by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
In his continued determination to promote a robust economy for the benefit of Plateau citizens, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has held talks with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with a focus on “enhancing security, economic prosperity, and the standard of living in the State.”
During the visit to UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah and her team at the UN House in Abuja, the governor highlighted the state’s potential for economic prosperity and sought UNDP’s support in enhancing local capacities to achieve these goals.
He solicited partnership with the UNDP to establish a lasting security network, develop agricultural value chain, and revitalize mining and tourism sectors to boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
The governor expressed gratitude to the UNDP for its significant interventions, such as the robust initiatives at the Police Staff College in Jos, and said that the state would greatly benefit from the continued support.
He further informed the Country Representative that his administration inherited substantial security challenges but has revitalized the state-owned security outfit, “Operation Rainbow,” to aid in intelligence gathering and support conventional security measures.
“We are here to explore ways to deepen collaboration between the UNDP and Plateau State to advance the cause of improving humanity in Plateau State. We commend the UNDP for their major project at the Police Staff College, which will benefit the state,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
He also sought UNDP’s cooperation in capacity building to equip security personnel with the necessary knowledge to address the state’s security issues.
While identifying poverty as a fundamental challenge, Mutfwang solicited partnership to build a sustainable economy by addressing the basic needs of the people.
He outlined agriculture, mining, and tourism as key economic drivers and announced plans for an Economic Summit, and sought UNDP’s support to promote these opportunities.
The governor further explained that the State Government has established the Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission to address gender issues such as violence against women and rape.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in governance, by ensuring the deployment of resources to benefit the people.
In responding, UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, congratulated Governor Mutfwang on his election and leadership over the past year, and expressed enthusiasm to collaborate with him to advance humanitarian efforts in Plateau State.
According to her, the UNDP would develop a template to assist states like Plateau in building resilience in agriculture, economy, and health sectors to enable them withstand unforeseen situations.
She also emphasized the UNDP’s focus on good governance, climate change, inclusive growth, and agricultural value chain, and expressed the desire to transform Plateau State.