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.
In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of his Ampang West Ward, Dasjak Sunday Longyol, and dated December 29, 2025, the governor cited the need for an alternative political platform to better serve the state as the reason for quitting the party.
The letter, obtained by our correspondent in Jos, the state capital, on Thursday, expressed the governor’s gratitude to the party for providing him a platform to participate in the democratic process.
Mutfwang explained that his decision was guided by his commitment to purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and service delivery.
The letter, which Mutfwang personally signed, read, “I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect.
“I sincerely appreciate the PDP for providing me the political platform to participate in the democratic process.
“I appreciate the support of party leaders, members, and supporters at all levels during my time in the party, and I remain grateful for the trust reposed in me.
“Given the realities of the moment, and guided by my commitment to purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and service delivery, I am compelled to seek an alternative political platform.
“Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
However, the letter did not disclose which party the governor had joined.
The governor’s resignation comes after months of speculation, with Mutfwang reportedly joining the All Progressives Congress.
The National Working Committee of the APC has welcomed him, with party officials pledging support for his new political journey.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has formally bid farewell to 200 Plateau indigenes selected for state-sponsored scholarships to study at Sanskaram University, New Delhi, India, in critical fields including Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The farewell ceremony, which took place at the National Youth Centre behind Shere Hills in Gwafan, Jos North Local Government Area, highlighted the state government’s sustained commitment to education and human capital development.
Addressing the scholarship beneficiaries, Governor Mutfwang described the programme as a rare privilege and a trust placed in them by the people of Plateau State. He urged the students to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to academic excellence, reminding them that they would serve as ambassadors of both Plateau State and Nigeria while studying abroad.
The governor further charged the students to uphold integrity, respect the laws and culture of their host country, and fully leverage the exposure and skills they would acquire, particularly in technology-driven disciplines vital to global advancement. He encouraged them to return home upon completion of their studies to contribute meaningfully to the development of Plateau State, assuring them of his administration’s continued support.
In a symbolic gesture, Governor Mutfwang presented the students with their international passports and flight tickets, confirming that all travel arrangements had been concluded and reaffirming the state government’s full backing for the initiative.
Earlier in her remarks, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Kachollom Pyam Gang, described the scholarship programme as historic, noting that it was rare for a state government to sponsor as many as 200 students abroad at the same time. She commended Governor Mutfwang for his vision and sacrifice, stating that the initiative would leave a lasting imprint on Plateau State’s educational landscape.
Dr. Gang congratulated the beneficiaries on gaining admission into a reputable Indian university, attributing their selection to diligence, discipline, and academic excellence. She advised them to remain focused, obey the laws of their host country, and return home equipped with skills and knowledge that would drive sustainable development in the state.
Also speaking at the event, the Ujah of Anaguta, His Royal Majesty Johnson Jauro Magaji, lauded the governor for investing in the future of Plateau State, describing the scholarship scheme as unprecedented. He offered prayers for the students’ success and urged them to promote unity and represent the state with pride.
The Controller of the Plateau State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs. Linda Fom, advised the students to strictly comply with immigration regulations, avoid drugs and other illegal activities, and use their study visas strictly for academic purposes. She reminded them to honour the sacrifices made by the state government and their parents by returning home safely after their studies.
Speaking on behalf of parents, Mrs. Fabong Hope Adanchin expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for extending educational opportunities to children from diverse backgrounds, including orphans and the less privileged, and prayed for divine wisdom and guidance for the governor.
Some of the beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the scholarship. Jelbak Plangnan Wilfred, who will study Radiography and Imaging Technology, described the opportunity as life-changing, while Chumle Nanshep James, a prospective Optometry student, said the scholarship had significantly eased the financial burden on his family.
In her closing remarks, the Acting Education Secretary, Mrs. Nankus A. Ngwalang, thanked Governor Mutfwang for the initiative and appreciated parents, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders for their support, while praying for the students’ success and safe return.
The event marked another milestone in Plateau State’s ongoing efforts to empower its youth through quality education and international exposure.