Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has accepted to assume a leadership role in the proposed Yakubu Gowon Unity Centre, an initiative aimed at immortalising the legacy of former Head of State, General Dr Yakubu Gowon, particularly his contributions to national unity, peace and nation-building.
The Governor gave the indication when he received a high-powered delegation of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja), led by the Vice-Chancellor, alongside the Chairman of Stakeholders of the Unity Centre, former Plateau State Governor and Distinguished Senator, Simon Bako Lalong, and Chairman of the Technical Committee, Professor Danladi Abok Atu, at the Governor’s Lodge, Abuja.
During the courtesy visit, Professor Atu presented an overview of the Unity Centre, highlighting its vision, strategic pillars, objectives and expected deliverables. He also briefed the Governor on the progress made by the Technical Committee towards actualising the initiative.
In his remarks, Senator Lalong disclosed that stakeholders had maintained regular engagements with General Gowon, keeping him informed about the committee’s activities and progress. He expressed satisfaction with the work accomplished and urged Governor Mutfwang, as the host Governor, to assume a leadership role in advancing the initiative.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor presented key deliverables of the Gowon initiative for the University and appealed to the Governor to facilitate the final process towards gazetting the University’s new name, which he said was already at an advanced stage.
He also requested the Governor to accept the position of Co-Chief Promoter of the Unity Centre and nominate a Desk Officer to represent Plateau State, the home state of General Gowon, on the Technical Committee to ensure the state’s institutional participation and ownership of the initiative.
Responding, Governor Mutfwang expressed satisfaction with the vision of the Unity Centre and the progress recorded so far. He welcomed the initiative, describing its significance in promoting national cohesion and preserving the legacy of one of Nigeria’s distinguished statesmen as commendable.
The Governor graciously accepted the requests presented by the Vice-Chancellor but directed that they be formally communicated to his office for necessary consideration and action.
The visit is expected to strengthen collaboration between the University, Plateau State Government and other national stakeholders towards establishing the Yakubu Gowon Unity Centre as a lasting institutional platform for promoting national unity, peace, patriotism and sustainable nation-building.
