On September 16, 2025, Emerging Political Leaders Fellow Rayan Abi Azi hosted a profound roundtable discussion titled “Plateau and the J.D. Gomwalk Leadership Trajectory Thirty Years After.” The engagement brought together sixteen participants, ranging from civic leaders, scholars, journalists, and governance enthusiasts, who collectively reflected on Plateau State’s leadership and developmental progress through the lens of one of its most iconic figures, the late Joseph Dechi Gomwalk.
The dialogue sought to collect and collate critical insights into the long term development trajectory of Plateau State. It interrogated whether governance in the state has been guided by enduring developmental goals or constrained by short term political interests. Participants delved deeply into issues surrounding governance, institutional continuity, and the sustainability of development frameworks. While acknowledging recent progress through the launch of the 2023 to 2027 Development Framework and the Greater Jos Master Plan, many participants noted that these efforts remain fragile without strong institutional safeguards. The lack of legal and policy continuity mechanisms means that each administration often starts anew, dismantling or disregarding initiatives of previous governments.
Beyond policy discussions, the dialogue also examined the pervasive challenges of insecurity and political instability that continue to threaten Plateau’s progress. Participants agreed that without a stable peace building framework and inclusive governance model, no developmental plan, regardless of its brilliance, can thrive.
Key Outcomes
The roundtable produced several important outcomes that laid the groundwork for long term advocacy and reform in Plateau State.
First, participants collectively called for the establishment of a nonpartisan development council, a permanent body that would oversee the design, implementation, and protection of the state’s long term development vision. Such a council, they suggested, should include representatives from academia, civil society, traditional institutions, youth, and the private sector to ensure a truly inclusive governance process.
Second, the dialogue reaffirmed the need to enshrine continuity in law, advocating for legislation that prevents successive administrations from discarding well conceived plans for political reasons. Participants agreed that sustainable governance requires consistency, not constant reinvention.
Third, the conversation highlighted security and peacebuilding as fundamental prerequisites for any development plan to succeed. The participants stressed that instability, particularly in rural areas, has disrupted education, agriculture, and investment, stunting Plateau’s growth. Recommendations included the creation of local peace committees, the promotion of community policing, and building stronger trust between citizens and security agencies.
Lastly, the meeting reignited a shared sense of ownership and optimism among young leaders, emphasizing that the responsibility to shape Plateau’s future lies not only with political officeholders but with every citizen committed to service and transformation.
Lessons Learnt
From the discussions, one of the most profound lessons was the continued relevance of J.D. Gomwalk’s leadership ideals. His visionary approach, anchored on service, foresight, and investment in human capital, remains a guiding light for today’s leaders. Participants reflected that Gomwalk’s leadership was not just about constructing buildings or institutions; it was about building people, values, and systems that endure beyond a single administration.
Another key lesson was the realization that sustainable progress demands institutional thinking over political expediency. Development cannot be the personal project of a single leader; it must be a collective pursuit anchored in long term strategy and public accountability. The participants noted that fostering this mindset among young leaders and policymakers is crucial if Plateau is to reclaim its trajectory of growth.
Additionally, the roundtable reinforced the understanding that peace and governance are inseparable. Without security, even the most visionary development plans are rendered powerless. Participants learned that peacebuilding must become a core part of the state’s development architecture, one that intentionally includes women, youth, traditional leaders, and civil society actors as equal partners in shaping Plateau’s destiny.
Finally, there was a renewed awareness that youth engagement and civic education are critical to sustaining Gomwalk’s legacy. By inspiring young people to embrace values of service and foresight, Plateau can cultivate a new generation of leaders who are not only politically aware but developmentally conscious.
Next Steps
As a follow up to the conversation, Rayan Abi Azi and his team outlined a series of strategic actions to advance the outcomes of the roundtable. The first step involves advocating for the creation of a unified, long term state development plan, a comprehensive document that defines Plateau’s vision for the next 30 years and serves as a binding guide for every administration, regardless of political affiliation. This plan, they emphasized, would become the blueprint for sustainable governance and a legacy document for the people of Plateau.
Rayan also intends to engage policymakers, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations to push for legislation supporting development continuity and accountability. A coalition of governance advocates will be formed to monitor policy implementation and ensure that public interest remains at the heart of government priorities.
To strengthen community resilience and promote peace, Rayan’s team will collaborate with local organizations to facilitate inclusive dialogue sessions and community led peacebuilding initiatives in areas most affected by conflict. These engagements will seek to foster understanding, rebuild trust, and create locally owned solutions to insecurity.
Furthermore, youth engagement will be scaled up through civic education and mentorship programs that expose emerging leaders to governance history, ethical leadership, and sustainable development principles, reigniting in them the same values that defined J.D. Gomwalk’s leadership.
In conclusion, the roundtable reaffirmed the enduring relevance of J.D. Gomwalk’s legacy and the urgent need to reawaken his values of integrity, service, and foresight in today’s leadership culture. Through continuous advocacy, collaboration, and visionary action, Rayan Abi Azi and other young changemakers are charting a new course for Plateau State, one where governance transcends politics, peace drives progress, and the legacy of leadership is measured not by tenure, but by transformation.
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