Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to tackle insecurity, promote national unity and revive Plateau State’s tourism potential, saying the state can reclaim its position as one of Nigeria’s foremost tourist destinations through peace, security and inclusion.
Obi made the pledge during a town hall meeting in Jos, Plateau State, where residents raised concerns about worsening insecurity, electoral integrity, youth unemployment, access to financing for small businesses and the welfare of persons with disabilities.
He said securing the country and uniting its people would be the foundation for implementing his development agenda alongside his proposed running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“In particular, I assured the people of Plateau State that we would confront insecurity decisively and enable citizens displaced by violence who are currently residing in IDP camps to return safely to their communities,” he said.
Obi also reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities, following a question from a participant on how his proposed administration intended to support vulnerable groups.
“To our brothers and sisters living with disabilities, I reaffirmed our commitment to their care, inclusion, and wellbeing,” he said.
“A nation’s true measure of compassion is found in the way it treats its most vulnerable citizens.”
He further said he and Kwankwaso were committed to substantial investments in critical areas of development, particularly healthcare and education, while working to lift Nigerians out of poverty.
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Earlier, Obi paid a courtesy visit to the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Royal Majesty, Da (Dr.) Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR, where he briefed the traditional ruler on the purpose of the town hall meeting and the delegation’s engagement with residents.
The monarch received the delegation warmly, offered prayers and counsel, and called for peace, mutual respect and harmonious coexistence as the next elections approach.
He also emphasised that traditional rulers were fathers to all and urged residents to maintain peaceful relationships irrespective of their differences.
Obi subsequently appeared on an interview programme on Rhythm 93.7 FM Jos, where he discussed the challenges confronting Nigeria and the plans he and Kwankwaso had developed to address them if elected into office.
He also visited the section of Terminus Market destroyed by fire several months ago, where he interacted with traders, business owners, sellers and buyers to understand how they were coping and rebuilding their businesses amid prevailing economic conditions.
He assured the traders that his proposed administration would work to ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians, which he attributed to the policies of the current administration.
On Plateau State’s tourism prospects, Obi recalled the period when Jos and the state were among Nigeria’s foremost tourist destinations, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.
“I recalled the time when Jos and Plateau State more broadly ranked among the foremost tourism destinations for Nigerians and visitors from around the world,” he said.
He reaffirmed his determination to revive the state’s tourism potential and restore it to its former prominence.
Obi expressed appreciation to the Gbong Gwom Jos for his hospitality, prayers and valuable counsel. He also commended party faithful in Plateau State for organising the town hall meeting and thanked residents for their participation, warmth and hospitality.
“A New Nigeria is possible, and Nigeria will be OK,” he said.
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