What began as a leisurely hike through the rolling hills of Shendam gradually unfolded into something more enduring — a statement about leadership, inclusion and what grassroots governance can look like when it is experienced, not merely proclaimed.
The Shendam Local Government 2025 Hike and Sports Competition, themed “Beyond the Trail,” was conceived as an outdoor lifestyle experience blending adventure, wellness, creativity and celebration.
Yet as participants converged from across Plateau State, other parts of Nigeria and the diaspora, the event evolved into a broader demonstration of how leisure, youth engagement and infrastructure can intersect to shape community development.
At the heart of the initiative is the Chairman of Shendam Local Government, Hon. Dr. Kemi Nicholas Nshe, who described the hike as a deliberate effort to break social barriers and reposition the local government as a hub for unity and opportunity.
“This event is about bringing people together,” he said. “As you can see, participants are not only from Shendam. We have people from Mangu, other parts of the state and even outside the country. That is how you showcase a place and build relationships.”
According to him, the idea extends beyond recreation to promoting tourism, peaceful coexistence and youth engagement. He dismissed suggestions that the programme was politically motivated, insisting it was part of a consistent development approach.
“This is not about politics. It is about unity and engagement. These are things we do regularly. Just recently, over 10,000 students gathered here for our A-Level programme. The hike is part of a broader effort to keep young people engaged and connected.”
That broader vision received endorsement from the Plateau State Government. The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Musa Achoms, described the hike as a convergence of leadership vision and practical governance.
Standing among youths, corps members and community leaders, Achoms said initiatives such as the Shendam hike demonstrate how grassroots leadership can translate policy into visible action.
“We are happy that there is now a place where people can converge. Young people have come out in large numbers to experience the Shendam Hills, and there are other activities beyond hiking. This is how engagement should look,” he noted.
He noted that such programmes play a preventive role by channeling youthful energy into positive activities, adding that the state government encourages local governments to take similar initiatives.
“When young people are idle, the consequences are clear. That is why we are grateful that they are here, engaged in something healthy and productive“, adding that Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang supports initiatives that position Plateau youths to compete with their peers globally.
The impact of the initiative became more tangible during a tour of sports and recreational facilities developed by the Shendam Local Government. Achoms pointed to the facilities as evidence of intentional investment in youth development.
He recalled that during the Nigeria University Games Association competition, Plateau State had to host swimming events outside the state due to the absence of standard facilities.
“Today, we are confident that Shendam can produce athletes who will win medals,” .
The facilities include volleyball and basketball courts, lawn tennis areas, a relaxation space known as the Love Garden, and other amenities capable of hosting sports camps and attracting visitors beyond the state capital.
“This is governance you can see,” Achoms said. “It is not just about infrastructure, but about investing in people.”
For Hon. Ziphion Terkop Chrysanthus Bala, Plateau State Director of Liaison for MDAs and Security Agencies in Abuja, the timing of the hike during the Christmas season carried symbolic significance.
“Christmas is a season of love and unity, and this hike gives us an opportunity to demonstrate that love by coming together,” he emphasized, urging residents to remain focused on development and the dividends of democracy.
Also lending his voice was a politician from Mangu Local Government Area, Ibrahim Mangset, who said the presence of foreign and diaspora participants highlighted Shendam’s growing profile as an emerging tourism destination.
Beyond officialdom, participants offered perspectives that grounded the event in lived experience. Homms Omar, a biker from Syria who has lived in Nigeria for several years, said the Shendam Bike and Hike stood out among similar events he had attended.
This is my second time here. It’s beautiful and energetic. I travelled from Abuja and brought friends touring Nigeria and Africa because I wanted them to see another side of the country,” he said.
For Bawa Justina, the hike opened up a part of Shendam she had never experienced before. “I’ve had a lot of fun. Because of this hike, I was able to come here, see new places and meet new people.
Another participant, Gift Naanpoe, described the experience as refreshing. “I love peaceful activities that heal the body. Events like this bring people together, especially when we may only see one another once a year,”
Back at the sports complex, the chairman explained why his administration has prioritised youth-focused infrastructure. According to him, providing alternatives for young people is central to social stability.
“When young people are idle, society feels the impact. Most cases you see in police stations and courts involve youths. If they cannot play football, they can swim or play basketball. Once they are engaged, society becomes safer,” he stated.
He described projects such as the Shendam Stadium as long-term investments, noting that the facility, initiated under his leadership, has grown significantly in value and capacity.
As conversations continued around shared meals and laughter, the hike left behind more than footprints on the trail. It offered a glimpse into how leisure can evolve into legacy, and how grassroots governance — anchored on youth engagement, inclusion and visible action — can quietly reshape a community’s future.
