Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has urged leaders across the state to embrace forgiveness, unity, and collective responsibility as critical pillars for achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.
The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, in a statement, said Mutfwang made the call on Thursday during the second day of the Good Governance, Peace and Transformation Retreat held in Jos, themed “Oneness for Wholesome Transformation and Development.”
According to the statement, Governor Mutfwang challenged stakeholders to rise above ethnic, religious, and political divisions to pursue a shared vision for a prosperous Plateau.
He stressed that while the state’s potential for greatness is undeniable, its realization depends on the emergence of disciplined and committed leaders capable of delivering results without constant supervision.
“One of my greatest frustrations in governance is the scarcity of individuals who can work independently and achieve results,” he said, adding that leadership must be driven by a genuine desire to uplift citizens from poverty to prosperity.
Governor Mutfwang also revealed that former leaders of the state, including Jonah David Jang, recently convened to chart a path toward reconciliation. According to him, the consensus among past governors was the urgent need to foster forgiveness and close ranks in the interest of peace.
He described unity as the bedrock of progress, warning that persistent divisions have continued to hinder development and stability in the state.
Earlier, the leader of the Healing, Leadership and Transformation Initiative, Ben Akpera, said the retreat was designed as a transformative platform rather than a routine gathering.
He emphasized the need for sincerity, reflection, and a shared commitment to rebuilding trust.
In his remarks, former governor Jang described the retreat as a defining moment, particularly as Plateau marks its Golden Jubilee.
He noted that meaningful progress can only be achieved in an environment anchored on peace, justice, and unity.
Guest speaker Emmanuel Kure highlighted deeper societal and moral challenges confronting the state, urging citizens to take ownership of its future. He cautioned against normalizing cycles of violence and expressed optimism about a renewed Plateau.
Also speaking, Plateau State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dunka Gomwalk, expressed hope that the state is entering a new phase of progress, noting that current efforts would soon yield tangible results.
The three-day retreat, convened by the 24 Elders Council, brought together top government officials, local government chairmen, and key stakeholders from across Plateau State and the Middle Belt.
Participants are expected to develop actionable strategies aimed at strengthening governance, promoting peacebuilding, and accelerating sustainable development in the state.
