by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS: The Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has hosted the Forum of Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Secretaries to the Government of States across the country in Jos, Wednesday, September 17, 2025, as they converged for their Second Quarter meeting since the President Tinubu-led administration came on board.
Declaring the forum open, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, set the tone for the gathering, themed: ‘Understanding the Dynamics and the Roles and Functions of Secretaries to the Government of States.’
“There is no gainsaying that the Secretary to the Government is the engine room of all government operations,” Senator Akume stated. “At the heart of our responsibilities are policy coordination, cabinet affairs management, intergovernmental and inter-ministerial coordination, institutional memory, and continuity in strategic advisory roles.”
Underscoring the need for innovation in governance, Sen Akume charged his colleagues to adapt to emerging realities, saying, “The complexity of governance today demands that we embrace digital tools for tracking, analysis, and communication. Citizens are now more enlightened, connected, and more demanding and, as such, our policies must reflect transparency, responsiveness, and inclusivity.”
Senator Akume further emphasized the SGF’s duty in “safeguarding national interest,” urging the forum to play proactive roles in security coordination, harmonized policy implementation, and sub-national alignment with the Federal Government’s development agenda.
While hosting the session, Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, welcomed delegates warmly, affirming the weight of their office and describing the position of the SGF and SGSs as “a very critical melting pot in the government structure,” and stressed that, “This is an appointment of trust, a sacred responsibility. You must not mislead the Chief Executive, because posterity will judge all the actions or inactions of government.”
Governor Mutfwang further called for “unity beyond politics,” noting that governance must remain the central focus after elections: “I, therefore, believe wholeheartedly in supporting the initiatives of Mr. President under his Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang expressed confidence that the outcomes of the deliberations would strengthen governance delivery nationwide.
The meeting is strategically designed to deepen collaboration and reinforce the SGF and SGS framework as a backbone of effective governance in Nigeria.