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FG to phase out power sector subsidy from 2027 – Tegbe

The Federal Government has announced plans to end subsidy payments in Nigeria’s power sector from 2027 as part of efforts to establish a more sustainable structure for the electricity industry.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this during a recent media interactive session, where he addressed the debt burden facing the power sector and the government’s plans to prevent the accumulation of further liabilities.

Tegbe said the government would gradually phase out the subsidy while working to clear legacy debts in the sector.

‘We have the mandate of Mr. president to clear the legacy debt and come up with sustainale structures to make sure this doesn’t pile up any more,’ Tegbe said.

The minister said the planned removal of the subsidy would not mean electricity consumers would lose existing benefits, assuring Nigerians that the government would continue working to improve power supply.

‘I promise you, next year, by God’s grace, we will put a stop to this so-called subsidy in the power sector. Mr. presiden, we will not deprive Nigeria of anything. We’ll make sure Nigerian consumers continue to have power and improve power services.’

Tegbe also said there was no immediate plan to increase electricity tariffs as the government moves towards ending the subsidy.

The minister has recently highlighted improvements in electricity supply, saying some areas that previously experienced prolonged outages were now receiving up to 18 hours of power daily.

He made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja while speaking at the commissioning of a 3-megawatt solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja.

According to Tegbe, the improvement in supply has generated reactions from consumers, including some who have asked him to ‘slow down’ because their freezers were now running continuously.

‘Places that didn’t have light at all for three months are now having 18 hours light. Some areas called me to say, look, I should slow down, that everything in their freezer is freezing.

‘That is what freezer is meant to do. Let it freeze the food that needs to be frozen,’ Tegbe said.

Tegbe recalled that during his screening by the Senate, he had promised that Nigerians would begin to see changes in electricity supply within three to six months.

Shettima clarifies ‘six northern governors’ remark, says all backed Tinubu after APC primary

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday clarified his recent reference to six northern governors who backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the comment applied strictly to political consultations preceding the June 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary and was not intended to diminish the role of other northern governors in Tinubu’s eventual victory.

Shettima said all APC governors in the North rallied behind Tinubu after his emergence as the party’s presidential candidate and played important roles in the campaign that culminated in his victory in the 2023 general election.

The clarification followed interpretations of the Vice President’s earlier remarks made in Ilorin on Wednesday, which suggested that only six northern governors supported Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Office of the Vice President said the remarks had been taken outside the specific political context in which they were made.

‘The Vice President’s reference to six northern governors who believed in and supported President Tinubu was specifically about political consultations and alignments preceding the APC presidential primary in June 2022.

‘It was not a comment on the position of northern APC governors following President Tinubu’s emergence as the party’s candidate, nor was it intended to question their support during the 2023 presidential election’, the statement said.

According to the Vice President’s office, the political situation changed after Tinubu emerged from the APC presidential primary, with northern governors subsequently closing ranks behind the party’s flagbearer.

‘Following the presidential primary, APC governors in the North rallied around the party’s candidate and played important roles in the campaign and electoral efforts that culminated in President Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 general election’, the statement said.

The Presidency further explained that Tinubu’s emergence as the APC candidate became an important point of alignment within the party, with other governors subsequently rallying behind him.

It said the declaration by northern governors supporting a power shift ultimately became ‘the aligning moment across all political divides’ in the campaign for the presidency to move to the South.

Shettima stressed that he continued to hold northern governors and other APC leaders in high regard and recognised their individual and collective contributions to Tinubu’s emergence as President.

‘VP Shettima holds the northern governors and other leaders of the APC in high regard and recognises their individual and collective contributions to the success of the party and the emergence of President Tinubu’, the statement added.

The Vice President also expressed regret that his remarks had been interpreted as questioning the commitment of some northern APC governors to Tinubu’s presidential project.

‘The Vice President regrets any interpretation of his remarks that may have suggested otherwise and hopes this clarification places the comments in their proper context’, his office said.

Shettima also acknowledged the media’s role in reporting his office’s activities and urged greater attention to context and accuracy as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.

He thanked the Nigerian media for what he described as its longstanding professionalism and constructive engagement with his office, while calling for continued accuracy in reporting public remarks as the country enters another political season.

Passage of anti-political dynasty law is a congressional priority – Dy

House Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III on Thursday guaranteed that the passage of an anti-political dynasty law is a congressional priority.

Dy made this statement after the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that Congress has a constitutional duty to enact and define a law that prohibits political dynasties.

The SC en banc’s unanimous decision was announced by SC Spokesperson Camille Ting on Wednesday.

The resolution is in reponse to consolidated petitions filed by groups asking the high court to compel Congress to act on the constitutional duty.

‘Passage of a constitutional Anti-Political Dynasty law is a priority of the Congress as part of its mandate to implement a constitutional policy and advance reforms that will expand equal access and democratic participation that will promote good governance,’ the speaker said.

The Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution states that the ‘State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.’

However, 39 years after the ratification of the Constitution, no bill banning political dynasties has been passed into law.

With the SC’s ruling, Dy said that ‘Congress has a historic opportunity to give fuller legislative effect to a constitutional policy that has long awaited comprehensive implementation.’

He also noted that the implementation of the constitutional policy requires a ‘fair, definite and principled legal framework’ to promote equal access and opportunities to holding public office.

On June 3, the House passed House Bill No. 8389, or the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, on third and final reading.

267 lawmakers voted in favor, 20 against, and seven abstentions.

Dy and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander ‘Sandro’ Marcos III, both from long-time political clans, were the bill’s principal authors.

The measure prohibits spouses and relatives of up to second degree of consanguinity and affinity from seeking public office at the same time.

The lower chamber then transmitted the measure to the Senate on June 8.

Youth ministry awards citizenship badges to 43 Premiere Academy students

The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), an agency under the ministry of youth development, has awarded citizenship badges to 43 final students of Premiere Academy, Abuja, in recognition of their leadership skills, character, and civic responsibility.

The students were awarded the prestigious badge of honour for distinguishing themselves during the just concluded course MS O62 Leadership Skills Programme organised by the centre.

Recipients of these badges are recognised as official ambassadors of the centre, charged with modeling good behaviour, integrity, and responsible citizenship in their schools, workplaces, and communities. Earning a badge demonstrates that a participant has successfully navigated physical and mental challenges, teamwork exercises, and survival or adventure modules that test endurance and problem-solving.

Rinsola Abiola, the director-general at CLTC, represented by Ebiwari Elehibiri, the director of training at the agency, applauded Premiere Academy for embracing the newly introduced Mobile Training Programme of the centre which has now replaced the traditional physical training programmes held at Shere Hills and the Apapa Sea School.

Abiola encouraged the students to regard the badges presented to them as symbols of honour, discipline, achievement, and responsibility. She explained that similar badges are awarded to deserving military and paramilitary personnel who distinguish themselves through exemplary service and commitment.

‘I urge you to wear the badges with pride and, more importantly, to let the values and lessons acquired during the training reflect in your conduct, leadership, and service to the society,’ she said.

Chris Akinsowon, Premiere Academy’s principal, while commending the students’ outstanding sense of discipline and good conduct during the training, noted that the programme directly reinforces the school’s three operational pillars namely, safe, strong, and set to lead.

Besides, he said it undescored management’s commitment to shaping character alongside academic achievement among the student community.

‘The two-week leadership training saw the students receive lectures on citizenship, leadership and responsibility, alongside sessions on self-expression, values and character development, skills-for life entrepreneurship training as well as the effects of drugs and substance abuse, all of which build the foundation for safety and strong personal discipline,’ he noted.

Akinsowon further emphasised that the training also consisted of practical and physically demanding components, including observation and scavenger hunt exercises, knotting, map work, an obstacle course, and gadget climbing, all aimed at building resilience, teamwork and confidence.

‘All of these are aimed at equipping the students with the discipline and leadership qualities the school seeks to instill in its products.

‘This initiative goes beyond academic excellence in the truest sense. It places students in a structured, disciplined environment led by trainers experienced in developing leadership under pressure, and it ties recognition directly to conduct,’ he said.

In addition, he said, ‘The school expects the programme to leave a lasting impression on the students’ character and sense of responsibility as they prepare to transition from secondary school into the next stage of life.’

Moreover, Akinsowon explained that the badges which are ordinarily reserved for outstanding military officers and para-military trainees were issued to the students both as a mark of achievement and as a salute to their disciplined conduct throughout the training.

‘This gesture preserves the significance and prestige of the badge while giving the students a tangible, earned symbol of the discipline and leadership qualities that are the hallmark of the exercise,’ he explained.

The course, themed ‘Future-Ready Teen Leaders: Building Character, Competence and Capacity for Effective Leadership and Responsible Citizenship,’ focused on equipping the participants with the character, competence, confidence, and leadership capacity required to become responsible and impactful citizens.

CLTC is an institution under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development that provides informal, experiential leadership and citizenship education.

It is largely responsible for training military and paramilitary officers on discipline and leadership and uses adventure and outdoor training to build character, strategic thinking, resilience, and teamwork among trainees with the goals of promoting self-discovery, discipline, and patriotism through physical and mental challenges.

Asean adopts Manila Declaration to strengthen disaster preparedness

MEMBERS of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) have agreed to strengthen disaster preparedness by moving faster on prevention and anticipatory action, as they formally adopted the Manila Declaration at the closing of the two-day Asean Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience (AMCDR) 2026 in Pasay City.

In his closing speech, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who chairs the Asean Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management, said the declaration would guide regional cooperation on disaster resilience through 2030 and beyond.

‘As the 2026 Asean Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience comes to a close, it is my honor, in my capacity as Chairman of the Ministerial Meeting, to announce that we have formally adopted the Manila Declaration,’ Teodoro said.

He said the declaration sets three areas for action, namely, accelerating the implementation of the Asean Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (Aadmer) Work Program 2026-2030; strengthening Asean accountability, monitoring and learning for disaster resilience; and shaping Asean’s disaster resilience agenda towards 2030 and beyond.

Teodoro said the declaration would not be a fixed document, allowing Asean to adjust its approach as disasters and risks change.

‘And we have agreed that this shall be a living document that shall provide for flexibility, agility, cooperation, to meet disasters more effectively as they come and as we learn,’ he added.

The declaration, Teodoro said, is scheduled for notation by Asean leaders at the 49th Asean Summit in November, subject to the concurrence of all member states.

As the Asean region is one of the world’s most disaster-prone areas, a major focus of the conference was the need to act before disasters strike, rather than relying mainly on response after a disaster has occurred.

Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Prevention of the National Disaster Management Authority, Abdul Muhari, said early warning systems would have little value if warnings were not connected to decisions and resources needed to act.

‘Warning alone is not enough. We must connect this knowledge to forecast shared trigger, decision authority, pre-arranged financing, and local capacity, so that early warning consistently becomes early action,’ Muhari said.

‘This requires end-to-end people-centered early warning systems supported by science, technology, geospatial information, risk analysis, AI, and interoperable data,’ he stressed.

He added that local knowledge and trusted communication networks should also be part of the system, as information is useful only when it reaches decision-makers and communities in time.

Muhari also emphasized the role of communities in disaster management, saying they should not be treated simply as recipients of assistance, but are first responders and essential partners as well.

Deputy Secretary-General for the Asean Socio-Cultural Community San Lwin said the discussions reflected a changing regional risk landscape shaped by climate change, rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, technological disruptions and socioeconomic vulnerabilities.

He said the conference produced recommendations on early warning systems, anticipatory action, disaster risk financing, recovery readiness and stronger cooperation among governments, communities, the private sector, academe and other stakeholders.

As the conference also marked the 10th anniversary of the ‘One Asean, One Response Declaration,’ San Lwin underscored regional solidarity and collective action in disaster management.

He said anticipatory action could further strengthen the mechanism by allowing Asean countries to prepare and act together before disasters occur.

The conference also welcomed the Manila Declaration on advancing Asean’s disaster resilience agenda toward 2030 and beyond, as well as the proposed Asean Leaders’Statements on the Resilient, Innovative, Sustainable and Empowered (RISE) Asean Vision.

San Lwin said the documents would provide strategic direction for the region’s disaster resilience efforts beyond 2030, but he stressed that the real test would come after the conference.

‘The success of this conference will be measured not only by the qualities of our discussions and the outcomes that we have adopted, but by how effectively we translate our shared commitments into concrete actions,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Teodoro also called for sustained cooperation among Asean member states and their partners, particularly in risk financing and technology, noting that ‘disasters cut across sectors, scales, and borders.’

He also cited President Marcos’ message that regional disaster frameworks must ultimately benefit communities and protect people’s lives.

‘Our task is to ensure that our frameworks make a difference where they matter most, in our communities, our economies, and above all, in the lives of our people,’ Teodoro said, quoting President Marcos.

President moves to end child labour

President Tinubu also yesterday requested the 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory Administration to fully implement the new national action plan aimed at ending child labour in the country.

Besides, he directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs) of the Federal Government to toe the same line, declaring child labour a national development challenge with implications for education, economic growth and national security.

He assured during a National Dialogue on Advancing the Implementation of Nigeria’s National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan (2026-2030) in Abuja, that the Federal Government would intensify measures to tackle poverty, unemployment, inadequate access to quality education and social exclusion, which he identified among the factors forcing children into exploitative labour.

Tinubu launched the National Child Labour Survey (Labour Force Survey) 2024 Report as well as the National Policy and National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2026-2030) during the event.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the President said the fight against child labour can no longer be treated merely as a labour matter because of its wider consequences for national development.

‘Every nation is judged by how well it protects its children. A child who is forced into labour instead of attending school loses more than an education. That child loses opportunities, confidence, health and the chance to fully contribute to national development,” Tinubu said in a statement by the Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga.

The statement quoted the president as also stressing that ”the Federal Government considers the elimination of child labour not merely as a labour issue, but as a national development priority.

It is linked to education, social protection, economic growth, poverty reduction, food security, human capital development and national security.’

Tinubu said his administration would continue strengthening labour administration and inspection systems as well as child protection mechanisms while expanding interventions targeted at the economic and social conditions that expose children to exploitation.

According to him, the theme of the 2026 commemoration, ‘Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults’, reflects Nigeria’s determination to reject every form of exploitation of children.

Tinubu described education as one of the strongest safeguards against child labour, saying his administration is implementing reforms targeted at reducing the number of out-of-school children, improving education data, developing teachers and expanding skills acquisition.

He said the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme would also help improve school attendance while tackling hunger and nutritional challenges among children from vulnerable households.

The President added that his government is strengthening social protection and household resilience through programmes including the NG-CARES Additional Financing Programme and the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme.

He explained that the interventions were intended to expand economic opportunities and enable parents and caregivers to earn decent livelihoods, thereby reducing circumstances in which children are compelled to work for their families’ survival.

Tinubu recalled that his administration launched the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children in Nigeria (2024-2030) in 2025 and had continued to advocate stronger enforcement of the Child Rights Act and other child protection laws.

He added that the government was taking steps to improve safety in schools, particularly those located in vulnerable and high-risk areas.

‘As an Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder Country, Nigeria accepts both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead by example. I am pleased that the National Child Labour Policy and the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labour (2026-2030), which we are launching today, provide a practical roadmap for translating our international commitments into measurable national action’, the President said.

Tinubu specifically called on state governments to give full support to the implementation of the National Action Plan and urged the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum to champion child protection initiatives across the country.

He also charged employers to ensure their supply chains remain free of child labour, while calling on workers’ organisations, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, communities, parents and guardians to support the campaign.

Tinubu commended the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, International Labour Organisation (ILO), ECOWAS, the European Union, Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, United States Department of Labour, World Bank, National Bureau of Statistics and members of the National Steering Committee on the Elimination of Child Labour for supporting the country’s efforts.

He said Nigeria must now move ‘beyond commitment to action’ to guarantee every Nigerian child access to education, protection and a childhood free from exploitation.

Ondo herbal drink death toll rises to 49, 170 affected

The death toll from the consumption of suspected toxic herbal drinks in Ondo State has risen to 49, with no fewer than 170 people reportedly affected across three local government areas of the state.

The latest development came barely days after 24 residents of Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area were reported dead after consuming the suspected herbal substance.

Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, had disclosed that eight people initially died in Araromi-Obu while 16 others lost their lives in Odigbo town.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, who confirmed the figure rose from 29 to 49 as of Wednesday, said the situation in the council area had subsided following the prompt intervention of the state and local government medical teams.

Ajaka, while speaking on the telephone, told our reporter that the health crisis had spread to Irele Local Government Area, where eight people had reportedly died.

He said, ‘As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue. Our people were there and many people have died. About eight people have been confirmed as of last night.

‘So all the people that have been affected altogether now is about 170, those that have been admitted and those that have died.’

Ajaka reiterated that the crisis was linked to the consumption of ethanol by the victims, adding that the state government had intensified efforts to prevent its spread to other parts of the state.

He said medical and health officials, alongside other stakeholders, had been deployed to communities whenever reports of suspected cases were received.

‘We are always fast about it. Wherever and whenever we hear the report of the issue, our teams are already in Irele as I’m talking to you now,’ the commissioner said.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as ‘Meko,’ over the production of a herbal liquid substance suspected to have caused the deaths.

The command also arrested 14 other persons for allegedly violating the ban imposed on the sale of herbal products in the affected areas.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abayomi Jimoh, the police said investigation had commenced into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The command added that the bodies of the deceased were undergoing necessary medical and forensic procedures.

‘The Ondo State Police Command has contained the situation arising from reported cases of sudden and unnatural deaths involving youths in Araromi-Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, following sustained security, medical and investigative interventions,’ the statement said.

It added that the arrest of Babatunde followed allegations that he was involved in the production of substances suspected to contain methanol.

The police said the suspect was assisting investigators in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

2027: South-East APC leaders reject Wike’s Rainbow Coalition

All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in the South-East has rejected the political coalition being promoted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, declaring its support for the party’s governors and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The position was contained in a joint statement signed by the APC National Vice Chairman, South-East, Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, and the party chairmen in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.

The development followed the decision of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), led by Imo State Governor and its chairman, Senator Hope Uzodimma, to reject any political arrangement capable of weakening the APC or affecting its candidates in the 2027 elections.

Uzodimma had announced the governors’ position after their meeting in Abuja, saying the forum would not participate in or endorse any alliance that could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid or APC candidates at any level.

Reacting to Wike’s position and the controversy surrounding the coalition, the South-East APC leaders described the FCT minister’s rejection of the governors’ stance as ‘most unfortunate, reprehensible and completely unacceptable.’

The party leaders said the governors’ position was aimed at protecting the interests of APC candidates, from the presidency to the state Houses of Assembly, stressing that their views should not be disregarded.

‘Progressive Governors are not abstract politicians; they are performing leaders whose records speak for themselves,’ the statement said.

The South-East APC leaders also expressed concern over what they described as Wike’s alleged attempts to undermine sitting progressive governors ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘It is more troubling that Wike’s growing tendency to insult, diminish and plot to remove sitting Progressive Governors in 2027 is increasing each day,’ they said.

They subsequently pledged their support for the APC governors and candidates across the region, while warning against attempts to create alternative structures capable of weakening the party.

‘We in the South East stand solidly with all Progressive Governors and candidates of our party at all levels in the forthcoming 2027 elections,’ the statement said.

The disagreement comes amid an ongoing public exchange between Wike and APC governors over his Rainbow Coalition.

Wike has maintained that the coalition is not affiliated with the APC and that its primary objective is to support President Tinubu’s re-election, while the APC governors have insisted on backing the party’s candidates at all levels.

Poco Lee’s management urges restraint, thanks Zlatan for support amid UK case

The management of dancer and entertainer Iweh Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, has urged the public to refrain from spreading negative narratives over his ongoing legal case in the United Kingdom.

In a statement issued by his manager, Faleye ‘Dee-Y’ Adedoyin, the team acknowledged the support received from singer Zlatan Ibile and others during the entertainer’s legal ordeal.

The statementguilt, ‘We would like to publicly acknowledge that Zlatan, along with others, has been extremely supportive and helpful through this matter.

‘Their involvement, support, and effort have been vital to moving things forward.

‘We deeply value their ongoing support and dedication and we kindly request that everyone refrain from spreading negative narratives.’

The appeal followed reports and commentary surrounding Poco Lee’s UK trip and the circumstances of his court case.

Poco Lee is facing five-count charges in the UK and he has denied the allegations and has not been convicted of any offence.

His management had previously called for caution from the public and media, particularly over unverified narratives, stressing that allegations should not be treated as evidence of guilt.

The Plateau We Should Talk About More

The decision by Peter Ibrahim Gyendyeng, a Christian and former member of the House of Representatives, to build a Juma’at Mosque for Muslims in Gana Ropp, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, is an exciting, welcome development. This is not merely because a place of worship has been constructed, but because of what the gesture represents at a time when the relationship between Christians and Muslims in parts of Plateau has been painfully strained.

Barkin Ladi has bled. Anyone who has followed Plateau’s recent history knows this without needing reminders about the ambushes, the reprisals, and the funerals that blur into one another until grief itself becomes routine. Against that backdrop, a Christian building a house of worship for Muslims is not merely generous; it is an act of defiance against the logic of the crisis itself, a logic that insists neighbours must become enemies and that faith is a fault line rather than a shared reach toward God.

Sometimes the most meaningful way to tell people that they belong is to invest in something they consider sacred. That is why this development should be viewed as more than a personal act of generosity but a remarkable statement about citizenship. It is also why Gyendyeng’s reasoning, offered plainly at the commissioning, cuts through the usual platitudes: money spent is money forgotten, but a place where people gather to pray for peace endures.

This gesture deserves to be placed beside the story of Malam Abdullahi Abubakar, the Muslim cleric who, at real risk to his own life, sheltered more than 200 Christians fleeing violence in Plateau some years ago. His name is invoked often, and rightly so, as proof that the instinct to protect one’s neighbour survives even the worst of times. But he should not stand alone as an exception that proves a grim rule.

Across Plateau’s troubled communities, there are quieter stories of Christians who have hidden Muslim neighbours from mobs, Muslims who have kept vigil over Christian homes during reprisal attacks. These stories do not always make headlines because they do not fit the narrative that sells. Gyendyeng’s mosque now joins that lineage. It is proof that the instinct for coexistence has not been extinguished in Plateau; it has simply been under-reported, under-celebrated, and under-used.

There are actors in Plateau who have found the crisis useful. Conflict attracts sympathy votes, security votes, and international attention. But peace doesn’t usually attract these things. So it is allowed to languish while grievance is nursed like a cash crop. Every leader in Plateau who has ever used the language of victimhood to consolidate power, rather than the language of reconciliation to build it, should look at Gana Ropp and feel the particular shame of being outdone by a private citizen with no office left to lose. Gyendyeng built this mosque as a former lawmaker, not a sitting one, and this is a remarkably courageous way to prove that healing does not require a title, only will.

The state’s government must, therefore, build upon these positive examples. Peace cannot be sustained through security operations alone. Roads, schools, markets and public institutions matter, but so do deliberate investments in relationships between communities. Government can identify, support and amplify initiatives that bring people of different faiths together, particularly in communities where suspicion has become normal.

What Gyendyeng has done is simpler and more durable: he has given people something they can walk into, kneel in, and belong to. Government at every level should be identifying and funding more of these tangible, symbolic interventions – shared spaces, joint community projects, interfaith infrastructure – rather than waiting for the next outbreak of violence to summon a peace committee.

The Nigerian media bears responsibility here too. A press that reports every killing in Plateau but buries stories like this one is not being neutral; it is participating in a distortion, teaching audiences that Plateau is only ever a crime scene and never a community. Coverage shapes perception, and perception shapes policy. If newsrooms gave half the attention to cross-faith peace builders that they give to arsonists, the state’s story, and perhaps its trajectory, might look different.

Gana Ropp’s new mosque will not, by itself, end the violence in Barkin Ladi. But it stands as evidence of something the crisis has tried hard to erase: that in Plateau, the impulse to protect and honour one’s neighbour is still very much alive, waiting only to be seen, celebrated, and multiplied.

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