2023: Plateau group holds maiden summit ahead of polls

A renowned group, Plateau Our Heritage Revival Initiative (POHri) has organised a maiden summit toward ensuring credible leaders are elected in the forthcoming 2023 general elections in the state.

The event held on Thursday at Greatlinks Hotel Jos, had participants from different strata, tribes, religions and segment of the state.

The Convener of the summit, a Veteran Journalist and Former Special Adviser on Media to Plateau State Governor Hon. Ayuba Pam said that the idea aimed at finding lasting solutions to the myriad of problems facing the state.

According to him, the summit is to bring to the fore discussions about the kind of leaders that should be elected in the state in 2023.

Hon. Pam added that the summit aimed at stirring up discussions that would promote the common heritage of the state.

“As a state, we have myriad of challenges facing us; is it the tribal acrimony, disunity, insecurity, and what have you. So, we are here to discuss, rob minds and ensure that we forge ahead as a people and for the sake of our common heritage,”he said.

Chairman of the group, Hon. Alex Kwapnoe said that the state ought to be better than its current state, hence the need to have experienced leaders in 2023.

“Plateau ought to be the envy of all; we ought to be the centre of attraction, but we are not. So, must be involved on who govern Plateau in 2023, and that person should emerge base on experience and the quality of what he or she has to offer

“So we must put our sentiments and interests aside and elect credible leaders that move this forward,”he said.

While Declaring the summit open,
Chairman of the Occasion, Brig.-Gen. Jon Temlong (rtd), commended the group for putting together the event aimed at finding solutions to the problems facing Plateau State

Gen. Temlong, the first Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force in the North-East, charged Plateau citizens to change their attitudes toward the actualisation of the common heritage of the state.

“We have to understand that our diversity is a source of strength, but if not managed well, it will become our albatross. But as people of Plateau, we must change our attitudes and be more serious and committed in ensuring we change things for good.

“Elders must be seen leading by example; we must be seen to be peaceful and matured in outlook and speech.So, changing the narrative begins with ourselves.

The summit had the theme “Plateau State: Changing the Narratives – Our Stand” with discussants such as Professor Patricia Lar from the University of Jos, who she is the Vice President, West Africa Research and Innovation Management Association, Barr. Longpoe Henry Lecturer, Center for Conflict Management and Peace Studies UNIJOS and Lead Development Consultant CCN Nigeria Viktor Kuchili amongs others.