Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has called on leaders across the state to embrace collective responsibility and renew their commitment to building lasting peace and sustainable development.
Speaking during Day Two of the Good Governance, Peace, and Transformation Retreat in Jos, themed “Oneness for Wholesome Transformation and Development,” the governor said forgiveness, unity, and the vision of a progressive Plateau State took centre stage.
He urged participants to rise above divisions and work collaboratively toward a shared and prosperous future.
While addressing stakeholders, he emphasized that Plateau’s prophetic destiny remains certain but cautioned that its fulfillment depends on the emergence of responsible, self-driven, and committed leaders.
“One of my greatest frustrations in governance is the scarcity of men who can work unsupervised and deliver results.”
“What God intends for Plateau is not in doubt, but the challenge lies in finding those willing and capable of executing that vision,” he said.
He further called on leaders to transcend ethnic and sectional interests, adding that “everything we do must be driven by a genuine burden to lift our people out of poverty into prosperity.”
The governor also disclosed that all former governors of the state recently met to chart a course for reconciliation and peace.
According to him, the resolution was clear and unanimous: “The time has come for us to close ranks… we must forgive one another.”
He described unity as the cornerstone of progress, warning that persistent divisions along ethnic, religious, and political lines continue to undermine peace and development.
Speaking earlier, the leader of the Healing, Leadership, and Transformation Initiative, Brother Ben Akpera, noted that the retreat was conceived as a defining moment rather than a routine gathering.
“We must become the change we seek,” he said, emphasizing that genuine healing and reconciliation must be rooted in truth, reflection, and a shared sense of purpose.
Former Governor, Senator Jonah Jang, described the retreat as a pivotal moment in Plateau’s history, particularly as the state commemorates its Golden Jubilee.
“Good governance, peace, and transformation can only thrive in a healed environment,” he stated.
He observed that years of mistrust and division have slowed progress, adding that “the future of Plateau depends not only on policies but on alignment with its higher purpose and the restoration of trust, justice, and unity.”
Also, the guest speaker, Apostle Emmanuel Kure, asserted that Plateau’s challenges go beyond governance structures, pointing to deeper social and moral fractures.
“There is a conspiracy against the future of this state, but the solution lies with its people. Your sons shall rise to rebuild Plateau,” he declared.
He cautioned against normalizing cycles of violence, affirming that “Plateau shall no longer be termed desolate.”
In a goodwill message on behalf of the Christian community, the Plateau State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dunka Gomwalk, expressed optimism about the state’s trajectory.
“The darkest hour is just before dawn,” he noted. “God is ushering Plateau into a season where past labours will yield fruit and a new narrative will emerge.”
The three-day retreat, convened by the 24 Elders Council, has attracted top government officials, local government chairmen, and key stakeholders from across the state and the Middle Belt region.
Deliberations are expected to yield actionable frameworks for peacebuilding, governance reforms, and sustainable development, as Plateau positions itself for a new era of unity and progress.