Former Archbishop of Canterbury visits Plateau, meets Mutfwang

Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has visited Plateau State, where he was received by Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other political and religious leaders in Jos.

Mr Welby, who arrived in the state on Tuesday, was received at the airport before proceeding to the Plateau State Government House, where he met Mr Mutfwang, his deputy, Josephine Piyo, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, and other officials.

The visit brings the former head of the Church of England to a state grappling with security challenges and making efforts to promote peace and reconciliation among its diverse communities.

A statement announcing the visit said the governor received Mr Welby at the Government House alongside members of the National Assembly and Plateau State House of Assembly and other dignitaries.

Mr Welby served as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury and has maintained engagements in Nigeria since stepping down from the position.

In February, he visited Kaduna State, where he met Governor Uba Sani and spoke about peace, unity and reconciliation.

His visit to Plateau comes against the backdrop of renewed security concerns in parts of the state, with the state government and security agencies holding several engagements on measures to prevent attacks and strengthen protection for communities.

Mr Mutfwang has recently called for stronger regional cooperation and intelligence-led approaches to insecurity in the North-central region.

The governor also received Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu in Jos last week amid renewed calls for stronger collaboration between security agencies, communities and the state government.

Mr Welby was accompanied to the Government House by Prophet Isa El-Buba’s representative, who described the visit as a significant occasion and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to receive the former Archbishop.

The representative, speaking in a statement after the visit, thanked Mr El-Buba for entrusting him with the responsibility of receiving Welby.

He described the visit as an important moment for the state and said it was an honour to welcome a prominent global Christian figure to Plateau.

The details of the discussions between Mr Welby and the Plateau State Government officials were not made public.

It was also not clear whether the former Archbishop’s visit focused on religious engagements, peacebuilding, governance or other issues.

During Welby’s earlier engagement in Kaduna, he highlighted the importance of reconciliation, inclusive leadership and sustained dialogue in maintaining peace.