President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and prosperity in Plateau State.

The President spoke on Thursday when he hosted Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong and other dignitaries from the state at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

A statement by his Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said the President also advised the indigenes to support the governor’s development agenda, even as he admonished them to be tolerant of each other.

“Plateau is strategic to Nigeria. It is geographically unique with its diverse environmental and huge economic potential. This clearly shows the state’s incredible potential in tourism, agriculture and mining.

“It is, therefore, our collective duty to ensure these potentials are fully harnessed by providing the right policy support,” the President said.

President Buhari told the delegation he was very pleased with the progress the state had made on security, provision of social services and infrastructure development under Lalong.

“These are the critical pillars of having a prosperous and inclusive society. I will, therefore, take this opportunity to urge all citizens of Plateau State to encourage and support your government in delivering on its mandate,” he said.

Praising the governor for his steadfastness, patriotism and successes across the state, President Buhari said: “Plateau State has been transformed by the work you have done.”

On the state government’s requests, including the dualisation and construction of some Federal roads, upgrade of the Potato Research Centre to a full-fledged institute, a special grant for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of victims of attacks and crises, among others, the President assured the delegation that his administration would do its best to support the state.

Lalong expressed gratitude to President Buhari for standing by the state in its trying times.

He said: “You have shown that, indeed, you are a father to all and a true leader whose passion for development and peace is unquestionable.”

Presenting the requests of the state government, the governor urged the Federal Government to refund outstanding funds expended on some Federal roads.

He also called for the establishment of a Federal polytechnic in the state as well as the upgrading of the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences to the University of Mining.

On security, Lalong told the President his administration had made tremendous efforts in building institutional and legal frameworks for engendering peace and security in the last four years.

“Sadly, however, in the last two months, we recorded two killings at Kulben in Mangu Local Government Area and at Kwatas in Bokkos Local Government Area, where property were destroyed and amny people displaced,” he said.