Abuja (Nigeria): A diaspora group has launched a campaign fund to support the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced communities across Plateau’s 17 local government areas and 64 wards.
The group, under the auspices of Plateau State Association, USA, Inc. (PSA-USA), announced its 20th Anniversary Convention and Award Night in Lanham, Maryland, U.S.
The PSA-USA, at the end of the two-day celebration entitled “Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” launched the “R64 Diaspora Campaign Fund,” aimed at alleviating the plights of displaced citizens of the state.
The National President of PSA-USA, Dr Bartholomew Shepkong, who made the statement available on Wednesday in Abuja, described the campaign as “a bold humanitarian initiative.”
“The initiative, which seeks to provide infrastructure, relief, and long-term recovery, is warmly received as a testament to the diaspora’s commitment to the homeland,” he said.
Shepkong highlighted PSA-USA’s achievements in education, cultural preservation, humanitarian relief and advocacy.
“If the past twenty years were about survival and consolidation, the next twenty must be about transformation and impact.
“This Association is not a spectator in the story of Plateau — it is a protagonist.
“The next twenty years will be written by our choice to stand together and place Plateau above self,” he said.
He reflected on the Association’s 20-year journey, honouring founders, past presidents and departed members.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, in his keynote address titled “Poverty Alleviation: A Pathway to Peaceful Co-existence,” described poverty as a “hydra-headed monster.”
Yilwatda, represented by Dr Patrick Dakum, said “poverty drives insurgency, kidnappings and insecurity.”
Commending the launch of the R64 Fund, he said: “Your action has not only provided relief to the internally displaced persons (IDPs), but also renewed hope and strengthened Nigeria’s image before the world.”
The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr Naanlong Daniel, urged stronger collaboration between legislators and the diaspora to advance people-centred laws and strengthen Plateau’s democratic foundations.
HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, the Royal Father of the Day, praised the Association’s resilience and urged its members to continue their contributions.
“Every generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, betray it, or fulfil it. We owe the future a duty to fulfil our mission,” he said.
The highlight of the anniversary was the launch of the R64 Diaspora Campaign Fund.
The 2-day anniversary concluded with cultural showcases, networking sessions, and an awards ceremony honouring excellence in education, entrepreneurship, public service, humanitarian work and diaspora leadership.
The PSA-USA is a non-profit, non-partisan organisation founded in 2005 to unite Plateau indigenes in the diaspora.
The Association promotes cultural heritage, fosters community development, and builds partnerships to advance education, health and economic empowerment in Plateau.