From Yakubu Wuyep, Jos
Plateau State New Government House, Rayfield, on Friday, went agog as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Plateau State on Igbo Community Affairs and Other Related Matters, High Chief Felix Akpunku, unveiled fresh political strategy for building peaceful coexistence with the Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and Igbo residents across the 17 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.
History was made in Plateau State on Friday, when Akpunku, demonstrated exceptional leadership, coordination and commitment by mobilizing over 250 prominent Igbo sons and daughters from the 17 local government areas (LGAs) of Plateau State.
The gathering, held at the Rayfield Government House, was a landmark interactive session between Mutfwang and the critical stakeholders of the Igbo community.
The meeting was designed to strengthen the relationship between the government of Plateau State and the Igbo community while providing an opportunity for the Governor to present the achievements of his administration across the state.
Welcoming the distinguished guests on behalf of the Governor, Akpunku, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the entire Igbo community for honouring the invitation in such impressive numbers.
He also commended Mutfwang for his visible developmental projects and people-oriented programmes spread across the 17 LGAs and the state capital, describing the administration as one committed to inclusive governance and sustainable development.
In his address, Mutfwang warmly appreciated the unwavering support of the Igbo community, particularly during the 2023 general elections.
He assured them that his administration would continue to maintain an open-door policy, listen to their concerns, protect every ethnic group residing in the Plateau State and ensure that all citizens enjoy peace, security and equal opportunities.
A significant moment of the event was the formal presentation of the new President General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Chief Chidi Onah, by the immediate past President General.
The transition symbolised continuity and renewed commitment to the unity and progress of the Ndi Igbo community on the Plateau.
Speaking on behalf of the Igbo community, Barr Jonah Okechukwu Ezekweme, Managing Director of Diamond Paints Nigeria Ltd and former President General of ICA, applauded Mutfwang for the remarkable transformation taking place across Plateau State.
He reaffirmed the confidence of the Igbo community in the Governor’s leadership and pledged their continued support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Another respected stakeholder, Chief Dr Ambassador Nelson Mkparu, Managing Director of Nelmaco Global Nigeria Ltd, expressed profound gratitude to the Governor for personally visiting him during the passing of his beloved wife.
He described the Governor as a compassionate and caring leader, assuring him that the Igbo community would continue to stand firmly behind his administration.
Representing the women, Hon Maureen Odilimuo, Adviser to the Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Area and Woman Leader of Igbo in Politics on the Plateau, praised Mutfwang for his inclusive leadership. She also paid glowing tribute to Akpunku, describing him as a bridge-builder whose dedication had, for the first time in the history of the Igbo community in Plateau State, brought the Governor directly to engage with Ndi Igbo at such a high level.
As the interactive session concluded, Mutfwang once again thanked the Igbo community for their overwhelming attendance and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to every part of Plateau State.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Onah expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for honouring the community with his presence.
He also commended Akpunku for his outstanding coordination, effective representation and tireless efforts in strengthening the relationship between the Plateau State Government and the Igbo community.
He pledged that the new leadership of the ICA would continue to build upon the strong foundation laid by its predecessors while sustaining cordial cooperation with the Mutfwang administration.
The historic gathering ended on a note of unity, mutual respect, and renewed partnership, leaving participants inspired by the spirit of inclusiveness and the shared commitment to building a more peaceful, prosperous, and united Plateau State.
It also reinforced Akpunku’s reputation as a dedicated public servant whose leadership continues to promote harmony, effective community engagement and stronger collaboration between the Igbo community and the Government of Plateau State.