Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has visited Plateau State, where he met with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other top officials. Welby arrived in Jos on Tuesday and was received at the airport before proceeding to the Plateau State Government House. There, he met with Mutfwang, his deputy Josephine Piyo, and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda. The visit marks Welby's engagement with a state grappling with security challenges and efforts to promote peace and reconciliation.
The visit comes as Plateau State faces renewed security concerns, with the state government and security agencies working to prevent attacks and strengthen protection for communities. Governor Mutfwang has recently emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation and intelligence-led approaches to insecurity in the North-central region. Last week, he received Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu in Jos amid calls for stronger collaboration between security agencies, communities, and the state government.
Welby, who served as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, has maintained engagements in Nigeria since stepping down from the position. In February, he visited Kaduna State, where he met with Governor Uba Sani and discussed peace, unity, and reconciliation. His visit to Plateau State is seen as a significant occasion, with the representative of Prophet Isa El-Buba expressing appreciation for the opportunity to receive the former Archbishop.
The representative of Prophet Isa El-Buba, who accompanied Welby to the Government House, described the visit as an important moment for the state. He thanked El-Buba for entrusting him with the responsibility of receiving Welby and welcomed the prominent global Christian figure to Plateau. However, the details of the discussions between Welby and the Plateau State Government officials were not made public.
During his earlier engagement in Kaduna, Welby highlighted the importance of reconciliation, inclusive leadership, and sustained dialogue in maintaining peace. His visit to Plateau State is expected to focus on similar issues, although it is unclear whether the discussions centered on religious engagements, peacebuilding, governance, or other issues. The state government and security agencies have been working to address security concerns and promote peace.
Welby's visit is seen as a boost to the state's efforts to promote peace and reconciliation among its diverse communities. The state has been grappling with security challenges, and the visit by a prominent global Christian figure is expected to bring attention to the state's efforts to address these challenges. The governor and other officials received Welby at the Government House alongside members of the National Assembly and Plateau State House of Assembly.
The visit by Former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to Plateau State has ended, with the state government and other officials keeping details of the discussions private. Key points from the visit include: Welby's emphasis on reconciliation and peacebuilding in his previous engagements; the state's efforts to address security concerns through regional cooperation and intelligence-led approaches; and the significance of the visit in promoting peace and reconciliation among Plateau State's diverse communities.
Key points
- Former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby visits Plateau State to promote peace and reconciliation amid security concerns.
- Welby's visit is part of his engagements in Nigeria since stepping down as Archbishop of Canterbury.
- The visit highlights the state's efforts to address security challenges through regional cooperation and intelligence-led approaches.
