The Executive Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council, Hon. Stephen Gyang Pwajok, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, presented a brand-new official vehicle to the Gwom Rwei of Foron District during a brief but symbolic ceremony at the council secretariat.
The presentation marks the fulfillment of Hon. Pwajok’s commitment to provide official vehicles to all five traditional rulers in the local government area. While three of the vehicles were procured under the previous administration, the current chairman delivered one in April to the Gwom Rwei of Gashish and has now completed the distribution with the Foron District monarch.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Pwajok said the gesture reflects his administration’s deliberate effort to strengthen the traditional institution and improve the mobility and effectiveness of local monarchs in community leadership.
“That’s why I captured the two vehicles in my 2025 budget,” he stated. “The first was delivered in April, and today we are presenting the second. You can see that they’re all happy.”
The chairman, a retired civil servant, expressed gratitude to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Barkin Ladi for their support and the opportunity to serve.
“I just came to serve the people of Barkin Ladi,” he added. “From all I’ve been doing, it’s clear the people are happy with their choice.”
The event drew traditional leaders, council officials, and cultural troupes, with goodwill messages from dignitaries and community representatives.
Hon. John Ezekiel Chun, Principal Assistant to the Plateau State Governor (Abuja Liaison Office), lauded the initiative, noting that the Foron traditional ruler hails from his district and the gesture held personal significance.
“The traditional council plays a vital role in uniting our people and maintaining grassroots peace,” Chun said. “I’m particularly pleased that the institution is now being considered in constitutional amendments to strengthen its role in governance.”
Delaying a scheduled trip to Abuja for a presidential engagement, Chun pledged ₦200,000 for fueling the vehicle, commending the chairman’s maturity and responsiveness.
“This chairman has shown leadership. Those of us who supported him have no regrets. I urge the people of Barkin Ladi to continue standing by him,” he said.
Community representatives from Foron expressed appreciation for the support extended to their traditional ruler and pledged continued collaboration with the council.
“We know resources are limited, but your effort shows dedication,” a spokesperson noted. “We will continue to support our traditional leader and this administration.”
In his remarks, Da David Buna, the Gwom Rwei of Foron, described the event as a joyful moment and praised the chairman’s proactive leadership.
“Today is a day of joy. This gesture reflects your reputation as the ‘Action Man.’ It’s no surprise that His Excellency refers to you as one of the top-performing chairmen in the 17 LGAs,” he said. “I’ll report to the governor that you’ve added another feather to your cap.”
Hon. Chun, who had earlier interfaced with the Plateau State Fact-Finding Committee during their assessment visit to Barkin Ladi, emphasized the importance of accurate reporting and sincerity in the committee’s work.
“Barkin Ladi has enjoyed relative peace since this administration came in,” he noted. “It’s important the committee captures the true situation on ground to help the state establish a sustainable peace framework.”
The ceremony concluded with prayers, traditional music, and cultural displays, celebrating the council’s commitment to inclusive and community-oriented governance.
