Future Leaders: France selects the Plateau governor’s aide, Manji

The French Government has selected Manji Wilson, Assistant to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for the prestigious 2026 Future Leaders Invitation Programme.

It is a program of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Wilson is the Governor’s Chief Technical Advisor for Development Partnerships, Strategic Liaisons and Diaspora Engagements.

He has emerged as Nigeria’s sole representative for the 2026 edition of the Programme, also known as the Program d’Invitation des Personnalités d’Avenir (PIPA), a flagship leadership initiative organized under the patronage of the French government.

The programme, facilitated through the Embassy of France, is designed to strengthen strategic engagement between France and a new generation of influential African leaders driving reforms in governance, diplomacy, innovation, enterprise and sustainable development across the continent.

Wilson’s selection is seen as a major boost to Plateau State’s growing international profile.

The choice is also an endorsement of the state government’s efforts to deepen global partnerships and attract development opportunities under the governor’s leadership.

The Future Leaders Invitation program brings together outstanding politicians, entrepreneurs, academics, reformers and public sector leaders from Africa and France who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, institutional impact and a commitment to international cooperation.

Over the years, the initiative has become an important platform to strengthen Franco-African relations, promote cross-border collaboration and build a network of emerging leaders positioned to shape future conversations on politics, investment and development globally.

Wilson’s emergence for the program reflects his growing influence in international development cooperation, strategic partnerships, public policy advice, and subnational diplomacy.

As the Chief Technical Adviser to the Governor of Plateau State, he currently coordinates high-level engagements aimed at mobilizing strategic partnerships, attracting development investments, expanding diaspora participation and promoting institutional collaborations in line with Plateau State’s economic transformation agenda.

He has also played key advisory and coordination roles in facilitating engagements between the Plateau State Government and various bilateral, multilateral and international development institutions in Europe, Africa and other parts of the world.

His contributions have reportedly strengthened cooperation frameworks in governance reform, innovation ecosystems, youth development, business support, digital economy initiatives, agriculture, education and sustainable development.

Prior to his appointment at the Plateau State Government House, Wilson had amassed more than a decade of professional experience supporting democratic governance and institution-building programmes, including assignments on European Union-backed governance initiatives in Nigeria and Kenya.

His experience ranges from program management, development communications, stakeholder engagement, policy coordination, civic participation and international cooperation frameworks.

According to the statement, participation in the French program should offer opportunities for deeper engagement within European diplomatic, political and investment circles, while opening new windows for strategic partnerships in innovation, agriculture, education, technology, culture and business development.

The program is also expected to enhance Plateau State’s international visibility and investment positioning, while contributing to broader conversations on subnational diplomacy, international cooperation and inclusive economic transformation.

Observers say this development further strengthens the Plateau State Government’s continued drive to expand credible international partnerships that can unlock economic growth, institutional development, youth empowerment and sustainable prosperity for the state.