Stakeholders from Garkawa District in Mikang Local Government Area of have unanimously endorsed Mr. Timdi Nkat as their consensus candidate for the State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections, while also reaffirming their support for the re-election of Governor .

The endorsement followed a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday, attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, elders, youth and women groups, as well as party faithful drawn from Youm, Tehl and Piapung districts.

Participants described the gathering as a significant step toward strengthening political unity and alignment in Mikang ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on behalf of the Youm stakeholders forum, former State Auditor, Mr. Ishaku Fanto, said the emergence of Timdi Nkat was the outcome of extensive consultations involving the Mwo Youm of Garkawa, traditional rulers, political stakeholders and community leaders.

According to him, the decision was based on fairness, equity and inclusive representation, stressing that Youm District remains the only major district in Mikang yet to produce a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

Fanto maintained that it was only just for the district to be given the opportunity to occupy the seat, while also pledging the continued support of the people for Governor Mutfwang’s administration and re-election bid in 2027.

Former member of the House of Representatives for Mikang/Shendam/Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency, Hon. Innocent Tirsel, said zoning arrangements have continued to promote fairness, peaceful coexistence and balanced political representation in the area.

He noted that after Piapung District occupied the State Assembly seat for 16 years and currently holds the chairmanship position of Mikang Local Government Council, equity demands that power be rotated to another district.

Tirsel urged political parties to sustain the culture of inclusion and fairness to ensure peace and electoral success.

Also speaking, former Chairman of Mikang Local Government and ex-member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Isa Kungwai, cautioned against actions capable of undermining the unity and political understanding that have existed in the area over the years.

He said Mikang’s political strength lies in mutual respect and collective decision-making, calling on stakeholders to avoid personal interests that could threaten peace and stability.

Former Director-General of PEPSA, Mr. Nuhu Longpes, described the endorsement of Timdi Nkat as a reflection of the collective will of the people and a demonstration of political maturity and inclusiveness.

On behalf of Piapung stakeholders, former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. George Daika, urged political actors to place the unity and future of Mikang above personal ambitions.

Daika commended stakeholders for embracing dialogue and consensus, insisting that sustainable political progress can only be achieved through fairness, inclusion and mutual respect.

He added that the endorsement of Timdi Nkat represents not only the aspirations of the Youm people but the broader interest of Mikang as a whole.

Among those who attended the meeting were Chairman of the Plateau State Civil Service Commission, Prof. Paul Wai; former Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Magdaline Bagudu; former Executive Secretary, Emmanuel Taukek; Barr. Chasil Drenkat; elected and supervisory councillors, as well as youth and women groups.

In a show of solidarity, stakeholders and supporters later proceeded to the Mikang Local Government Council Secretariat, where they formally presented their resolutions to the Executive Chairman of the council.

The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity, equity and collective commitment toward ensuring a common political direction for Mikang ahead of the 2027 elections, with Timdi Nkat emerging as the consensus choice for the State Assembly seat.

Nigeria is stepping up efforts to attract investment in key sectors, including power, mining, and infrastructure, as part of broader moves to strengthen the economy and drive sustainable growth.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele disclosed this while speaking on the sidelines of high-level engagements involving President Bola Tinubu at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali.

He noted that the administration is actively promoting Nigeria as an investment destination.

He said the president has taken a leading role in showcasing the country’s economic potential to global investors.

“One very exciting thing about Mr President is that he is never tired of marketing Nigeria; he is the chief marketer for the country,” the minister said, adding that discussions with investors have focused on unlocking opportunities in power, solid minerals, and private sector development.

Focus on investment opportunities

According to the minister, recent engagements have centred on mobilising investment into strategic sectors, including port development, mining, and private enterprise.

He said Nigeria is working to better communicate its economic strengths, noting that previous efforts to present the country’s opportunities to investors had been inadequate.

“We were not telling our stories as we should before now. By telling a credible story, backed by what has been achieved and the commitment to do more, we can attract the right investments,” he said.

Mr Oyedele also spoke on bilateral engagements with the President of Guinea, describing the relationship between both countries as one of mutual cooperation and shared development goals.

He said President Tinubu commended his Guinean counterpart for maintaining ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) despite pressures to withdraw.

According to him, both countries are exploring collaboration in areas such as iron ore development and broader economic partnerships.

“We are stronger together,” the minister said, noting that both leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcome of their discussions.

Reforms and Africa’s growth

Speaking further, the minister said Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms are beginning to position the country as an example for other African nations.

He acknowledged that while the reforms have been challenging, they were necessary to put the economy on a sustainable path.

“It wasn’t meant to be easy, but it was necessary. Now we are on that track towards realising the gains,” he said.

READ ALSO: Oyedele pledges to transform economic reforms into tangible benefits for Nigerians

Mr Oyedele added that discussions at the Africa CEO Forum focused on scaling economic growth, accelerating implementation, and strengthening institutions across the continent.

He said African leaders are increasingly shifting from policy discussions to execution, with emphasis on financing development, promoting value addition, and stimulating growth in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and services.

According to him, the broader goal is to drive inclusive growth and lift more Africans out of poverty.

“The time for rhetoric is over; it is now time for execution,” he said, noting that the current period presents an opportunity not only to serve Nigeria but also contributes to the continent’s development.