News
Deputy Chair Attributes Langtang North’s Peace to Tolerance and Respect for Local Laws
As violent conflicts continue to afflict various parts of Plateau State, the Deputy Chairperson of Langtang North Local Government Area, Hon. Deborah Daniel, has highlighted tolerance, mutual respect, and adherence to local laws as key factors sustaining peace in the area.
She made this known on Saturday, July 26, 2025, when the Plateau State High-Powered Fact-Finding Committee visited the council as part of its statewide assessment aimed at addressing recurring killings and insecurity.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Pirfa Jingfa Tyem, who was unavoidably absent, Hon. Deborah noted that while Langtang North has not been immune to disputes—particularly over land—it has largely avoided the large-scale violence seen in other parts of the state due to its people’s deep-rooted culture of peaceful coexistence.
“We are a welcoming people, but we also believe strongly in law and order,” she said. “When you come to Langtang North and you respect our customs and abide by the rules, you’ll have no problem. But when someone refuses to follow the laid-down regulations, that’s when there’s tension.”
Hon. Deborah stressed the community’s reputation for hospitality and added that most internal issues are resolved through tolerance and dialogue rather than confrontation. “We tolerate a lot. We believe in telling people the truth in peace. That’s how we have been able to live with others. We are peacemakers,” she emphasized.
She commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for establishing the committee, describing him as “a true father of the state” for seeking to understand the root causes of violence rather than ignoring the suffering of citizens.
The committee, led by Maj. Gen. Nicholas Ragas (Rtd), had earlier stated that its visit was aimed at collecting firsthand accounts to formulate realistic and sustainable recommendations to restore peace in Plateau. He expressed satisfaction with the peaceful atmosphere in Langtang North, contrasting it with the devastation witnessed in other LGAs.
In addition to a meeting with local officials, the committee held separate engagements with security agencies and the traditional council led by His Royal Highness Nimnan Langnim, the Ponzhi Zinni. The monarch affirmed that peace in the area is the result of collective vigilance and sacrifice. “We watch each other’s backs. The interest of the community comes first,” he said.
In her final remarks, Hon. Deborah appealed for greater inclusion of women in peace building and governance. “There are only two women among ten committee members. We need to be carried along more because women are natural peace advocates,” she added.
Concluding the visit, Maj. Gen. Ragas praised the people of Langtang North for prioritizing unity and dialogue, noting that while land disputes exist, the absence of major attacks or reprisals was commendable. “We’ve seen the difference here,” he said. “This kind of community-based peace approach is what we hope to replicate elsewhere across the state.”
Nigerian youngster Godwin Raphael Itotomi has taken a significant step in his football career after completing a move to French club Stade de Reims, where he will continue his development with the club’s youth setup.
Sports247 reports that the highly-rated centre-back, who captained Grassrunners FC of Ogun State, officially signed his contract with the French outfit and is expected to feature for Stade de Reims Révélations, the club’s reserve and youth development team competing in the Groupe Élite Championnat des Réserves Professionnelles.
The transfer marks another milestone for the promising defender, whose leadership qualities and commanding performances at the heart of Grassrunners FC’s defence earned him recognition and opened the door to European football.
Renowned for his composure on the ball, strong aerial presence, tactical awareness and ability to organise the backline, Itotomi now has the opportunity to further develop his game in one of Europe’s respected youth development environments.
The move is expected to expose him to a higher level of competition and professional coaching as he works towards breaking into senior football.
Speaking on the move, those close to the player believe the switch to France represents the perfect platform for the young defender to realise his enormous potential.
Joining Stade de Reims provides him with access to world-class training facilities and a structured development pathway that has produced several top talents over the years.
For Grassrunners FC and Ogun State football, the transfer is another testament to the quality of young players being nurtured at the grassroots level. It also reinforces the growing reputation of Nigerian academies in producing talented footballers capable of earning opportunities with European clubs.
As he begins life in Reims, located in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, Itotomi will be aiming to adapt quickly to his new environment, impress the coaching staff and establish himself as a key figure in the club’s youth ranks.
The move is expected to serve as an important stepping stone in his career, with the long-term ambition of progressing into Stade de Reims’ first team and eventually making his mark at the highest level of European football.
For Nigerian football enthusiasts, Godwin Raphael Itotomi’s transfer is another encouraging success story, highlighting the increasing pathway from grassroots football to elite European clubs.
-
News4 days agoAbia N150m campaign billboard fee, APC agenda against opposition – Kenneth Okonkwo
-
News4 days ago
Anthropic says its own AI models breached three companies during security tests
-
News4 days ago
2027: Defections, reconciliation moves reshape Niger’s political landscape
-
Health4 days ago
Resident doctors threaten nationwide strike over unpaid arrears, welfare concerns
