By Israel Adamu, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has called on Nigerians to embrace diversity as a tool for fostering national unity. He made the appeal at the 11th annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture and Merit Awards held in Bauchi State on Monday.
Represented by the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, Gov. Mutfwang emphasized that Nigeria’s unity is non-negotiable.
He praised the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, for his legacy of leadership and development, urging Northern leaders to work together in addressing regional challenges and restoring the North’s prominence.
“The Sardauna of Sokoto lived and died for the North. He laid a solid foundation for the region’s development. It is now our responsibility to build on that foundation,” he said.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Nature’s Bounty: Turning Northern Nigeria’s Untapped Resources into Sustainable Prosperity,” Mutfwang stressed the need for a diversified economic approach that maximizes the potential of agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and creative industries.
“Northern Nigeria is blessed with vast agricultural land and human resources that remain largely untapped. The question before us today is: how can we harness these resources effectively to drive sustainable economic growth and development for our people?” he stated.
The governor urged Northern elites to collaborate with state governments to create economic opportunities and combat poverty.
While calling for support and prayers for the nation’s leadership, he assured Plateau residents that his administration is working tirelessly to bring sustainable development across the state’s 17 local government areas.
“We are implementing policies and programs in key sectors such as agriculture, transportation, education, and healthcare to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of our people,” Mutfwang added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Plateau State, stating, “God has blessed Northern Nigeria abundantly, and it is our collective responsibility to harness these blessings for the greater good.”
