News
Local Stakeholders Task Plateau Committee on Community-Led Peace Solutions in Kanam, Kanke
Local Stakeholders Task Plateau Committee on Community-Led Peace Solutions in Kanam, Kanke
As the Plateau State High-Powered Fact-Finding Committee continued its assessment tour on Monday, July 28, 2025, stakeholders in Kanam and Kanke Local Government Areas emphasized the importance of locally-driven solutions, urging the committee to prioritize community input and traditional structures in its final recommendations.
In Kanam, where the committee was received by the Deputy Chairman Hon. Aliyu S. Ali and other officials, leaders expressed that enduring peace can only be achieved through inclusivity and grassroots engagement. Hon. Aliyu noted that while Kanam had experienced violent attacks in the past, its relative stability today was due to collective community vigilance, religious tolerance, and strong leadership at both local and traditional levels.
“This visit is crucial,” Hon. Aliyu said. “Our people believe in dialogue and peace, and our traditional leaders have played a central role in preserving harmony. We call on the committee to reflect these local strengths in their recommendations.”
The committee, led by Maj. Gen. Nicholas Rogers (rtd), assured that their task was not only to identify the causes of violence but also to highlight what is working in each community.
“Kanam presents an opportunity to learn from a community that has experienced crisis and still managed to sustain internal peace,” Maj. Gen. Rogers noted. “We want to hear the voices of the people and understand how traditional and local systems contribute to security.”
The Emir of Kanam, HRH Alh. Muhammadu Mu’azu Muhammadu II, hosted the committee at his palace, where a closed-door session was held with district heads, youth leaders, and members of the traditional council. The Emir emphasized that traditional institutions must remain central to any peacebuilding initiative, citing the community’s historical roots and the unique role kingmakers and elders play in resolving conflicts.
“Our palace is a hub of dialogue,” the Emir said. “We bring people of different faiths and backgrounds together to foster mutual respect. Our responsibility is not political—it is moral and cultural. That’s why peace in Kanam is not by accident but by design.”
In Kanke LGA, where the committee met with Chairman Hon. Lapching Ezet Golime and his team, discussions focused on youth inclusion, land disputes, and intergenerational trauma stemming from past conflicts.
Hon. Lapching recalled personal encounters with violence during earlier crises and stressed the importance of empowering young leaders to shape a more secure future.
“Our generation is rising, and we carry the memory of past conflicts,” he said. “That’s why this engagement matters. We’ve shared our concerns with the committee, especially the need for structured resolution of land and chieftaincy disputes before they escalate.”
The committee chairman commended the youthful and proactive leadership in Kanke, noting that while the LGA faced minor challenges like kidnapping and transit insecurity, it had not experienced the scale of violence seen elsewhere.
“This kind of leadership gives us hope,” Maj. Gen. Rogers stated. “What we see in Kanke is a model of early response and youth-led governance that can be scaled.”
At the end of both visits, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to incorporating local voices, challenges, and existing community efforts into its final report to Governor Caleb Mutfwang. According to the chairman, the success of any state-led intervention depends largely on how well it aligns with grassroots realities.
“As we move from one LGA to another, one thing is clear: communities want peace, and they have ideas about how to achieve it,” he said. “Our job is to listen, document, and propose realistic solutions that empower the people.”
The tour continues as the committee engages remaining LGAs in its mission to restore Plateau State’s long-standing identity as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has paid over ₦5.5 billion in claims to policyholders as at April 2026, reaffirming its long-standing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most dependable and customer-focused insurance brands.
The claims payout, according to the company cuts across both General and Life businesses, underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its promises to customers promptly and consistently, even as Nigeria’s insurance industry continues to evolve amid recapitalisation and increased market scrutiny.
A breakdown of the claims settlement shows that the sum of ₦3,668,742,117.69 was paid under the General Business portfolio, while ₦1,914,029,614.93 was disbursed under the Life Business portfolio, covering Group Life and Retail Life policies.
The payouts covered a broad spectrum of claims including motor, engineering, marine, life protection, death benefits and other insured risks.
Equally important, Mutual Benefits has consistently earned commendation from policyholders for its responsiveness during difficult moments.
A retail customer whose motor insurance claim was recently settled by the company described the experience as reassuring:“You never truly know the value of insurance until something goes wrong. What stood out for me was how quickly Mutual Benefits responded and resolved my claim without unnecessary stress.”
Another Group Life beneficiary noted: “At a very difficult time for our family, Mutual Benefits came through professionally and compassionately. The support made a real difference.”
Speaking on the development, Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc., Olufemi Asenuga described the payout as more than a financial transaction.
“Insurance is ultimately about trust. At Mutual Benefits, we understand that our relevance is not measured merely by policies sold, but by our ability to stand by customers when they need us most.”
He noted further that the consistent settlement of genuine claims reflects the company’s strong operational structure, disciplined underwriting approach and enduring commitment to policyholders across Nigeria.
Industry analysts have continued to emphasise the importance of prompt claims settlement in deepening insurance penetration and restoring public confidence in the sector.
A Lagos-based insurance and financial services analyst, Chinedu Okafor, stated that: “In a market where customers are increasingly demanding accountability and proof of value, insurers that consistently pay claims promptly will continue to earn long-term trust and market relevance.
Claims payment is the strongest form of marketing any insurance company can undertake.”
The latest payout comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s insurance industry, as operators continue to position for stronger financial capacity, operational efficiency and increased consumer confidence in line with ongoing recapitalisation conversations across the sector.
Mutual Benefits noted that while financial strength remains important, long-term sustainability in insurance is ultimately built on trust, service delivery and the ability to honour obligations consistently.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to improving customer experience, accelerating digital transformation, deepening insurance awareness and delivering innovative products tailored to the realities of individuals and businesses.
With over three decades of operations and a growing footprint across Nigeria, Mutual Benefits continues to position itself as a reliable partner for protection, wealth creation and peace of mind.
The post Mutual Benefits Settles Over ₦5.5bn Claims, Reinforces Customer Trust appeared first on Business Today NG.
-
News3 days agoMikang Stakeholders, Youths Rally Behind Plateau Speaker Naanlong and Gov Mutfwang for 2027
-
News1 day ago
FG donates foodstuffs to victims of bandits’ attacks in Plateau
-
News2 days ago
Get ready for the whisper-filled office of the future
-
News18 hours ago
Riyom APC Youths Endorse Tinubu, Mutfwang, Dalyop Fom for Continuity Ahead of 2027
