The Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, has urged indigenes of Plateau to live peacefully in love and harmony, jettison every form of differences in order to make meaningful impact as a state.

Tallen made the call during the command parade to herald the 33rd edition of the National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST), held on Sunday at Landsfileld, Little Rayfield, Jos.

She said that the state was such a unique one strategically located and endowed with lots of potential.

She, however, advised the people to embrace peace and dialogue with the government on ways to move the state forward.

” I appeal to everyone in the Plateau, particularly the elders, traditional leaders and youths to please let’s give peace a chance.

” All we need to do is to be united, theme up with government and the Plateau will be the best state in the country.

” We just need to build on loving ourselves, working together and making a difference because God has strategically placed us on the map.

” Plateau is strategic in the history of the country, it is the heart of the country.

” This is my best evening since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic earlier in the year, this evening signifies hope for Plateau indigenes, hosting NAFEST now means peace has been restored to the state,” she said.

The Minister commended the efforts of Otunba Segun Runsewe, the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), and Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau state for the courage and fate to host the ancient festival amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tallen who was impressed with the performances of the children, urged NCAC and Plateau Government to continue to educate the children on cultural values as they ought to be caught young.

” I salute the confidence of the governor  and Runsewe in hosting this edition of NAFEST, Runsewe is a goal getter and I must say that today is historic, I am moved for all that has happened so far.

” The cultural performances by the children were quite unique and interesting, we must continue to catch the children young so that our culture becomes part of them,” she said.