By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has announced the postponement of its proposed regional stakeholders’ conference, initially scheduled for December 10–12, 2025, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State. The conference was intended to serve as a strategic platform for discussing a stronger and more unified future for the Middle Belt region.In a statement released on Saturday and signed by the Forum’s spokesman, Comrade Luka Binniyat, the MBF said the decision was necessitated by unforeseen developments requiring attention before the meeting could proceed.The Middle Belt Forum, established in 1947, represents the diverse autochthonous ethnic nationalities of the former Northern Region who were not part of the Sokoto or Borno Caliphates before colonial rule. The Forum noted that the planned conference was designed to bring together leaders, communities, and stakeholders from across the region to articulate a coordinated vision for unity, development, and political engagement.
According to the statement, the Middle Belt region includes indigenous nationalities in Southern Kebbi, Southern Borno, Southern Bauchi, and Southern Kaduna, as well as the peoples of Gombe, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Niger States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).A separate formal notice issued on Sunday by the Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee (COC), Barrister Dan Ejembi, on behalf of the MBF President, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, reiterated that the postponement was unavoidable. It explained that critical issues needed to be addressed to ensure the successful hosting of the conference.“
Any inconveniences caused by this unfortunate development are deeply regretted,” the notice stated, adding that a new date for the conference will be communicated to stakeholders once the necessary adjustments have been completed.The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to building stronger regional cohesion through continuous engagement with leaders, communities, and development partners. It added that the upcoming conference—once rescheduled—will remain a vital avenue for consolidating unity and strengthening collective action in the Middle Belt.The MBF stressed that despite the postponement, its resolve to advocate for the rights, security, and prosperity of Middle Belt communities remains unwavering. It assured stakeholders that preparations will resume once the unspecified developments have been addressed.
