The Plateau State Government has commended the 17 Local Government Council Chairmen for their commitment to grassroots development following a statewide inspection tour of completed and ongoing projects across the three senatorial zones of the state.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, gave the commendation on Thursday, November 5, 2026, during a press briefing in Jos, where he presented the findings of the ministry’s inspection exercise.

The tour, which covered all 17 Local Government Areas, was organised to assess the progress and quality of projects initiated by the respective councils, ensure accountability in the utilisation of public funds and determine how effectively local government resources are translating into tangible benefits for residents.

Gar explained that the exercise was part of the ministry’s statutory responsibility to monitor, inspect, guide and provide technical support to local governments, particularly in administration, financial management and the delivery of essential services.

The inspection team comprised the ministry’s management staff, the Special Adviser to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Jonathan Dabo, representatives of Civil Society Organisations and members of the media.

Expressing satisfaction with the projects inspected, the Commissioner said the performance of the council chairmen demonstrated their commitment to the development vision of the Mutfwang administration.

“I am pleased to report that the 17 Council Chairmen have not disappointed the ‘Time Is Now’ administration. Providing dividends of democracy at the grassroots remains the top priority of this administration. From what we have seen, governance has truly been taken closer to the people,” Gar stated.

Southern Zone: Councils Invest in Infrastructure, Healthcare and Security

The inspection exercise began in the Southern Senatorial Zone, where the team assessed several projects targeting infrastructure development, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and security.

Projects inspected included the ongoing remodelling of youth centres, mini stadiums, Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, legislative chambers, solar-powered streetlights, primary healthcare facilities, motorised boreholes and housing estates for legislators.

The team also visited the Wase Rock Radio and Television Station and facilities at the temporary headquarters of the 175 Infantry Motorcycle Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

Gar described the councils’ support for facilities connected to security operations as a demonstration of the important role local governments can play in strengthening peace and security within their communities.

Central Zone: 23km Road, Healthcare Facilities Feature in Inspection

In the Central Senatorial Zone, the inspection team visited Kanam, Kanke, Pankshin, Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas, where it assessed several completed and ongoing projects.

A major highlight was the 23-kilometre Gugur Road construction project in Kanke LGA, which is expected to improve transportation and connectivity for residents and communities along the route.

Other projects inspected included the remodelled Dengi Multipurpose Hall, primary healthcare centres and the 1,500-capacity event hall in Mangu.

At Plateau State University, Bokkos, the team inspected a 200-capacity Anatomy Laboratory reportedly funded by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

The inspection also covered the Palace of the Ngolong Ngas and transformers provided for rural electrification, reflecting investments in traditional institutions, educational infrastructure and electricity supply.

Northern Zone: Bridges, Markets and Rural Electrification Under Assessment

The Northern Senatorial Zone, which constituted the final phase of the exercise, covered Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Jos East, Jos North, Jos South and Riyom Local Government Areas.

In the zone, the team inspected projects designed to improve healthcare delivery, rural connectivity, commercial activities, security and administrative efficiency.

Among the facilities visited were primary healthcare centres at Sabon Gari, Chinye-Miango, Garba Daho and Furaka, as well as rural electrification projects in Miango.

The inspection also covered council secretariat complexes, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres and ultra-modern markets at Rishari-Rutara and Zarakon.

Other notable infrastructure included bridges linking Farin Gada to Rusau and Vwang to Kogot, police station outposts, and town halls in Kwang and Kuru.

According to the Commissioner, the projects reflect efforts by the respective councils to address the developmental needs and priorities of their communities.

Gar Appreciates Mutfwang, Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Development

Assessing the overall outcome of the statewide exercise, Gar maintained that the projects inspected across the 17 LGAs were largely people-oriented and aligned with the needs of residents.

He emphasised that sustained commitment by council chairmen, alongside effective collaboration with the state government, remained critical to achieving inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots.

The Commissioner also appreciated Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his support and cooperation, noting that the ministry and local government councils had been given the opportunity to discharge their responsibilities without undue interference.

He further commended the 17 Council Chairmen, traditional institutions, media organisations and Civil Society Organisations for their cooperation and participation throughout the inspection exercise.

The statewide inspection underscores the Plateau State Government’s emphasis on accountability, effective service delivery and inclusive development through the local government system.

With projects covering roads, healthcare, education, electricity, security, markets, youth development and community infrastructure, the exercise provided an opportunity to evaluate how public resources are being deployed to improve living conditions and extend the benefits of governance to communities across Plateau State.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Oyebanji, on Thursday assured President Bola Tinubu that the past governorship candidates of the Social Democratic Party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Allied Peoples Movement, APM, are supporting his reelection bid.

Speaking during the APC's Ekiti State 2027 presidential campaign rally, the governor said no President has been as good to the people of the state as Tinubu.

Oyebanji said, "Mr President, Ekiti people have spoken and we have listened to the candidates of the SDP, PDP, and APM that we contested the June governorship election together, all three of them are now united to ensure that we deliver Mr President in January.

"I stand to be corrected that since the creation of Ekiti State, no President has been this good to Ekiti people. In May this year, Mr President sent the Vice President to Ekiti twice for us to commission some projects and to campaign. He sent the Vice President with one simple message – if we were happy with the performance of the governor, please return his promise.

"On June 20, the opportunity presented itself, you filed out and returned APC with an unprecedented vote of 85.7 percent, it has never happened in the history of this state, that victory is not for me; it's for Bola Tinubu, it's APC's victory.

"You told the President that you are happy with what he has done in the last four years, evidence said I will do more for Ekiti on one condition – return me back as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

Oyebanji assured Tinubu to relax because he will get 80 percent votes from Ekiti State.

He added: "Mr Vice President sir, our message to Mr President is that 'ki won lofokan bale,' there is no problem in Ekiti State. We have made up our mind that come January 16, we are going to double the tally of what we did in June this year.

"Ekiti is united and I have all the candidates of other political parties that contested with me here, all our former governors, Fayose, Niyi Adebayo, Fayemi are physically present here. Oni sent his apologies, I can say this boldly here that there is no problem in Ekiti.

"We will return the President with nothing less than 80 percent of the votes and that is a charge to Ekiti people."

2027: Ex-APM, SDP, PDP candidates supporting Tinubu, he’ll get 80% Ekiti votes – Oyebanji