Gamai Nation Seeks Development Commitments as Gov. Mutfwang Pledges Equity and Project Completion

By Our Correspondent

Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on Tuesday met with leaders of the Gamai Unity and Development Organization, GUDO, and pledged his administration’s commitment to equitable development, infrastructure delivery, and fair representation across the state.

The delegation, led by GUDO President Dr. Albert Kelong Alkali and the paramount ruler of Gamai land, His Royal Highness Miskoom Martin Mudutrie Shaldas III, visited Government House in Jos to present requests and express support for the administration.

Dr. Alkali commended the administration for peacebuilding efforts and for facilitating the proposed reconstruction of the Maraban Jama’a–Mangu–Pankshin–Kanke–Langtang–Yelwa–Ibi Federal Road, which he described as a key economic corridor for Southern Plateau.

The delegation presented several requests, including the construction of strategic roads in Gamai land, the establishment of a university and a tertiary healthcare institution in Shendam, the completion of the Mother and Child Hospital in Kabas, the creation of additional legislative constituencies, more equitable political appointments in Qua’an Pan LGA, and the strengthening of traditional institutions.

Gov. Mutfwang said his government is guided by “justice, fairness, and inclusiveness,” and that no part of Plateau would be deliberately marginalized. “I am a detribalized Plateau man, and I do not believe that any part of Plateau should be neglected under my leadership,” he said.

On infrastructure, he stated that road projects are ongoing in all 17 Local Government Areas. He noted that nearly 70 percent of current projects were inherited from previous administrations.

“It would be irresponsible to abandon projects on which public funds have already been expended,” he said, adding that the priority is to complete ongoing projects while initiating new ones within available resources.

He described the persistent water shortage in Shendam as “a nightmare” and expressed confidence that a lasting solution would be provided before the end of his tenure.

The Governor said the state is expanding electricity transmission through the 132KV network and collaborating with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.

He projected that Plateau could become a “net exporter of electricity” within two years. He also cited ongoing discussions to expand the Namu Solar Energy Project and to carry out emergency water interventions in Namu and Qua’an Pan.

On health, the governor said efforts are underway to fully operationalize the hospital in the area, including establishing a police outpost for security before commissioning.

Regarding education, Mutfwang explained that the relocation of the Federal Polytechnic to the legacy project site in Shendam was a policy decision intended to ensure the institution’s long-term sustainability and provide immediate access to infrastructure.

On constituencies, Governor Mutfwang said the state government had constituted an internal committee to pursue the creation of additional state and federal seats.

“While the process may not be concluded before the next electoral cycle, we are committed to pursuing it vigorously so that, by 2031, Plateau State will enjoy more equitable representation,” he said.

Addressing concerns about appointments in Qua’an Pan, he stated, “We have never set out to marginalize any community. Appointments into the civil service are guided by competence, career progression, equity, and fairness—not political considerations.”

He also called for greater unity among Plateau’s political leaders and stakeholders, noting that divisions have affected the state’s influence at the national level.

The Chairman of Shendam Local Government Council, Hon. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, reaffirmed the Gamai Nation’s support for the administration and acknowledged road and rural development projects executed in Shendam LGA.

“We are here to express our solidarity and reaffirm that the Gamai Nation stands firmly with Your Excellency,” he said.

The meeting ended with both sides pledging to continue working together on peace, unity, inclusive governance and development in Plateau State.

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