaining its lost glory as land of peace and tourism, but is becoming a favorite
destination for conferences and retreats. In the past few weeks for instance,
Jos played host to 3,000 participants for a weeklong event organised by the
Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN). Similarly about 200
children were at the Rayfield Golf Club to participate in a weeklong Children’s
Golf tournament. Furthermore the state is still savoring the weeklong retreat
by Sokoto State led by Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Sultan of Sokoto, members of
the State Executive council, boards and parastatals. These guests, their
drivers, their friends and their cars require upkeep. Hoteliers, taxis and food
vendors are smiling to the bank. As the visitor’s needs for shelter, food,
leisure and recreation are catered for; the city’s informal sector is brimming
with activities. The petrol stations, fruit vendors, mai suyas, are all scrambling for a piece of the action.
The upsurge
of human traffic and patronage is stretching the capacity of the 120 hotels in
Jos to its limits. Little wonder, more hotels are springing up everyday as
vehicular traffic has replaced the former ghost town.
The attraction
to the city as a result of the peace, alongside timely payments of salaries has
culminated into a boisterous local economy. These economic activities generate
employment opportunities for the teeming youths. Those with entrepreneurial
attributes also find expression from the multiple business opportunities so
provided. Most observers attribute the
peace being enjoyed in Jos to the engagement of youthful energies into
profitable enterprise. When the youths are engaged therefore, it diminishes
their attraction to criminality and deviant behavior.
To many
observers, the superlative performance of the Plateau United football
club on top table of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is
not by accident. The peace at home has provided a great tonic for the boys to
do exploits on the field of play. As a sportsman himself, Gov. Lalong knows how
it works.
The rousing
reception received by Efe, winner of Big BrotherNaija, by the Government and
people of Plateau has redefined Plateau as home of peace and tourism.
As Gov. Simon
Lalong marks another birthday, his vision of making Plateau a haven for peace,
tourism and hospitality is being achieved one step at a time.
By Yakubu Dati
(Former Commissioner in Plateau State)