Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has called on leaders of the Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Community Development Association (CONAECDA) and various cultural organisations not to give up hope on Nigeria despite the security challenges confronting the nation.
The governor, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities, Hon. Dan Kwada, made the appeal during CONAECDA 2025 Award Night and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held at Eliel Centre, Jos, over the weekend.
“All hands must be on deck” — Mutfwang
Kwada, speaking on behalf of the governor, said the current challenges require collective responsibility and collaboration among all ethnic nationalities.
“All hands must be on deck to tackle these challenges with a view to nipping them in the bud,” he stated.
He emphasized that unity among the state’s diverse ethnic groups remains essential for sustainable development, noting that meaningful progress cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of chaos and confusion.
The governor expressed delight at being part of a historic gathering where indigenous leaders come together to deliberate on issues affecting their communities and renewed the government’s commitment to managing diversity in Plateau State.
Government outlines roadmap for development
Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of all citizens and the restoration of peace across the state. He outlined a strategic roadmap aimed at positioning Plateau at the centre of growth in key sectors such as:
- Tourism
- Education
- Agriculture
- Livestock
- ICT
- Mining
- Manufacturing
“Our efforts are already visible. We are working with traditional and religious leaders and several stakeholder groups including CONAECDA and PIDAN. We are also partnering in peacebuilding and in efforts to return displaced communities by providing security and resolving conflicts,” he said.
He added that the government is collaborating with CONAECDA on multilingual education, cultural festivals, tourism development, and livestock transformation.
CONAECDA: Championing cultural identity and community development
In his welcome address, CONAECDA President, Pastor Danladi Jeji, said the organisation’s vision is rooted in asserting ethnic cultural identity, self-determination, and sustainable development in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the African Union Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
He noted that CONAECDA has chapters in 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), representing over 400 indigenous communities across Central and Northern Nigeria, with focus areas including development, security, and humanitarian interventions.
Dogara hails CONAECDA’s impact
Former House of Representatives member and Special Adviser on Strategic Media to the Plateau State Governor, Hon. Timothy Golu, who represented former Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, described CONAECDA as an organisation of credible leaders committed to developing their communities.
He said the awards were designed to inspire Middle Belt leaders to remain steadfast in promoting the welfare and progress of their people.
Hall of Fame Honours Icons of Service and Leadership
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to eminent Nigerians—including:
- Late Chief Solomon Lar, Pioneer National Chairman of the PDP and first civilian Governor of Plateau State
- Late Malam Danladi Gwamna Awan, the longest-serving traditional ruler in Northern Nigeria and Chief of Kagoro
- Gen. T.Y. Danjuma
- Gen. Yakubu Gowon
- Former Taraba Governor Darius Ishaku
- Senator Joseph Tarka
- Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives
The event celebrated decades of leadership, cultural preservation, and contributions to peace and development across indigenous communities.
