From Maryland.
The Plateau State Association, USA, Inc. (PSA-USA) has unveiled a diaspora-driven campaign fund to support the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced communities across Plateau State.
The announcement was made during the association’s 20th Anniversary Convention and Award Night in Lanham, Maryland, USA.
The two-day event, themed “Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” featured the launch of the R64 Diaspora Campaign Fund, designed to provide relief and sustainable recovery for victims of insecurity across Plateau’s 17 local government areas and 64 wards.
The National President of PSA-USA, Dr. Bartholomew Shepkong, described the initiative as “a bold humanitarian response” that underscores the diaspora’s enduring commitment to its homeland, noting that the fund would focus on infrastructure, relief aid, and long-term rehabilitation.
“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,”Shepkong said.
Reflecting on the group’s 20-year journey, Shepkong paid tribute to the founders, past presidents, and departed members who laid the foundation for PSA-USA’s strides in education, cultural preservation, advocacy, and humanitarian relief.
Delivering the keynote address, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda,represented by Dr. Patrick Dakum,warned that poverty remains a “hydra-headed monster” driving insurgency, kidnappings, and insecurity in Nigeria.
With 63 per cent of Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty, he stressed that security goes beyond military action, with 70 per cent hinging on education, skills, and good governance.
Commending the R64 Campaign Fund, Yilwatda said, “Your action has not only provided relief to internally displaced persons (IDPs) but also renewed hope and strengthened Nigeria’s image before the world.”
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, called for stronger collaboration between the diaspora and legislators to advance people-centred laws and deepen democratic governance.
The Royal Father of the Day, HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, lauded the association’s resilience and urged members to sustain their contributions. “Every generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, betray it, or fulfill it. We owe the future a duty to fulfill our mission,” he said.
Our correspondent gathered that the convention climaxed with cultural displays, networking sessions, and an awards ceremony recognising excellence in education, entrepreneurship, humanitarian service, public service, and diaspora leadership.
Founded in 2005, PSA-USA is a non-profit, non-partisan organisation uniting Plateau indigenes in the diaspora.
Over the years, it has promoted cultural heritage, fostered community development, and advanced education, health, and economic empowerment both in the diaspora and back home.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
