Once upon a time, Plateau State was a beacon of peace and prosperity. Nestled in the heart of Nigeria, it was a place where nature, culture,...
Once upon a time, Plateau State was a beacon of peace and prosperity. Nestled in the heart of Nigeria, it was a place where nature, culture, and hospitality came together in perfect harmony. Tourists poured in to enjoy its cool weather, striking landscapes, and vibrant local communities. The Tin City, as Jos was fondly called, bustled with life, creativity, and promise.
But the tragic eruptions of religious and ethnic crises turned that promise into pain. In just a few years, the spirit of unity that defined Plateau faded, and the state began a slow decline—economically, socially, and psychologically. What was once a symbol of Nigeria’s peaceful coexistence became a cautionary tale.
As we reflect on what was lost, we must also confront what can still be regained. The nostalgia we feel for those better days is not just sentimental—it is a reminder of what is possible when peace reigns. Plateau’s beauty remains, as does the enduring goodwill of its people. What we need now is a collective recommitment to peace, tolerance, and shared progress.
Let us not be deceived: the divisions that tore through our communities were not inevitable. They were fanned by the greed and political ambition of a few elites—individuals who found power in division. But the people have grown wiser. Today, there is a growing desire across Plateau to put those dark times behind us and rebuild a society anchored in unity and mutual respect.
The future of Plateau depends on us, ordinary citizens who choose dialogue over conflict, cooperation over suspicion. If we come together sincerely, we can restore trust, attract investment, and lay the foundation for a thriving economy. Peace is not a luxury—it is the bedrock of development.
With stability, there is no limit to what Plateau can achieve. Its tourism potential, agricultural wealth, and strategic location can be leveraged to turn it into a hub of economic activity, perhaps even rivalling global success stories like the UAE, in sha Allah.
Plateau belongs to all of us. It is our shared heritage and responsibility. The time to recover its lost glory is now.
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