Gowon, Danjuma, Others Get Lifetime Awards

A former chief of Kagoro and one-time longest serving traditional ruler in Northern Nigeria, the late Malam Danladi Gwamna Awan, fomer head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former defence minister, Gen. TY Danjuma, the late Chief Solomon Lar, the pioneer national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the late Joseph Tarka and two others have received the Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Community Development Association (CONAECDA) 2025 Excellence In Governance and Life Time Achievements Awards .

Others honoured include the former governor of Taraba State, Chief Isyaku Darius, and the former speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State who spoke during the award and induction into Autochthonous Peoples Hall of Fame at Elier Event Centre in Jos, admonished cultural organisations not to give up hope on Nigeria as a result of the current security challenges facing the country.

The Plateau governor was represented by the senior special assistant on Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities, Hon. Daniel Kwada.

According to Governor Mutfwang, all hands must be on deck to tackle challenges with a view to nip it in the bud.

He pointed out that fostering unity among ethnic groups would promote sustainable development.

He stressed that there will be no meaningful progress in an atmosphere of chaos and confusion.

The governor also said he is happy to be part of this historic gathering where leaders of indigenous communities meet to discuss and address issues affecting their communities while emphasizing the urgent need to manage our diversity .

Mutfwang also assured them of the government’s continued support and reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of all citizens in the state.

“That is why we remain committed to addressing the National Security crisis bedeviling us. In the midst of these challenges, we have drawn a road map designed to place Plateau state at the Centre of Tourism, Education, Agriculture, Livestock, ICT, Mining and Manufacturing.

The Governor further stressed, “Our efforts are already visible and we are working with traditional and religious leaders and several stakeholder groups including CONAECDA and PIDAN in this direction. We are also partnering in peacebuilding, in our effort to return displaced communities, by providing security and in resolving conflicts.’

According to him, his administration is also partnering to provide multilingual education and language development in the state.