President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, reconciliation and the rebuilding of communities affected by years of violence in Plateau State, assuring displaced residents that efforts will be made to restore their homes and enable them to return to their ancestral communities.
Speaking at the Renewed Hope 2.0 Presidential Campaign Rally in Jos on Saturday, November 14, the President called on the people of Plateau to embrace unity, overcome religious and ethnic divisions, and work together towards rebuilding their state and the country. He acknowledged the painful history of violence on the Plateau, particularly the devastating consequences of the 2001 crisis and subsequent attacks, and extended his condolences to families who have lost loved ones, survivors and those still unable to return home.
President Tinubu stressed that differences in language, culture and religion should never make Nigerians enemies, insisting that communities must live, farm and build together. He also assured displaced residents that their communities would be rebuilt and that the government remained committed to helping them return home.
The President’s message comes against the backdrop of ongoing Federal Government interventions in Plateau State, particularly in infrastructure and security. Among these is the construction of the Akwanga–Jos Road, which is expected to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and other goods. The Federal Government has also commenced Phase II of the rehabilitation of the Sharam–Garram–Babban Lamba Road in Kanke Local Government Area and approved the dualisation of the Mararaban Jama’a–Pankshin–Langtang–Shendam corridor, extending to River Ibi in Taraba State.
On security, the Federal Government has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Plateau State, with training underway to strengthen security operations and improve the protection of vulnerable communities and forest areas. The state has also benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with approximately ₦11.34 billion disbursed to students across 14 higher institutions, providing financial support for access to tertiary education.
The President’s visit also brought attention to major development projects being undertaken by the Plateau State Government under Governor Caleb Mutfwang. These include the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Centre in Jos, developed through a partnership with Outsource Global and MTN Nigeria, with an installed capacity of 800 workstations and projected potential for up to 2,400 direct jobs when fully operational. Other projects include the Plateau Special Activity Centre, designed to support tourism and hospitality, and 50 hybrid CNG-powered buses intended to improve transportation and connectivity across the state’s 17 local government areas.
These interventions reflect the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments in addressing infrastructure gaps, expanding economic opportunities and improving public welfare. They also provide a practical development context for the President’s appeal for unity and collective responsibility.
At the rally, Senate President Godswill Akpabio also highlighted the National Assembly’s efforts towards establishing state police through legislation, describing decentralised policing as an important part of strengthening local security and enabling states to respond more effectively to threats within their communities.
For the people of Plateau, President Tinubu’s assurance to rebuild communities affected by violence and facilitate the return of displaced residents represents a renewed commitment to restoring normalcy and lasting peace. The priority now is to translate these assurances into concrete action that will enable affected families to return home and rebuild their lives.
The message from Jos was clear: lasting peace, security and development must go hand in hand. Only then can Plateau fully unlock its potential in agriculture, tourism and commerce while restoring peaceful coexistence among its people.