The year 2026 began on a pleasant note of renewed hope and political maturity in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State as Chief Moses Nwan, PhD, mni, Executive Private Secretary to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, launched a peace, unity, and development initiative for Pushit and Pukah Districts.
The event, tagged Pushit and Pukah Districts Peace and Unity Day, was held at the Mwaghavul College of Health Technology in Pushit and attracted a large turnout of traditional rulers, political leaders, clergy, civil servants, youth groups, women leaders, traditional dance troupes, and community members from across the two districts and beyond.
The gathering marked a deliberate and symbolic effort to bridge and sustain unity between Pushit and Pukah, districts that were historically part of one entity, while laying a strong foundation for collaboration, inclusive governance, and grassroots-driven development. Observers described the event as a strategic step toward reshaping the political and social landscape of the area through unity of purpose rather than partisan competition.
Throughout the programme, Chief Moses Nwan was repeatedly hailed as a champion of peace, unity, and people-centred leadership. Speakers highlighted his leadership style as one anchored on selfless service, clarity of purpose, balance, and integrity, noting his ability to evaluate issues from multiple perspectives before taking action. They emphasised that his approach transcends routine administration and reflects a deeper commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and social justice.
Since 2003, Chief Nwan has been involved in various empowerment and humanitarian initiatives across Pushit, Pukah, and neighbouring communities. Beneficiaries and community leaders testified to his consistent support for vulnerable groups, including widows, orphans, students, persons living with disabilities, and youths, describing him as a leader who prioritises people over politics and unity over division.
Delivering the keynote address as Guest Speaker, Bishop Professor Maurice Emmanuel Dafi of the Anglican Diocese of Maiduguri and Visiting Professor at Plateau State University, Bokkos, described Chief Nwan as an embodiment of unity, accountability, and compassion. He praised his long-standing record of making a difference in people’s lives and urged other leaders to emulate his commitment to humanitarian service and peaceful coexistence. He emphasised that peace and unity remain the pivot upon which sustainable community development rests.
In his remarks, Elder Gyemu Tyoden, Chairman of the occasion, commended Chief Nwan’s patriotic zeal, noting that his actions have inspired many within the community to work collectively for development and peace. He described the initiative as timely and essential, particularly at a period when unity and dialogue are critical to sustaining stability in Plateau State.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Moses Nwan, who holds the traditional title of Mishkagham Tong Riyang Pushit and serves as an Ambassador of AMPB United Nations World Peace and Positive Living under ECOSOC, said his actions are driven by a lifelong commitment to positively impact lives, especially those of the vulnerable. He stressed that his guiding principle is the pursuit of peace, unity, and progress for all, noting that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of harmony.
Describing himself as a politician with a difference, Chief Nwan credited his principal, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, whom he described as an evangelist of unity and development, for providing moral and political support that aligns with his vision. He clarified that the initiative is not a prelude to any personal political ambition but a genuine effort to support the governor’s administration and strengthen social cohesion at the grassroots.
He cautioned against actions and narratives that sow discord within communities, calling on leaders and citizens alike to reject division and embrace dialogue, cooperation, and collective responsibility for the future of their land.
Goodwill messages from prominent personalities further underscored the importance of the initiative. The Plateau State PDP Chairman, Chief Raymond Dabo, Alhaji Yaro Maireke, alongside a representative of the state’s Permanent Secretaries, praised Chief Nwan’s vision and appealed to stakeholders to rally behind the peace and development agenda for its full realisation.
The event also featured cultural performances celebrating the shared heritage of Pushit and Pukah, symbolising unity, mutual respect, and a collective aspiration for progress. Participants described the atmosphere as one of optimism and renewed confidence in community-led development. District heads from the two communities applauded Chief Nwan for consistently setting the pace as a unifier and called on all sons and daughters of Pushit and Pukah to support the initiative.
Held under the theme In One Accord, the Pushit and Pukah unity initiative was widely viewed as more than a political alignment. Organisers and participants emphasised that it represents a unity of purpose that transcends party affiliations, strengthens governance outcomes, promotes peace, and positions the communities to play a central role in shaping a stronger Plateau State.
As the ceremony concluded, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr Zechariah Kuden, called on residents of Pushit, Pukah, and the wider Plateau community to sustain the momentum by embracing inclusivity, cooperation, and shared responsibility, describing the initiative as the dawn of a new era of hope, strength, and collective action.
