by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Government has granted pardon to 11 inmates at the Correctional Center Jos.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang announced this in his New Year broadcast to the people of Plateau State on Wednesday in Jos.
According to him, fines were paid for serious offenders, who committed and their jail terms were quashed. Those pardoned are: Moses Reuben, absolute pardon; Saleh Muhammadu, payment of fine; Mohammed Ado, payment of fine; Safa David, payment of fine; Timothy Sunday, payment of fine, and David Yusuf, payment of fine.
Others are Abba Ahmed, ayment of fine; Umar Adamu, payment of fine; Mannaseh Dada, payment of fine; Na’Answan, payment of fine, and Sunday Joseph, payment of fine.
Barr. Mutfwang further announced that, a database of over 300,000 farmers has been collected, adding that, “And we have designed an online input distribution system to streamline resource allocation, which will be launched shortly.
“Our administration invested over ₦3.6 billion in the purchase and distribution of fertilizers and farming inputs to boost food production,” he stressed.
He noted that, the Yakubu Gowon Airport is set to be upgraded to a cargo airport to facilitate the export of perishable crops and vegetables that are produced in the state.
“Our administration has also established the Plateau State Commodity Marketing Company (PLACOM) to address challenges in commodity trading, warehousing, and market information systems.
“This initiative eliminates the exploitative role of middlemen and ensuring that farmers get the true value of their produce.”
According to him, their efforts to create a friendly economic atmosphere has attracted local and international investors. Notably, agreements have been signed for the revitalization of Hill Station Hotel and Plateau Hotel, with the first rooms expected to be ready by December 2025.
“Plans are also underway to reconstruct the Jos Abattoir to global standards to create employment and boost internal revenue generation,” the governor said, adding that, “In 2024, we revitalized the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Agency and improved services in the Plateau Specialist Hospital into a beacon of medical excellence.
“Through partnerships, we secured over $400,000 worth of medical supplies and invested ₦2 billion in laboratory infrastructure. We also cleared backlogs of counterpart funds to PLASCHEMA, in order to ease healthcare access for our vulnerable populations,” he stated.
“While in our educational sector, we have also made remarkable strides in tertiary education; many courses have been accredited for Plateau State Polytechnic, College of Education Gindiri and Plateau State University Bokkos,” he said.
The governor noted that, “The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved new programmes in Medicine, Pharmacy, Statistics and Religious Studies for Plateau State University Bokkos, while the College of Education Gindiri has been approved to award degree programmes in affiliation with the University of Jos.
“Scholarship allowances for Law School students, as well as general scholarships for Plateau State students in higher institutions were increased and paid, while Dental chairs and equipment were also purchased for the College of Health Technology, Zawan,” Mutfwang stated.
“Speaking on infrastructure, we rehabilitated many roads within the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis and have declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Groundbreaking of Road Construction.’
“On urban renewal, the signing of Executive Order 003 has kick-started a comprehensive urban renewal plan under the Greater Jos Master Plan, targeting slum prevention, traffic management, and infrastructure preservation.
“In 2025, we are committed to building neighborhood markets across the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, while establishing modern community markets in each of the three Senatorial Districts.
He explained that, government is collaborating with development partners for the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market to provide a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
“To improve public health and hygiene, we are prioritizing investments in Water, Sanitation, and Mineral Development. We are very much aware of the water scarcity in parts of Jos and Bukuru, and we working tirelessly to resolve it,” he noted.
“While efforts are underway to strengthen the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) for monthly sanitation exercises, and creating a dependable water supply system for rural and urban areas, we are proud to inform you that Jos has been adjudged to be one of the cleanest and safest cities in Northern Nigeria.
“On mineral development, we will engage with artisanal miners to organize mining activities and improve safety, licensing rights, and marketing opportunities,” he said.
Also, on Power and Energy he said “It remains critical to our economy, and government has, therefore, signed an MoU with the Rural Electrification Agency to scale-up electrification and industrialization.
“The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has also been granted land for a 132/33KV transmission substation to extend electricity to Southern and Central Plateau.
“As we embrace 2025, our ‘Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability’ builds on the solid foundation laid in 2024; our focus will be on sustainable development in agriculture, education, infrastructure, and healthcare,” the governor stated.
He said, “Government, in 2025, will also focus on technological advancement, while plans are in place to revitalize the Nigerian Standard Building into a hub for tech-driven employment for Plateau’s youths.
“Our collaboration with Galaxy Backbone Limited will enhance internet accessibility and introduce e-governance initiatives for greater transparency and efficiency.”
According to Governor Mutfwang, the Plateau State ICT Development Agency (PICTDA) will also develop skills to position the state as an ICT hub, adding, “and as we step into 2025, let us embrace the year as one of consolidation, sustainability, and fulfillment.
“Already, we are engaging in strategic discussions with Plateau youths, business community, and elders to foster unity and progress,” he affirmed.
Barr. Mutfwang assured that, government is determined to revitalize and make functional of all traditional institutions in the state to take charge of their domain.
“We appeal to ethnic nationalities and communities, where vacuum exists, to speedily remove all impediments, in order to allow vacant stools to be lawfully occupied.
“While urging the citizens not to allow ethnic, political, or religious differences to divide us, as we step into 2025, let us walk together in faith and unity, determined to achieve the Plateau of our dreams.”
He also assured of government’s continued prioritization of projects and policies that touch lives and uplift communities, and expressed his sincere gratitude to the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the support and collaboration he has enjoyed.
The governor expressed with sadness that, “Some individuals have taken child trafficking as business to exploit our children. Let me inform you that the government under my watch will take a decisive action against those who indulge in this criminal activity,” he said, and encouraged parents to take absolute responsibility for raising their children and safeguarding them against the menace.