by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has asserted that, lack of creativity is one of the biggest problems bedeviling the State.
According to him, “Leaders have been conditioned to a particular way of thinking. Unless we undergo a paradigm shift and, unless we see the other side we have never see, we will not make the kind of progress we ought to.”
He was speaking at a 5 days’ retreat, with the theme, ‘That Plateau May Shine,’ which began Monday for Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Chief Executives of Parastatals and political appointees in the State at Miango Rest House, in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
While urging the appointees to do away with the old ways of addressing issues and introduce new innovations towards solving problems, Mutfwang added that, “there is the need for unity,” and called on the appointees to join hands and move together, bearing in mind, the limitation of time.
According to him, every official in government – whether a commissioner, permanent secretary, or director – they should not assume they have time, saying, “Even, if you are posted somewhere for just three months, make a difference. Your position is a trust given to you.”
The governor further noted that, “Assuming we have only one year to make an impact, let’s not postpone what can be done today for tomorrow; there is no time for slumber, no time for selfishness.”
He also emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in governance, adding that, they must work with integrity, without needing supervision. “Yes, loyalty – to me as a leader – is good, but your ultimate loyalty should be to God to whom we will all give account,” he said.
Barr. Mutdfwang stated, that his administration has the genuine mandate of the people to alleviate their suffering and improve their lives.
He further charged all his appointees and Permanent Secretaries to rise to the occasion, stretch and push themselves wherever they serve, because the people are counting on them.
Speaking to newsmen, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnan, noted that, “The essence of the retreat was to take time to reflect, realign, and evaluate the performance of the Governor Mutfwang administration over the past two years.
“The goal is to assess how we can forge ahead and provide good leadership to the people of Plateau State,” she stated.
Hon. Ramnan noted that, “The impact of the retreat will, to no small extent, help chart a direction for the state and its people. It will also be an opportunity for them to engage in critical thinking and reflection.”
The Retreat, which began on February 9th to end on 15th, 2025, is driven by a governance philosophy premised on the vision of ‘The Time is Now’ Administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang that is aimed at “weaving a legacy of collective growth and transformation for the Plateau people.”
The government is implementing a 3-point policy agenda on economic rebirth, infrastructural development, and peace, security and good governance; thus, positioning the State for national and global visibility by showcasing its socio-economic potential and human capital development opportunities.
The Retreat is strategically designed to present an opportunity for a reassessment and realignment of collective efforts towards the vision and mission of His Excellency’s agenda.