In this thought-provoking article, DAN MANJANG argues that reckless public comments capable of portraying Plateau State as unsuitable for hosting strategic national institutions pose a serious threat to decades of national investment, public confidence and Nigeria’s unity. He contends that sweeping generalisations and stigmatising narratives can undermine institutions that have faithfully served the nation for generations, insisting that defending Plateau’s reputation is ultimately a defence of Nigeria’s collective interest
The timeless Biblical admonition that “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” is a profound reminder that words are never empty. They reveal convictions, shape perceptions and often determine the direction of public discourse.
This is why those who occupy positions of authority, intellectual leadership and national influence must exercise the utmost caution in their public utterances. A single careless statement can undo years of nation-building, fracture public confidence and unintentionally provide ammunition to those who seek to weaken institutions that have served Nigeria faithfully for decades.
Plateau State has, over the years, earned a distinguished reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost centres of learning, policy formulation, scientific research, professional training and national integration. This reputation did not emerge by accident.
Successive governments deliberately established strategic federal institutions in the state because of its conducive climate, central location, intellectual tradition and welcoming environment. Among these are the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), the National Film Corporation (NFC), the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) and several other federal establishments whose impact extends to every corner of the federation.
It is therefore deeply troubling whenever influential voices make sweeping statements that portray Plateau as though it were unfit to host institutions of national importance. Such narratives, whether deliberate or inadvertent, create dangerous impressions capable of influencing public opinion and, ultimately, government policy.
History has shown that institutions are sometimes weakened not by physical attacks but by persistent campaigns that gradually erode confidence in their host communities. This is how fourth columnists often operate—not necessarily through open confrontation, but by subtly planting seeds of doubt until they appear to become accepted truths.
Strategic institutions built on excellence
The National Veterinary Research Institute in Vom deserves special mention because of its immense strategic value to Nigeria. For nearly a century, the Institute has remained at the forefront of veterinary research, animal disease surveillance, vaccine development, livestock health and scientific innovation.
It has protected Nigeria’s livestock industry, supported food security, trained generations of veterinary professionals and earned respect both nationally and internationally. Its contributions have enhanced public health, agricultural productivity and economic development. Few federal institutions have maintained such consistent excellence over such a long period.
To suggest, directly or indirectly, that Plateau is unsuitable for hosting strategic institutions is, therefore, to cast an unnecessary shadow over establishments such as the NVRI, whose achievements have brought honour not only to Plateau State but to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Institute has continued to discharge its national mandate with distinction despite the challenges that periodically confront every part of the country. Its success is living proof that Plateau remains a suitable environment for research, innovation and national service.
The same applies to NIPSS, Nigeria’s highest policy and strategic think tank, where senior military officers, top civil servants, diplomats, academics and private sector leaders gather to formulate ideas that shape the nation’s future. Likewise, the Industrial Training Fund continues to drive manpower development and industrial capacity across Nigeria, while the National Film Corporation has played an indispensable role in nurturing the country’s creative industry.
These institutions are national treasures. Their presence in Plateau should be celebrated, protected and strengthened—not subjected to narratives that could undermine public confidence.
It is important to state clearly that no state in Nigeria is completely insulated from security challenges. Every geopolitical zone has, at different times, experienced one form of insecurity or another. Yet no one proposes relocating strategic institutions from those states solely because criminal elements have emerged there.
Plateau deserves the same fairness. Criminality has no ethnicity, no religion and no geographical monopoly. To label an entire people or community because of the actions of a few criminals is both unjust and counterproductive.
Cost of reckless public narratives
The greatest danger of careless public rhetoric is that it fuels stereotypes and legitimises prejudice. Investors may hesitate. Researchers may become apprehensive. Development partners may begin to question long-established partnerships.
Young professionals may be discouraged from accepting postings. None of these outcomes serves Nigeria’s national interest. Rather, they weaken institutions that ought to be receiving greater support in an increasingly competitive global environment.
The responsibility of defending Plateau’s reputation does not rest solely with government. Political leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, professional associations, the media and ordinary citizens all have a stake in ensuring that false or exaggerated narratives are challenged with facts.
Silence in the face of misinformation can be costly. Responsible advocacy, however, strengthens public confidence and protects national assets from subtle campaigns of disrepute.
This is not to suggest that Plateau is without challenges. Every society must continuously strive to improve security, strengthen governance and deepen peaceful coexistence. Constructive criticism is essential in a democracy.
However, criticism must be rooted in evidence, fairness and responsibility. It should never descend into sweeping generalisations that stigmatise entire ethnic groups or portray a state as unworthy of its place within the Nigerian federation.
Defending Plateau is defending Nigeria
Nigeria’s unity is reinforced when every part of the country is treated with fairness and respect. Plateau has consistently contributed to national development through education, agriculture, mining, tourism, military service, scientific research and public administration.
Its federal institutions have served successive generations of Nigerians without discrimination. They deserve continued investment and support rather than narratives that cast unnecessary doubt on their location or relevance.
Ultimately, those entrusted with leadership must recognise that words are instruments of either construction or destruction. They can unite or divide, reassure or alarm, build confidence or destroy it. Patriotism demands that public discourse strengthens institutions rather than weakens them.
Plateau is not a pariah state. It is a proud and indispensable component of the Nigerian federation. The continued success of the National Veterinary Research Institute, NIPSS, ITF, the National Film Corporation and every other strategic federal institution in the state is a testament to that reality.
As citizens committed to justice, equity and national cohesion, we must reject every attempt—whether subtle or overt—to stigmatise Plateau State or criminalise any of its ethnic nationalities.
Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and its institutions must never become casualties of careless rhetoric.
The defence of Plateau’s strategic national institutions is, in truth, the defence of Nigeria’s collective interest, unity and future.
Manjang, mnipr, M.Div, former Plateau State Commissioner of Information and Communication, writes from Jos via dmanjang@gmail.com