by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS: Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has expressed appreciation to journalists in the state for their cordial relationship and crucial role in promoting the government’s development initiatives.
While speaking in a parley with Journalists in the state on Tuesday in Jos, Mutfwang described them as “partners in progress” and “essential weapons” in the growth and transformation of the state.
He assured the citizens of his continues commitment and doggedness to transformational leadership that will change the narrative of the state, adding that, he is in politics to lead Plateau to a better future, economically – making it vibrant, socially-cohesive and globally-competitive.
According to him the governor, “Transforming Plateau for progress and security is our priority. I’m not in office for political games but to deliver dividends of democracy,” he said.
According to Mutfwang, Plateau State has restated his stance on not resting on his oars towards ensuring the continued developmental transformation, safety of Plateau citizens and making the state a first choice destination for investors for the rapid development of state and rapid turnover of businesses.
He advocated for the establishment of State Police, while stressing the revitalization of Operation Rainbow, and enlisting patriotic community members for intelligence gathering and early warning as key strategies that have helped in curbing insecurity in the state.
The governor expressed concern over the security challenges being faced in the state and expressed optimism that, by God’s grace, efforts would be intensified to ensure peaceful coexistence, unity of purpose, progress and rapid development in the state noted for its peaceful and tourists’ attraction potentialities.
He, nevertheless, disclosed that, the relentless efforts, with the combined security architecture and logistical support to conventional security agencies, have gone a long way in bringing stability to the most vulnerable parts of the state, despite the challenges.
Speaking on his administration’s achievements across key sectors, especially on infrastructural facilities, strengthening security architecture, revitalizing the economy and agriculture, the governor revealed that internally-generated revenue increased, from N800 million to N3.5 billion, through the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, from 2023 to June this year.
While giving a comprehensive account of his administration’s achievement since he took over the mantle of leadership, on May 29, 2023, he noted that, the administration has boosted agricultural mechanism to ensure food security, while giving priority in building resilient security architecture, particularly in rural communities, in order to promote peaceful coexistence and restore public confidence.
He emphasized that, there is the need for the effort to attract investors into the state, stressing that, at the initial stage, he took a bold step of convening strategic meetings with stakeholders, heads of security agencies in the state so as to synergize and coordinate efforts towards the protection of lives and property.
The governor’s mantra of “The Time is Now” remained resolutely committed to delivering on the social contract with the Plateau citizens – on tourism and hospitality being the state’s slogan.
According to him, Jos is no longer perceived as a “no-go zone” as speculated, citing significant improvements in hotel services and room occupancy rates being experienced in the city centre and environs.
Of worthy note, the governor added that, “Some high profile events has been hosted recently in the state, including the NBA Conference and National Constructional Review Consultations, which has repositioned Plateau as a choice destination for conferences and tourism, taking its rightful position.
“In the area of infrastructure, the 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 Christians, Muslims and mixed communities, proving that people are witnessing the dividends of unity at its best and inclusive governance, which captures benefits and dividends of democracy,” Mutfwang noted.
He highlighted that, “On rural development, large portions of land previously under bandit’s control in Wase, have been reclaimed – to the Glory of the Lord. The Grazing Reserve in Wase is now secure and open for agricultural investment. That’s a major achievement in our drive for good security,” he stated.
While commenting on welfare and good governance, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment and dedication to prompt and timely payment of salaries and improvement in civil service conditions, averring that, “Salary payment is a duty, not a favour.”
“We have also reinvigorated training and welfare schemes for our workforce that can stand the test of time.”
“Also, in the health sector, the completion of the diagnostic laboratory at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, equipped with modern facilities for precise diagnosis, has been completed,” the governor stated.
According to him, “The hospital has undergone a structural upgrade and expansion of departments, in preparation for its conversion into a Teaching Hospital, thereby increasing its capacity to attend to patients with complex health conditions.”
The governor, while speaking on education, disclosed that he inherited tertiary institutions in dire straits, making reference to the Plateau State Polytechnic, which had less than 3,000 students at one time, but now can boast of over 6,000 students due to deliberate intervention to attain world best practices.
“Similarly, the Plateau State University Bokkos, was on the brink of losing accreditation for several courses, but has now regained stability. The Faculty of Medicine and other new departments are being developed through strategic investments,” he said.
The Commissioner of Information and Communications, Rt Hon Joyce Ramnap, described Governor Mutfwang’s leadership transparent style and openness as a “role model of inclusive governance.”
She said the Ministry has adopted the same transparent approach through media tours, regular updates on project and government activities.
Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State, Comrade Ayuku Pwaspo, joined chorus to describe the parley with journalists as “timely, especially with the state’s security challenges.”