By Ezekiel Dontinna
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, of Plateau State on Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities Hon. Dan Kwada, has sought for collaboration with the leadership of the Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationality Community Development Association (CONAECDA).
In his continued visit to leaders of ethnic Nationalities on the Plateau, the Senior Special Assistant, met with them in Jos, the State capital to bridge the gap and strengthen the ties within the various ethnic Nationalities of the Middle-Belt region.
He said, the meeting was aimed at fostering corporations, Unity and understanding between the Association and Plateau state Government in the ongoing move to give ethnic nationalities a voice to the national discuss and ensure that their welfare as Nigerians was taken care of.
Kwada, disclosed that, the Middle-Belt Ethnic Nationalities Office was created by the Executive Governor Of Plateau State Barr. Caleb Mutfwang due to his dedication and passion for inclusion, considering the contribution of various ethnic nationalities in the development of Plateau State.
He assured the leadership of the CONAECDA of his commitment to partner with them in working relentlessly towards ensuring that, the voice and the interest of the Middle-Belt were well represented in the national discourse for justice and equity.
Earlier in his welcoming address, Mr. Suleman Sukukum, who is the Secretary General of the Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Nationality Community Development Associations (CONAECDA), disclosed that the organisation was a coalition of indigenous ethnic communities in central and northern Nigeria.
He stressed that the coalition was for those working in diverse areas such as language, education , community development as well as indigenous land rights, representing hundreds of indigenous groups that are spread across 15 Nigerian states.
CONAECDA Secretary, further explained that, it was established by a charter signed by over 300 Community Development Associations of the Middle Belt in October 2014 at the Eliel event Center, Rayfield Jos, with the Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives, (PIDAN) representing the CONAECDA National body in Plateau State.
On his part, the Chairman Community Intervention Empowerment and Development Financing Agency of CONAECDA and Member Advisory Committee on Minority and Indigenous Peoples Rights, Prof. Nenfort Gomwalk, applauded Hon. Dan kwada for his commitment in bridging the gap towards fostering unity, corporation and understanding among various leadership of ethnic nationalities in Northern Nigeria.
While also appreciating Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his wisdom and commitment by creating an office for Middle-Belt ethnic nationalities, the Chairman described decision as apt and the first of its kind.
He also revealed that, CONAECDA has been working and has achieved a lot in building a culturally and economically sustainable communities through synergy, cooperation and teamwork, thereby encouraging communities to actively participate in governance and community development by taking ownership of autochthonous lands and culture.
Also speaking, the President Mwaghavul Development Association and Vice President CONAECDA North Central, Sir Joseph Gwankat, said, the organization has achieved a lot in terms of formulating conferences, strategies, Policies, Programs and facilitating implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Sir Gwankat, who currently chairs the 2024 CONAECDA Conference Planing committee shared more light on the upcoming events and sought for collaboration towards the success of the Conference.
The North East Zonal Coordinator CONAECDA Hon. Frank Kure, commended the Hon. Dan Kwada for his interest and commitment in strengthening the ties among various Middle-Belt Ethnic Nationalities and called for intensify efforts in protecting the rights of indigenous people of northern Nigeria through advocacy and sensitization.
Kure, who is also a member of CONAECDA’s Board of Trustees, expressed optimism that the meeting with the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Mutfwang has set the tune for further engagement that would ensure the promotion of cooperation and collaboration with other Socio-Cultural Organisations, to help address the numerous challenges confronting various ethnic nationalities in Northern Nigeria.
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