Plateau Youth Council - PYC

12/08/2026

PLATEAU STATE YOUTH COUNCIL MESSAGE TO PLATEAU YOUTHS ON INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2026

Wednesday 12th August, 2026

As the world comes together to recognise, celebrate and reflect on the contributions of young people, the Plateau State Youth Council extends warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to every young person of Plateau State, both at home and in the diaspora, on the occasion of International Youth Day 2026.

This day is more than a celebration; it is a reminder that the strength, potentials, ideas and innovations, energy and determination of our young People are prerequisites and catalysts for change and the development of our Plateau, Nigeria and indeed, the World.

The theme of this year's International Youth Day, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” speaks profoundly to the Plateau experience. Our state is home to diverse ethnic, religious and cultural communities, yet beneath these differences lies a shared aspiration among our young people: the desire for meaningful employment, quality education, economic empowerment, peace, security, dignity and the opportunity to build a future in which their talents can thrive.

Although our circumstances may differ, Our hopes and aspirations across Plateau are remarkably similar. We all desire a society where hard work is rewarded, where young people can access opportunities and where every youth can look to the future with confidence.

The Plateau State Youth Council therefore calls on government, development partners, the private sector, civil society and other stakeholders to deepen investments in youth employment, skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusive empowerment.

At the same time, we urge young people to position themselves for emerging opportunities by acquiring relevant digital and technical skills, embracing entrepreneurship, developing their talents and participating constructively in civic and political processes. The Plateau we desire cannot be built by others alone; we must take ownership of its future and play our part in building it.

Peace and security must equally remain at the heart of our collective aspirations. No meaningful development can take place where fear, violence, intolerance and division are allowed to thrive. We therefore encourage the youths of Plateau to reject violence, resist manipulation and become ambassadors of peace, dialogue, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Our diversity should be a source of strength rather than division, and young people must lead the way in building bridges across ethnic, religious and political differences.

On this International Youth Day 2026, the Plateau State Youth Council celebrates every young person whose resilience, creativity, courage and determination continue to inspire hope across our state. We recognise those building businesses, acquiring skills, serving their communities, pursuing education, creating innovations and contributing in countless ways to the growth of Plateau. May this year's celebration renew our collective hope, strengthen our resolve and remind us that despite our different contexts, our aspirations are common and our future is shared.

Happy International Youth Day to the great youths of Plateau State. We celebrate YOU, we believe in YOU, and we wish YOU greater opportunities, fulfilment and success in the years ahead.

Bahal Nanpyal Mark
Public Relations Officer
Plateau State Youth Council

For
Panan Gongden Dapar
Chairman, Plateau State Youth Council

11/08/2026

PLATEAU STATE YOUTH COUNCIL

Tuesday 11th August, 2026

The Plateau State Youth Council is inviting Youths on the Plateau and the General Public to her International Youth Day Celebration 2026

Under the Theme;
"Different Context, Common Aspirations"

Date: 12th August 2026
Time: 10:00 AM Prompt
Venue: Crispan Hotel and Event Center

Bahal Nanpyal Mark
Public Relations Officer
Plateau State Youth Council

01/08/2026

31/07/2026

PLATEAU STATE YOUTH COUNCIL VISITS PLATEAU PEACE BUILDING AGENCY, SEEKS STRONGER COLLABORATION ON PEACEBUILDING AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Friday 31st July, 2026.

In a bold move to depeen her commitment to peace on the Plateau, the Plateau state Youth Council has yesterday paid a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Peace Building Agency at the Agency’s headquarters in Jos.

During the visit, Chairman of the Plateau State Youth Council, Diplomat Panan Gongden Dapar, commended the management of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, led by Dr. Julie Sanda, for its dedication, professionalism, and commitment to duty. He particularly appreciated the Agency's prompt response to the Council's request for an audience, noting that such responsiveness reflects institutional efficiency and respect for stakeholder engagement. He contrasted this with previous experiences where similar requests to other agencies either took unnecessarily long to receive a response or were ignored altogether.

Panan further disclosed that the Youth Council has closely followed the activities of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency and is proud of the remarkable impact and success stories recorded under the leadership of Dr. Julie Sanda. He applauded the Agency's sustained efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, dialogue, and social cohesion across Plateau State, describing its interventions as critical to strengthening peace and unity among the people.

He urged the Agency to further deepen its non-kinetic approach to peacebuilding by expanding community engagement, dialogue, and other preventive measures that address the root causes of conflict. He also encouraged the Agency to play a more proactive role in ensuring that truth and factual information prevail during periods of conflict, stressing that accurate narratives are essential to securing justice for aggrieved communities, promoting accountability, and preventing misinformation from undermining peace efforts.

The Chairman concluded by appealing for a stronger partnership between the Plateau State Youth Council and the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, particularly as preparations begin for this year's International Youth Day celebration. He expressed optimism that such collaboration would provide an opportunity to further engage young people as ambassadors of peace, unity, and sustainable development across Plateau State.

Responding, the Director-General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Plateau State Youth Council for the visit. She described the engagement as timely and reaffirmed the Agency's commitment to working with youth-led organisations in advancing sustainable peace across the state.

Dr. Sanda expressed confidence in the current leadership of the Youth Council, noting that she has closely observed its conduct, engagements, and commitment to issues affecting young people. She commended the Council's proactive approach and encouraged it to remain focused on promoting unity, responsible leadership, and meaningful youth participation in governance and peacebuilding.

She explained that the Plateau State Peace Building Agency is guided by the core values of diversity, inclusion, impartiality, and mutual respect, emphasizing that the Agency does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or any other social identity. According to her, these principles continue to shape the Agency's interventions in fostering peaceful coexistence across Plateau State.

Dr. Sanda further disclosed that the Agency has consistently prioritised youth engagement in its peacebuilding programmes, particularly in the areas of peace and security. She highlighted the Generation Peace Initiative as one of the Agency's flagship programmes designed to empower young people to become champions of peace within their respective communities.

She encouraged the Plateau State Youth Council to develop a clearly defined Peace Agenda that would provide a framework for collaboration with the Agency. She reaffirmed the Agency's readiness to partner with the Council and assured the delegation that its doors remain open for sustained collaboration in promoting peace, youth development, and social cohesion across Plateau State.

Earlier, the Special Envoy to the Governor on Peace and Security, Prof. Chris Kwaja, charged the leadership of the Plateau State Youth Council to uphold the virtues of integrity, accountability, and dignity in the discharge of their responsibilities. He encouraged the Council to intentionally invest in programmes that build the capacity of young people while promoting love, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development.

Prof. Kwaja further urged the Council to invest in research and evidence-based initiatives that identify, nurture, and harness the vast pool of talent across Plateau State. He advised the leadership to prioritise competence, innovation, and creativity in its programmes and engagements to ensure lasting impact.

He concluded by challenging the leadership of the Youth Council to remain independent, courageous, and principled in carrying out its mandate. He urged the Council to always speak truth to power where necessary, provide constructive leadership for young people, and articulate a clear agenda that will advance the interests and aspirations of Plateau youths.

Bahal Nanpyal Mark
Public Relations Officer
Plateau State Youth Council

23/07/2026

PLATEAU STATE YOUTH COUNCIL CONDOLES THE JOS SOUTH TRADITIONAL COUNCIL OVER THE PASSING OF DA GWOM REI, DA DR. NGA DANGYANG

Thursday, 23rd July, 2026

The Plateau State Youth Council has extended its heartfelt condolences to the people of Jos South Local Government Area, the Jos South Traditional Council, the Berom Nation, and the immediate family of the late Paramount Ruler of Jos South, Da Dr. Nga Dangyang, following his passing during a condolence visit led by its Chairman, Panan Gongden Dapar, alongside the leadership of the Council in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas,

Speaking during the condolence visit, the Chairman, Panan Gongden Dapar paid glowing tribute to the late Da Gwom Rei, describing him as an exceptional traditional ruler whose remarkable reign of over six decades was distinguished by wisdom, humility, integrity, and an enduring commitment to peaceful coexistence. He noted that the late monarch devoted his life to fostering unity among his people, strengthening communal harmony, and serving as a father figure whose counsel and guidance inspired generations of young people across the state.

He further described Da Dr. Nga Dangyang as a custodian of the cultural values and traditions of the Berom Nation whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Panan describes his demise as a profound loss not only to the traditional institution but also to Plateau State, considering his decades of selfless service, exemplary leadership, and unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of his people.

The Chairman also extended the condolences of the Plateau State Youth Council to the Jos South Traditional Council and the people of Gyel District over the tragic incident that claimed the lives of two women in the community. He assured them of the unwavering support, prayers, and solidarity of Plateau youths during this difficult period, while praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and speedy healing for all those affected by the unfortunate incident.

Responding on behalf of the Jos South Traditional Council, His Royal Highness Da Yohanna Jang Pam, Gwom Nyango, expressed profound appreciation to the Plateau State Youth Council for identifying with the people of Jos South and the Berom Nation in their moment of grief. He commended the leadership of the Council for its commitment to promoting unity, peace, and responsible youth engagement across the state, noting that young people remain indispensable partners in building a peaceful and prosperous Plateau. He offered prayers for the continued success of the Council in its efforts to unite and positively mobilise the youth.

The visit concluded with prayers for divine comfort and strength for the immediate family of the late Da Dr. Nga Dangyang, the Jos South Traditional Council, the Berom Nation, and all whose lives were touched by the late monarch. The Plateau State Youth Council prayed that Almighty God grants the revered royal father eternal rest and gives all who mourn him the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Bahal Nanpyal Mark
Public Relations Officer
Plateau State Youth Council

23/07/2026

PLATEAU STATE YOUTH COUNCIL REJOICES OVER DR. YAKUBU GUNYA DASHE'S APPOINTMENT AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL VETERINARY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, VOM

Thursday 23rd July, 2026.

The Plateau State Youth Council heartily congratulates Dr. Yakubu Gunya Dashe on his well deserved appointment as the Executive Director of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom. This prestigious appointment is a well earned recognition of your years of dedication, professionalism, and invaluable contributions to veterinary medicine, scientific research, and national development. We celebrate this remarkable milestone and commend the confidence reposed in your capacity to lead one of Nigeria's foremost research institutions.

Your impressive wealth of experience, proven leadership, and distinguished career in veterinary science have positioned you as an excellent choice for this important responsibility. Over the years, you have demonstrated exceptional commitment to research, innovation, and the advancement of animal health, earning the respect of colleagues and stakeholders alike. We are confident that your vision, competence, and integrity will provide the strategic leadership required to further strengthen the institute and consolidate its achievements.

The National Veterinary Research Institute occupies a vital place in Nigeria's agricultural and public health landscape. As the nation's leading institution for veterinary research, vaccine production, disease surveillance, and livestock development, the institute plays a critical role in safeguarding animal health, improving food security, supporting the livestock economy, and protecting public health. Effective leadership at the institute is therefore essential to advancing scientific innovation and ensuring sustainable agricultural development for the benefit of all Nigerians.

As you assume this important office, the Plateau State Youth Council prays that God grants you wisdom, strength, good health, and divine guidance to successfully discharge the enormous responsibilities entrusted to you. We assure you of our goodwill and unwavering support as you work towards taking the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, to greater heights of excellence. Once again, congratulations on this well deserved appointment, and we wish you a successful and impactful tenure.

Bahal Nanpyal Mark
Public Relations Officer
Plateau State Youth Council

For
Panan Gongden Dapar
Chairman, Plateau State Youth Council

14/07/2026

PLATEAU STATE YOUTH COUNCIL URGES CALM OVER JOS NORTH NORTH APC CANDIDACY, CALLS FOR FAIRNESS

Tuesday 14th July, 2026

The Plateau State Youth Council wishes to call for calm among residents and supporters in Jos North North State Constituency following the controversy surrounding the emergence of the All Progressives Congress candidate after the party's primary election. The Council urges all concerned stakeholders and constituents to allow due process to prevail in the interest of peace and stability in Plateau State.

The appeal follows protests by constituents in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, in the early hours of today, 14th July 2026, who expressed dissatisfaction over the party's decision to hand its ticket to a candidate, Abdulkadir Hassan, who reportedly placed fourth during the primary election, after the initial winner was disqualified.
According to the results declared at the collation center,
These are the votes scored by each Aspirant;
Adams Aliyu 13,066
Harry Ishaya 1,904
Shehu Bala Usman 239
Abdulkadir Hassan 182

The declaration of Abdulkadir Hassan as the Candidate of the APC has generated tension within the constituency, prompting concerns over the need for transparency and fairness in the party's internal processes.

The Plateau State Youth Council recalls that before the conduct of the party primaries, it appealed to all political parties in the state to ensure fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to democratic principles in the selection of their candidates. That call was made to prevent avoidable disputes and instances like this, capable of undermining the fragile peace currently being enjoyed across the state.

The Council notes with satisfaction that its intervention, led by the Chairman, alongside other critical stakeholders, helped to de-escalate tensions, as protesters agreed to suspend their demonstration and reopened blocked roads. This responsible action underscores the commitment of the people to peace and dialogue, and it is important that such goodwill is not taken for granted by party stakeholders.

The Plateau State Youth Council therefore calls on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress under the National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, and the Plateau State Chairman of the party, Hon. Rufus Bature, to ensure that justice, fairness, and equity prevail in resolving the matter.

The Council believes that a transparent and credible resolution will not only strengthen confidence in the democratic process but also preserve peace and unity within Jos North- North Constituency and Plateau State at large.

Bahal Nanpyal Mark
Public Relations Officer
Plateau State Youth Council

For
Panan Gongden Dapar
Chairman, Plateau State Youth Council

12/07/2026

PLATEAU STATE YOUTH COUNCIL BACKS GOVERNOR MUTFWANG'S CALL FOR STATE POLICE

Sunday, 12th July, 2026

The leadership of the Plateau State Youth Council wholeheartedly endorse the recent call by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for the establishment of State Police in Nigeria, speaking at a Townhall Meeting organised by Arise TV. Given Plateau State's painful history of recurrent and violent attacks on innocent communities, the Council believes that the time has come for Nigeria to embrace a more responsive and decentralized policing system capable of addressing the unique security realities of each state. The Governor's position is not only timely but reflects the collective aspirations of Plateau people who have endured years of insecurity, displacement, and loss of lives.

The Council recognizes that Plateau State's security challenges are complex and require a comprehensive approach. While the establishment of Operation Rainbow under the administration of Senator Jonah David Jang in 2010 has significantly enhanced intelligence gathering and supported conventional security agencies in maintaining peace, its operational mandate and legal powers remain limited. Intelligence without adequate enforcement capacity cannot sufficiently deter or neutralize criminal elements. The Plateau State Youth Council therefore believes that a constitutionally established State Police, operating within clearly defined legal safeguards and in collaboration with federal security agencies, will significantly strengthen the state's capacity to prevent and respond swiftly to security threats.

State Police will also improve local intelligence and operational effectiveness. Officers recruited from within Plateau State will possess a better understanding of the terrain, culture, languages, and community dynamics, enabling them to detect emerging threats more efficiently and respond promptly to emergencies. Such local knowledge is indispensable in confronting the evolving security challenges facing many rural communities across the state, where difficult terrain and delayed response have too often contributed to devastating consequences. A decentralized policing structure will ensure that security interventions are proactive rather than reactive.

Beyond enhancing security, the establishment of State Police holds immense economic and social benefits for Plateau State. Sustainable peace remains the foundation for agricultural productivity, tourism, commerce, investment, and youth employment. Investors are naturally attracted to stable environments, while citizens can only pursue their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to development when they feel safe. By strengthening internal security, State Police will help restore confidence, stimulate economic growth, and create conditions that enable Plateau's abundant human and natural resources to thrive.

We are fully aware of the commitment and preparedness demonstrated by His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, towards actualizing this vision. We acknowledge the proactive steps already taken by the state government, including the constitution of committees to develop a framework for upgrading Operation Rainbow into a fully-fledged community policing outfit, as well as the ongoing legislative efforts by the Plateau State House of Assembly to provide the necessary legal backing for these reforms.

The Plateau State Youth Council therefore commends Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for lending his voice to this important national conversation and reaffirm our unwavering support for every genuine effort aimed at securing the lives, property, and future of the people of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

Bahal Nanpyal Mark
Public Relations Officer
Plateau State Youth Council

For
Panan Gongden Dapar
Chairnan, Plateau State Youth Council

04/07/2026

PLATEAU STATE YOUTH COUNCIL DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RETRACTION AND APOLOGY OVER RECKLESS REMARK AGAINST THE BEROM NATION

Saturday 4th July, 2026.

The attention of the Plateau State Youth Council has been drawn to the deeply offensive and irresponsible remarks made by the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Tayo Omotayo, during a recent television interview in which he allegedly referred to the Berom Nation as a "militia group." We condemn this unfortunate characterization in the strongest possible terms. Such an inflammatory statement, coming from the head of one of Nigeria's foremost policy institutions, is reckless, divisive, and unbecoming of a public official entrusted with promoting national unity and informed public discourse.

It is even more disturbing that, during the same interview, the Director-General acknowledged that the perpetrators of the recent attacks at the Institute in Plateau State had not yet been identified and that security agencies were still conducting investigations. Having admitted that the identities of those responsible remain unknown, it is inexplicable and highly prejudicial for him to single out and stigmatize the Berom Nation with such an unfounded label.

The Berom people have consistently demonstrated patriotism and have made enormous sacrifices for national development, including hosting and supporting NIPSS since its establishment. To repay that longstanding goodwill with baseless allegations is not only ungrateful but a dangerous attempt to distort facts and malign an entire people.

The Plateau State Youth Council believes these remarks were deliberate and calculated to reinforce a false narrative that seeks to portray the host community as antagonistic to the institution they have peacefully accommodated for decades. .

We reject this narrative in its entirety. No individual, regardless of office or status, should exploit a sensitive security situation to cast aspersions on an entire ethnic nation without credible evidence. Such conduct undermines ongoing security investigations, fuels ethnic tensions, and threatens the fragile peace that the people of Plateau State continue to work tirelessly to preserve.

Accordingly, the Plateau State Youth Council demands that the Director-General, Tayo Omotayo, immediately retract his derogatory statement through the same media platform on which it was made and offer an unreserved public apology to the Berom Nation and the people of Plateau State. We wish to state unequivocally that our people will not tolerate the reckless demonization of any Plateau ethnic nationality under any guise. Public office demands responsibility, restraint, and respect for truth.

We therefore urge the Director-General, and indeed all public officials to exercise caution in their public pronouncements and refrain from making statements capable of inciting division or undermining the dignity of innocent communities.

Bahal Nanpyal Mark
Public Relations Officer Plateau State Youth

For
Panan Gongden Dapar
Chairman, Plateau State Youth Council

01/07/2026

Happy New Month Plateau