Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has declared that his administration’s greatest achievement so far is restoring hope to Plateau citizens, citing reforms in security, agriculture, infrastructure, and public service.
Speaking at a media parley on Tuesday with journalists, independent publishers, bloggers, and social media influencers at the Twin Theater, New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, Mutfwang said Plateau was “gradually regaining its footing” since his assumption of office on May 29, 2023.
“If you ask me what our achievements are, one I can readily point to is that we have brought hope back to Plateau State. The people may feel their expectations, but at least they can hope things will get better. That, to me, is very important,” the governor said.
On security, Mutfwang disclosed that his administration acted swiftly when he discovered the State Security Council had not met for nearly a year.
“We immediately swung into action. While insecurity has not abated as much as we hoped, I can tell you that if we hadn’t done what we did, Plateau would be in a worse situation,” he said, noting that no local government area had been overrun by bandits.
He credited renewed efforts in Wase and Kanam to reviving Operation Rainbow and regaining control of volatile areas.
The governor also outlined public sector reforms, stating that his team cleared four and a half months of unpaid salaries within two months and implemented the new minimum wage.
On economic relief, Mutfwang said the government chose to invest in subsidized public transportation rather than distribute palliatives.
“An average commuter saves between ₦39,000 and ₦50,000 monthly. That’s a transparent way of putting more money in people’s hands,” he explained.
He added that railway services were revived with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, while increased flights through Jos Airport have eased travel for citizens.
In education, the governor said swift action resolved accreditation issues at Plateau Polytechnic, raising admissions from 3,000 to over 6,000. The College of Education Gindiri secured approval for 17 new degree programmes, while Plateau State University expanded its faculties.
On healthcare, Mutfwang said stalled projects at Plateau Specialist Hospital were completed, departments expanded, and a modern laboratory built. Plans for a state-owned teaching hospital are also underway.
Agriculture, he stressed, remains a priority. The ministry was split into crops and livestock, and partnerships were struck with international seed companies and the African Development Bank to revive the tissue culture potato project.
“We’re working to raise our yields from three to four tons per hectare to the global standard of at least 10. Hotels currently import potatoes from South Africa. That will change soon,” he assured, adding that the Jos Abattoir had been revived alongside initiatives in piggery, fisheries, and poultry.
The governor also pointed to efforts to expand housing through talks with the Federal Housing Authority and Family Homes Fund. He restated plans to revive Plateau’s tourism and hospitality sector through public-private partnerships.
On sports, he said his administration was investing in grassroots facilities to harness talent and promote unity.
“Sports serve as a unifying factor in Plateau, cutting across ethnic and religious divides. We believe in the power of sports to foster peace and community development,” he said.
Mutfwang described the media as a critical partner in his administration’s vision, stressing that reports that “add value” to the state would always be welcomed as part of building a stronger Plateau.
