Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has inaugurated a 10-member fact-finding committee tasked with uncovering the root causes of the persistent attacks plaguing communities across the state.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday in Jos, Governor Mutfwang charged the committee with conducting a comprehensive review of violent incidents from 2001 to date. “We thought that we should set up this high-powered fact-finding committee to look at the incessant attacks on our communities,” the governor stated.

According to Mutfwang, the committee is expected to perform an in-depth assessment of the recurring security breaches, determine the number of affected communities, and assess the extent of damage done over the years. “We want to understand the root causes and propose actionable recommendations for lasting peace, justice, and stability in the affected communities,” he said.

The committee’s mandate also includes establishing the number of casualties, identifying possible perpetrators and their motives, and uncovering potential routes used by bandits to access Plateau State. “Identify possible routes of bandits into the state and recommend measures to limit their access,” the governor added.

Chairman of the committee, retired Maj.-Gen. Rojas Nicholas, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the members. He pledged that the committee would approach its assignment with fairness and commitment. “We will do our best to produce a report that would befit its assignment,” Nicholas assured.

The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations in due course, with hopes that the report will provide a pathway to durable peace and security in the state.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the National Sports Festival (NSF) as a powerful force for national reconciliation and unity, especially in the aftermath of Nigeria’s Civil War.

In a statement titled “A Triumph of the Spirit,” issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Obasanjo said the festival, since its inception in 1973, has served a higher purpose than mere athletic competition.

“Since its inception in Lagos in 1973, the festival has been more than a competition. It has served as a beacon of unity, rebuilding the bonds of peace and mutual respect after the Civil War,” he said.

Obasanjo made the remarks while commending athletes participating in the 22nd edition of the festival, the Gateway Games, which is being held in Abeokuta. He noted that the event continues to be a platform for fostering national cohesion and friendships across cultural boundaries.

“Today, it will continue to bring people together, fostering friendships across cultural divides and preparing athletes for future challenges,” the former president stated.

He urged participants and spectators alike to look beyond the medal tables and state rankings, emphasizing that the true spirit of the games lies in values such as perseverance, courage, and the joy of participation.

“The sacrifice, determination, and grit—the qualities that brought each of you here—are victories in their own right,” Obasanjo added. “For some, the journey to compete may not lead to a podium finish, but the effort and resilience shown are monumental achievements.”

Obasanjo also reiterated that sports possess a unique ability to transcend political and linguistic divides. “As we gather in Abeokuta for the 22nd National Sports Festival, let us reflect on the essence of these Games,” he said, calling on Nigerians to embrace the inclusive spirit the NSF represents.

He concluded his remarks with a prayer that the games bring joy, unity, and the triumph of the human spirit, symbolizing the enduring power of sports to heal, inspire, and unite the nation.

President of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ), Mr. Abdulrahman Aliagan, has praised British-Nigerian Bright Opeyemi for becoming the youngest serving Mayor in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, Aliagan described Opeyemi’s rise as a landmark achievement in British political history and a proud milestone for Nigeria.

“The 29-year-old British-born daughter of Nigerian immigrants was officially inaugurated on May 16 as Mayor,” Aliagan noted.

“She now holds the title of First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham; a borough known for its diversity, resilience, and vibrant youth population.

“Opeyemi’s ascension is not just a personal victory, but a shining example of the excellence of the Nigerian diaspora and a source of national pride.

“She grew up in a family devoted to community building and social impact,” he added.

Aliagan highlighted that Opeyemi was elected as a councillor at just 22 and has spent the past seven years advocating for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and economic opportunity in her borough.

“Her rise to the mayoralty is the result of years of tireless service and stands as a testament to her character, competence, and credibility,” he emphasized.

He further stated that Opeyemi’s leadership represents a shared story—one rooted in resilience, achievement, and progress in multicultural societies.

“Her victory is especially symbolic as it challenges stereotypes around youth disengagement from politics.

“She epitomises a new wave of dynamic, inclusive, and globally minded leadership,” Aliagan said.

According to him, Opeyemi’s journey reaffirms the positive impact of Nigerian values such as education, resilience, and service when integrated into international systems.

“She proudly carries her Nigerian heritage with dignity. Her success is proof that culture and identity are assets, not obstacles, in public leadership,” he said.

Aliagan also noted that her story offers a refreshing counter-narrative to the often negative portrayal of Nigeria in global media.

“Her election should serve as a wake-up call. It reflects the untapped potential of our youth and diaspora community,” he added.

He called on Nigerian institutions and the government to draw inspiration from Opeyemi’s accomplishment by investing in youth leadership and incorporating diaspora voices into national policymaking.

“For young Nigerians, especially women, Opeyemi is living proof that neither age, gender, nor immigrant roots are barriers to greatness,” Aliagan concluded.