By Golok Nanmwa,Jos
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, has convened a Northern Zone Expanded Stakeholders Meeting in Plateau State as part of efforts to strengthen unity, encourage political participation and promote peace and development in the area.
The meeting, which brought together major stakeholders, political party leaders, elder statesmen and political office holders from across the Northern Zone of Plateau State, was held on Saturday.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Doro explained that one of the key reasons for the engagement was to interface with his constituency in the Plateau North Senatorial District, particularly in view of the ongoing electronic registration exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I am here to assess the situation, encourage participation and ensure that my constituency and Plateau State at large are adequately captured in the registration process. I am also here to interface with the people and encourage unity,” he said.
The minister noted that the meeting also provided an opportunity to receive and encourage individuals who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, stressing the need for cohesion among party members.
“Together we must work for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 and for the success of our Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang,” he added.
Dr. Doro stated that the forum was part of early preparations to position the APC ahead of future elections, describing it as a mobilization platform to ensure party members are ready to engage effectively at federal, state and local levels.
Beyond politics, the minister expressed concern over the recurring security challenges in Plateau North and their humanitarian implications.
He said his ministry was focusing on what he described as the humanitarian–development–peace nexus, aimed at reducing crises through the promotion of peaceful coexistence.
“When we have peace, there will be less need for humanitarian intervention, and when there is less humanitarian intervention, we will have development and human capital growth,” he explained.
Dr. Doro further disclosed that his ministry is set to hold its inaugural Council on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Cross River State from Tuesday, January 27, where all states will converge to harmonise policies and develop a unified approach to tackling poverty across the country.
He expressed optimism that sustained stakeholder engagement, peacebuilding efforts and coordinated policies would significantly contribute to stability and socio-economic development in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.