…with implementation of “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability”
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State says, the year 2025 marked a significant turning point in their collective journey, through the implementation of their Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability.
“We deepened the foundations of responsible governance, with deliberate focus on peace and security, road infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and human capital development,” he stated.
The governor made the disclosure in his New Year broadcast to the citizens of the state on Thursday in Jos.
While thanking the good people of Plateau State for standing firm with the administration, despite the economic hardships and security challenges, Mutfwang noted that, they “chose hope over despair and unity over division,” adding, “Together, we embarked on a shared journey towards the rebirth and development of our dear state.”
According to him, “The 2025 – we intensified efforts to restore lasting peace across our communities, through strategic collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, faith-based leaders, and community stakeholders. We strengthened early-warning response systems and conflict-prevention mechanisms.
“We expanded peace-building and reconciliation programmes aimed at healing old wounds and fostering unity among our diverse peoples.
“In furtherance of this commitment, 1,450 personnel cutting across all the 17 local government areas, ethnic groups and religious divides were recruited and trained under Operation Rainbow, significantly increasing boots on the ground to safeguard lives and property across the state,” he stated.
According to him, their administration has recorded steady progress in the rehabilitation and construction of critical road networks across the three senatorial zones, improving rural–urban connectivity and easing the movement of goods and people.
He said, the Urban renewal projects in Jos and other major towns continued, alongside improvements in water supply schemes and rural electrification, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life of our citizens.
The governor also disclosed that, “Education remains the bedrock of Plateau State’s future. In 2025, we invested significantly in the renovation of public schools, recruitment and training of teachers, and the settlement of outstanding obligations within the education sector.
“We strengthened partnerships with tertiary institutions and expanded skills acquisition and vocational training programmes for youths and women. Recently, several Plateau students were awarded scholarships to study in India – part of our deliberate strategy to deepen manpower development and build global competence,” he said.
“While health sector, we upgraded primary healthcare facilities, expanded access to maternal and child health services, and improved the availability of essential drugs.”
According to him, their social intervention programmes were sustained to support vulnerable groups, including widows, persons with disabilities, and internally-displaced persons, reaffirming their commitment to inclusive governance.
“Also recognising agriculture as a major comparative advantage of Plateau State, we supported farmers through the distribution of inputs, extension services, and improved access to markets.
“We also took deliberate steps to improve the ease of doing business, support small and medium-scale enterprises, and promote Plateau State as a destination for tourism and investment. We have launched new Plateau potato seedlings, introducing improved varieties to boost productivity, income, and export potential,” he pointed out.
Governor Mutfwang assured that, “Government remained committed to transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline. Workers’ welfare continued to receive priority attention through the regular payment of salaries and pensions, alongside sustained engagement with labour unions to address outstanding concerns.”
He said, “The year 2026 offers us fresh opportunities to consolidate our gains and accelerate development. In the coming year, our administration will focus on the following key priorities:
“Deepening Peace and Security – strengthening community policing, expanding peace education, and enhancing intelligence-led security coordination for safer communities.”
On Inclusive Governance, he noted “Sustaining an open and responsive government that listens to the people, strengthens local governments, and promotes gender and youth inclusion in decision-making.
“No government can succeed without the cooperation, patience, and commitment of its people,” he said, and called on all residents, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, to join hands in building a peaceful, prosperous, and united Plateau State.
“Let us reject division, violence, and despair, and instead embrace dialogue, hard work, and mutual respect.
“As you are aware of recent political developments in our state, I assure you that this administration will not take any decision that will mislead the people. We have consulted widely with stakeholders within and outside Plateau State, and any announcement to be made in the coming days will be guided strictly by the overarching interest of our dear state,” he explained.
“I express my sincere appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his support and collaboration and appreciate our development partners, institutions, associations, and international allies, who continue to support our journey of progress.
“As we journey through 2026, I assure you that your government remains resolute in its commitment to serve with integrity, compassion, and courage. Together, by the grace of God, we shall continue to restore the glory of Plateau State and secure a brighter future for generations to come.”