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Plateau North Youth Coalition Backs Prof. Chris Kwaja’s Senatorial Ambition, Cites Peacebuilding Experience and Inclusive Leadership
The Coalition of Youths of Plateau North Senatorial District has formally endorsed Prof. Chris Kwaja for the Senate seat representing Plateau North Senatorial District, describing him as a visionary leader with the experience, integrity, and competence required to provide purposeful representation for the zone.
The endorsement, which took place on May 16, 2026, in Mista Ali (Mc Alley), Pengana Constituency of Bassa Local Government Area; the home constituency of Prof. Kwaja, brought together youths, stakeholders, and supporters from across the senatorial district. In a jointly signed letter and endorsement address, the coalition said its decision followed careful consideration of his leadership qualities and track record in peacebuilding, governance, youth empowerment, and community development.
Speaking during the event, the coalition praised Kwaja’s extensive local and international experience, noting his contributions in peace and security, governance, diplomacy, and policy development. The group highlighted his role as Country Director for Nigeria at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), his previous service as Director-General of Research and Planning in Plateau State, his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as his engagements with international institutions including the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The youths described him as “a global voice with deep local roots,” adding that his understanding of Plateau State’s social and political realities positioned him to effectively represent the interests of the people at the National Assembly.
The coalition also commended his consistent commitment to youth inclusion, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance, stressing that Plateau North requires a leader capable of bridging generational divides, strengthening unity, and advancing development across the district.
According to the coalition, Prof. Kwaja’s aspiration resonates deeply with the urgent need to break the cycle of poverty and exclusion in society. They noted that his message of leadership is rooted in the conviction that governance must actively dismantle structural poverty and expand opportunities for those at the margins, describing this as central to the motivation behind his political ambition.
In his remarks, Chris Kwaja said his aspiration is driven by a desire to give hope and representation to the less privileged and minority groups within society. He stated that he purchased the senatorial nomination form on behalf of ordinary people who often feel excluded from leadership, emphasizing that “one with God is a majority” and that everyone has the capacity to aspire and lead regardless of background.
He further urged young people, minorities, and all those who feel shut out of opportunity to hold each other up in the pursuit of change, stressing that transformation in society is not an individual journey but a collective responsibility. According to him, solidarity, mutual encouragement, and shared growth among such groups remain essential for building a more inclusive and just society.
Kwaja also challenged those present to reflect on the kind of society they desire and to begin contributing actively to positive change within their immediate communities and spheres of influence. He added that meaningful societal transformation requires collective responsibility and deliberate efforts from citizens at every level, reaffirming that his ambition is centered on improving the lives and opportunities of people across Plateau North Senatorial District.
Reflecting on his previous service in government, Kwaja recalled his time as Director-General of Research and Documentation and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under the administration of former Governor Jonah Jang. He expressed appreciation to Da Jonah Jang for the opportunity to serve Plateau State, noting that the experience provided him with a platform to apply his knowledge and expertise in governance and public service for the benefit of the people.
The senatorial hopeful further emphasized the need to involve more young people in governance and decision-making processes, stressing that the future belongs to the youth and that they must be given space to participate actively in shaping society. He also noted that individuals should not limit themselves based on their background, drawing attention to the idea that greatness can emerge from unexpected places. He referenced the biblical account of Jesus, where people questioned, “Is this not the son of the carpenter?”, yet He went on to perform great wonders and is recognized as the Messiah, carrying the message and purpose of God.
He added that victory is not merely about winning elections, but about ensuring that the voices of the people are not silenced. According to him, collective voices and shared civic engagement are what society needs to drive meaningful change and build a better future.
The event ended with a formal declaration of support by the Coalition of Youths of Plateau North Senatorial District, which reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing support for Chris Kwaja’s senatorial bid under the vision slogan: “Voices – People! Voices! Mandate! Impact!”
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“World-Class Facilities Are the Foundation of World-Class Athletes” — SSA Adeboye Applauds Lagos’ Sporting Infrastructure Renaissance
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has commended the Lagos State Government for what he described as a remarkable transformation of the state’s sporting infrastructure, following an inspection visit to the newly rehabilitated Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
Hon. Adeboye, who toured the facility, expressed delight at the quality of work executed, particularly the installation of a natural grass playing surface built to international standards, describing the development as a major boost to sports development in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.
The Presidential aide noted that the impressive rehabilitation of Teslim Balogun Stadium, alongside the continued upgrade of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, and the excellent condition of the Agege Stadium, demonstrates the Lagos State Government’s commitment to providing modern sporting facilities capable of nurturing talents and hosting major local and international competitions.
“World-class facilities are the foundation of world-class athletes. What I have seen here at the Teslim Balogun Stadium is truly commendable. The quality of work, especially the natural grass pitch and the overall standard of the facility, reflects a genuine commitment to sports development.”
Hon. Adeboye praised Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for prioritising sports infrastructure as part of his administration’s developmental agenda, noting that quality facilities remain one of the most important ingredients for discovering and developing future champions.
He also applauded the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, and his team for their dedication and effective supervision of the rehabilitation projects, which he said have restored confidence in Lagos as one of Nigeria’s leading sporting destinations.
According to the SSA, the renewed look of Teslim Balogun Stadium and the impressive condition of Agege Stadium are clear indications that Lagos is reclaiming its place as the home of sports excellence in Nigeria.
“Lagos is setting an example for other states to follow. When government deliberately invests in quality sporting infrastructure, it creates opportunities for talent discovery, athlete development and the successful hosting of major competitions. This is the kind of investment that guarantees long-term success in sports.”
Hon. Adeboye stressed that modern facilities are essential to the Federal Government’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports development, explaining that young athletes can only maximise their potential when they train and compete in environments that meet international standards.
He reiterated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains committed to expanding access to quality sporting infrastructure across the country as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, with particular emphasis on grassroots sports development.
The Presidential aide disclosed that his office is already advancing plans to improve sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, including the proposed construction of community and school sports facilities across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, to ensure that talented young Nigerians have access to quality environments where they can develop their abilities.
“Our vision is to replicate this kind of infrastructure development across Nigeria. Every community deserves functional sporting facilities because that is where champions are discovered. If we are serious about producing future Olympians, world champions and football stars, then we must continue investing in quality infrastructure from the grassroots.”
Hon. Adeboye expressed optimism that the continued collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments and the private sector would accelerate the growth of Nigerian sports and provide a sustainable foundation for future generations of athletes.
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