by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Government has received medical supplies from the Widows and Orphans International USA, the US-Nigeria Law Group, and the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation.
This is record-breaking also for the Gov Mutfwang Administration for significant healthcare delivery services to boost the State by taking delivery of medical consumables valued at over 400,000 US dollars for the Plateau Specialist Hospital.
Receiving the items on Thursday at the Plateau Specialist Hospital Jos, the development was a direct result of the governor’s strategic diplomatic engagements with international organizations and foreign missions.
The medical supplies, generously donated by Widows and Orphans International USA, the US-Nigeria Law Group, and the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation, were formally received by Governor Mutfwang.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to transforming Plateau State into a hub for medical tourism, and expressed gratitude.
“I sincerely thank you for this noble initiative. Your efforts in mobilizing these essential health assets and delivering them to us here in Nigeria are deeply appreciated. Our role was merely to facilitate logistics from the airport to the Plateau Specialist Hospital,” he stressed.
But, the governor re-echoed surprise that, “Some containers of medical supplies were cleared under the last administration, but their whereabouts remain unknown.”
He noted that, “The initiative we embarked upon has given birth to visible results, and everyone can see it. I have pledged to the people of Plateau that we will honor our oath of office and uphold the trust placed in us. Every penny meant for the welfare of Plateau’s citizens will be judiciously used for their benefit.”
The governor also revealed plans to create a conducive environment for medical tourism in Plateau State. He announced that preparations have been finalized for the establishment of a Medical Faculty at Plateau State University in Bokkos, alongside a state-of-the-art Teaching Hospital.
Special recognition was given to Reverend William Devlin for his role in facilitating the medical intervention.
Governor Mutfwang also extended his appreciation to his university friend and human rights advocate, Emmanuel Ogebe, who has been instrumental in championing the release of Leah Sharibu and other girls from Boko Haram captivity.
The governor also commended Hon. Beni Lar, former Member of the House of Representatives, and the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation for their tireless efforts in turning the initiative into a blessing for Nigerians, particularly the people of Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang highlighted the peaceful disposition and renowned hospitality of the people of Plateau State, emphasizing that Jos remains the most peaceful city in Northern Nigeria. He called on international investors to seize the opportunity and invest in the state, assuring of a secure and welcoming environment.
In a remark, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, assured Plateau residents that the Legislature would stand united with the governor in providing all necessary support to build a secure, peaceful, and united state, where its diversity is celebrated not only within the country but beyond.
The donors, Dr. William Devlin of Widows and Orphans International, Emmanuel Ogebe of the US-Nigeria Law Group, and Beni Lar of the Solomon and Mary Lar Foundation, all lauded Governor Mutfwang’s efforts in restoring confidence among international investors to engage with Plateau State.
In their remarks, Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cletus Shirkuk, and Chief Technical Adviser to the Governor on Strategic Linkages, Development Partnerships, and Diaspora Engagement, Manji Wilson, reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a healthier Plateau.
They credited the successful medical intervention to the governor’s passion and dedication to the state’s progress.