The Executive Committee of the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN), Central Zone, on 22nd July, 2026, paid courtesy visits to the Executive Chairmen of Mangu and Kanam Local Government Areas as part of its ongoing consultations and advocacy for stronger synergy, partnership, and unity across the Central Zone.

Speaking during the visits, the Chairman of PIDAN Central Zone, Mr. Alpha John Dakwak, stated that the engagements were aimed at strengthening collaboration with critical stakeholders in promoting peace, unity, security, and sustainable development. He emphasized that no society can achieve meaningful development without unity, noting that a united people are better positioned to confront and overcome the persistent security challenges affecting communities across the Central Zone.

Responding, the Executive Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Mwelpon, commended PIDAN for the visit and applauded the spirit of unity and cooperation that exists among the people of the Central Zone. He described PIDAN as a formidable umbrella body capable of fostering stronger unity among the diverse ethnic nationalities of the Central Zone and Plateau State at large.

Hon. Mwelpon further urged PIDAN to champion advocacy for constitutional amendments, particularly on matters relating to Nigeria's border security, to curb the influx of foreign Fulani herders into the country. He also stressed the need to address the issue of open grazing, which he noted has continued to contribute to conflicts and insecurity in many communities.

He equally expressed support for the establishment of state police, stating that decentralizing policing would strengthen community-based security and significantly enhance efforts to tackle the persistent insecurity confronting the Central Zone and Plateau State.

Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Kanam Local Government Area, Hon. Ayuba S. Musa, appreciated PIDAN for its commitment to fostering unity and inclusiveness across the Central Zone. He described the organization as a catalyst for promoting unity, peaceful coexistence, cultural advancement, and sustainable development among the diverse ethnic nationalities within the zone.

Hon. Musa noted that Kanam Local Government continues to face serious security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities. He stressed that lasting peace and security can only be achieved through the collective unity, cooperation, and vigilance of the people. He assured the PIDAN delegation of his administration's readiness to support every meaningful initiative aimed at promoting peace, security, unity, and development across the zone. He further pledged the Council's continued support for PIDAN's programmes and activities in pursuit of these shared objectives.

The visits form part of PIDAN Central Zone's broader advocacy initiative aimed at strengthening partnerships with government institutions, traditional institutions, community leaders, and other stakeholders in the pursuit of peace, security, unity, and sustainable development across Plateau State.


Signed

Polit Caleb
Public Relations Officer (PRO), PIDAN Central Zone