Gov. Mutfwang Renders Account of Stewardship to Plateau People
Our reporter
In his commitment towards ensuring transparency and accountability in governance, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has hosted journalists to an interactive session in Jos, Plateau State.
During the event held at the Government House, Little Rayfield in Jos, the governor gave an account of his stewardship of office in the last two years.
Governor Mutfwang reiterated that the priority of his administration has been to build a resilient security architecture, especially in rural communities, to promote peace, restore confidence, and attract investment into the state.
He added that one of the first steps taken was to convene a strategic meeting with heads of security agencies in the state, leading to coordinated efforts to protect lives and property.
According to him, the revitalisation of Operation Rainbow and the enlistment of patriotic community members for intelligence gathering and early warning systems were some of the key strategies that have helped curb insecurity.
Said he: “Plateau is safer than many other North-Central states today,” the Governor asserted. “We have no local government under the full control of bandits. Opportunistic attacks may still occur, but our proactive responses have averted worse outcomes.”
On the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal, Governor Mutfwang said the state government prioritised investment in affordable mass transit rather than ad hoc palliatives.
“We chose to subsidise transportation instead of distributing handouts. The Metro Bus Scheme is helping commuters save between ₦40,000 and ₦50,000 monthly,” he explained.
Gov. Mutfwang stated that the resumption of train services in the state was possible through collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, describing rail transport as the most affordable mode globally.
The governor explained that his administration has recorded significant improvement in air connectivity, stating: “Today, Plateau State has three weekly flights to Abuja and seven to Lagos. This is a major leap from where we started.”
The governor revealed that the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to upgrade the Yakubu Gowon Airport to a Cargo International Airport, a move which he said will bolster agro-exports and open new international markets for the state.
In the tourism and hospitality sector, the Governor disclosed that Jos is no longer perceived as a “no-go zone,” citing significant improvements in hotel services and room occupancy rates.
In the area of infrastructure, Governor Mutfwang said road networks have been realigned with the state’s urban renewal agenda to ensure balanced development across Jos-Bukuru metropolis and surrounding communities.
“We did not discriminate. Our roads pass through Christian, Muslim, and mixed communities. People are witnessing the dividends of unity and inclusive governance,” he said.
Commenting on rural development, the Governor revealed that large portions of land previously under bandit control in Wase have been reclaimed.
On welfare and governance, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the timely payment of salaries and improvement of civil service conditions.
In the health sector, the governor announced the completion of a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, equipped with modern facilities for precise diagnosis.
He added that the hospital has undergone a “structural upgrade and expansion of departments preparatory to its conversion to a teaching hospital, thereby increasing its capacity to attend to patients with complex health conditions.
On education, the Governor recalled that his administration inherited tertiary institutions in “dire straits.”
“The Plateau State Polytechnic, which had less than 3,000 students at the time, but now has over 6,000 due to deliberate intervention.”
He also disclosed that the Plateau State University, Bokkos, which was on the brink of losing accreditation for several courses, has now regained stability.
While commending journalists for their crucial role in promoting his administration’s developmental initiatives, the governor described the media as “essential partners in the growth and transformation of the state.”
While reassuring the people of his continued dedication to transformational leadership, the governor said: “I’m in politics to lead Plateau to a better future, economically vibrant, socially cohesive, and globally competitive.”
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