Plateau people have expressed joy at the recently
concluded Jos Carnival, saying it marked the return of peace on the hitherto
troubled state. Our correspondent who covered the event, first of its kind in
the state, reports that it drew a large number of people from all walks of
life.
Hon. Saleh Shehu Yitmong, member representing Dengi
Constituency and Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, said: “The
carnival has gone a long way to show that the government is serious about peace
and transformation of Plateau State.
“We strongly believe that over a long period of time such an
activity has never taken place. You can see for yourself how people came out
en-masse regardless of their social standing, their tribes or religious
beliefs. This is symbolic. Whatever the governor has been preaching, he is now
translating it into action. As you can see, people are trooping out. This has
passed a message that people are now living harmoniously together and now it
has cleared doubts in people’s minds that Plateau is now safe for people to
come and invest. The Jos crises are now history.
“When we were inaugurated, the first thing we did was to put
up a committee to promote peaceful atmosphere. And now we are happy we are
seeing the end product. My message to Plateau people is that we should embrace
each other. We must love one another; we should work hard and be self-reliant.
“The carnival symbolizes the return of the Home of Peace and
Tourism. Plateau is back on track and it has regained its glory.”
On his part, the member of the House of Assembly
representing Kanke Constituency, Hon. Jacob Kassam, had this to say: “The
carnival wouldn’t have been completed without hooting the Zombi horn. The
carnival has gone a long way to show that Plateau people are united. We must
strive and live together.
“Kanke is richly endowed with culture and I believe this is
the first time this carnival is being held in Plateau. I won’t be surprised if
by this time next year this rich display of culture is not held again.”
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