By Israel Adamu, Jos
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has urged ethnic nationalities and cultural organisations not to lose hope in Nigeria despite the current security challenges affecting various communities across the country. He made the appeal at the **CONAECDA 2025 Annual Conference, Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held over the weekend at the Eliel Centre in Jos.Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities, Hon. Dan Kwada, the governor said the nation’s security issues require collective responsibility and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.He stressed that unity among ethnic groups remains essential for sustainable development, noting that no society can progress meaningfully in an atmosphere of chaos, distrust or conflict.Mutfwang said he was delighted to be part of the gathering, describing CONAECDA as a platform where leaders of indigenous communities come together to discuss solutions to pressing developmental and security issues. He emphasised the need for Nigerians to properly manage cultural and ethnic diversity for peace and national growth.The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of all residents, assuring the participants of continued government support.“
That is why we remain committed to addressing the national security crisis bedeviling us,” he said. “We have developed a roadmap to reposition Plateau State as a hub for tourism, education, agriculture, livestock production, ICT, mining and manufacturing.”He noted that visible progress is already being recorded, adding that his administration is working closely with traditional rulers, religious leaders and organisations such as CONAECDA and the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN).“We are partnering in peacebuilding, returning displaced communities, strengthening security and resolving conflicts,” he added.
Mutfwang further highlighted ongoing collaborations in multilingual education, cultural preservation, livestock transformation and the promotion of festivals and tourism.Earlier in his welcome address, CONAECDA President, Pastor Danladi Jeji, said the association remains committed to asserting ethnic cultural identity, self-determination and sustainable community development. He said the organisation’s mission aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the African Union Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.Jeji explained that CONAECDA now has chapters in 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory, representing more than 400 indigenous communities across Central and Northern Nigeria. The group, he said, focuses on issues relating to development, security and humanitarian support.The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to notable national figures, including the late Chief Solomon Lar, pioneer National Chairman of the PDP and first civilian Governor of Plateau State, and the late Malam Danladi Gwamna Awan, the longest-serving traditional ruler in Northern Nigeria and Chief of Kagoro. Other award recipients included General T.Y. Danjuma (Rtd), former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), former Governor of Taraba State Chief Darius Ishaku, Senator Joseph Tarka and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.
