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Exclusive: Plateau State in hidden financial crisis – N307 billion debt revealed

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3 years ago

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Caleb Mutfwang

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has received reports from the Committee on a Four-Year Strategic Development Blueprint for Plateau State and the Plateau State Transition Committee. The reports, presented by Prof. Ganyir Lombin, provided insights into the state’s debt burden and the challenges faced by the previous administration. The debt inherited by the current administration amounts to a staggering N307 billion.

During the presentation at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang assured everyone that the reports would not be neglected. He emphasized the importance of studying them thoroughly, conducting further investigations, and taking appropriate actions. The Governor expressed concern over the unexpected debt burden, which was initially believed to be around N200 billion. However, he remained optimistic about overcoming the challenges, particularly the issue of security, with the deployment of new security personnel and the appointment of a Special Adviser on Security.

Governor Mutfwang reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his constitutional mandate of safeguarding the lives and property of the people of Plateau State. He emphasized the need to restore Plateau State’s legacy as a Home of Peace and Tourism within a short period.

Prof. Ganyir Lombin, who headed the two committees, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the state but highlighted operational challenges that prevented a joint presentation. He lamented that the outgoing administration of Barr. Simon Lalong did not provide the committee with the opportunity to contribute to the handover documents submitted before May 29, 2023.

Prof. Lombin pointed out that the handover notes presented by the outgoing administration on May 29, 2023, lacked necessary details and did not follow the agreed template developed by the Joint Committee. The revenue accrued to the Plateau State Government from May 2015 to May 2023 was stated as N872 billion, while the total expenditure was provided only up to December 2022, amounting to N810 billion. The absence of expenditure figures from January to May 2023 raised concerns and called for further scrutiny.

The committee highlighted other pressing issues, including a backlog of four months’ unpaid salaries to public servants, totaling over N11 billion, and outstanding gratuity and pension arrears amounting to N24 billion. The Legacy Projects of the state were entangled in controversies and unresolved legal cases, hampering their implementation. Additionally, 3,692 government assets and properties, including cars and houses, were sold at significantly low prices, both within and outside the state, requiring further investigation and appropriate action.

Prof. Lombin acknowledged the significant challenges inherited by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, including a near-bankrupt state, weak institutions, low public morale, and a high level of insecurity. Despite these obstacles, he commended the Governor’s determination to succeed in pursuing the collective interests of the people of Plateau State.

The reports presented valuable insights into the state’s financial situation and will serve as a foundation for the Mutfwang administration’s efforts to address the challenges ahead. The Governor’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and resolving the inherited issues is crucial for restoring the state’s stability and fostering development.

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“President Tinubu Is Restoring Confidence in Nigerian Sports” — SSA Adeboye Hails Fulfilment of Super Falcons’ Reward Promise

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November 3, 2026

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The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for fulfilling his financial commitments to Nigeria’s Super Falcons, describing the development as another demonstration of his administration’s determination to reward sporting excellence and restore confidence among Nigerian athletes.

Adeboye said the payment of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each Super Falcons player and $50,000 to coaches and officials, following their historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Morocco, reinforces the President’s commitment to recognising those who bring honour to the country.

“President Tinubu is demonstrating that the sacrifices of our sporting heroes must never be taken for granted. By fulfilling his promise to the Super Falcons, he is sending a powerful message that excellence, dedication and patriotism deserve genuine recognition,” Adeboye stated.

The Presidential aide noted that the development follows similar rewards for Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, whose players also received their promised financial benefits after winning a fifth consecutive Women’s AfroBasket title.

He further highlighted the President’s decision to restore the National Sports Commission, describing it as a major institutional reform aimed at improving sports administration, athlete welfare and long-term development.

“Beyond financial rewards, Mr President has shown commitment through institutional reforms and deliberate efforts to reposition sports as an instrument of national development, youth empowerment and economic opportunity,” he added.

Adeboye particularly praised the administration’s recognition of female athletes, noting that the achievements of the Super Falcons and D’Tigress have inspired millions of young Nigerian girls.

He stressed that these developments must be complemented by sustained investment in grassroots sports, where future national champions are discovered and nurtured.

According to him, the forthcoming National Grassroots Sports Development Summit, scheduled for November 18–19, 2026, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, will provide an opportunity to strengthen the foundation of Nigeria’s sporting future.

“When our young athletes see that their country celebrates and rewards excellence, they are encouraged to dream bigger. Our responsibility is to ensure that talented children across all 774 local government areas have opportunities to develop and succeed,” Adeboye said.

He commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission, headed by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their efforts in implementing the administration’s sports development agenda.

Adeboye reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the President’s Renewed Hope vision through sustainable grassroots sports programmes and strategic partnerships.

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SMEs Celebrate Business Growth, Increased Visibility at Leadway Lifestyle Fair 2026

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November 3, 2026

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Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have commended Leadway Group, one of Nigeria’s foremost non-bank financial services providers, for connecting them with new customers, boosting their visibility, and driving sales at the recently concluded Leadway Lifestyle Fair 2026. 

The second edition of the fair, themed “For the Love of the NaijaLifestyle”, ended on Sunday, 25 October, bringing together 100 businesses alongside consumers, lifestyle enthusiasts, content creators and celebrities. Throughout the event, vendors reported a steady flow of visitors to their booths, with many recording sales, meeting new customers and growing their social media following. 

For some exhibitors, it was their first exhibition showcase, and the results exceeded their expectations, as shown by the sales they made, the new customers they met and the visibility they gained from taking part in the fair. 

Speaking on the initiative, Niyi Abiola, Head, Corporate Services, Leadway Group, said the fair was created to give small businesses a platform to showcase their products and connect with consumers. 

“Lifestyle is an important part of how people live, connect and engage with the world around them. With the Leadway Lifestyle Fair, we wanted to create more room for businesses to showcase what they do and reach more people. Having grown from about 25 vendors in our first edition to 100 this year, we are encouraged by the response and look forward to making the experience even bigger in the years ahead,” Abiola said. 

Olusakin Labeodan, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Leadway PFA speaking on behalf of Leadway Group, said the fair reflects the Group’s wider approach to building relationships with its customers beyond the financial solutions it provides. 

“The growth of the fair from its first edition to this year’s event shows the value of creating platforms that bring businesses and consumers together. At Leadway, our relationship with customers goes beyond the financial solutions we offer across insurance, pensions, wealth management, trusteeship, health and hospitality. We also recognise the importance of being part of their everyday experiences, and lifestyle is a significant part of that,” Labeodan said. 

With the number of participating businesses growing fourfold in a year, the Leadway Lifestyle Fair has quickly become a meeting point for Nigerian entrepreneurs and the consumers they serve. LeadwayGroup said it will continue to expand the platform in future editions, allowing more small businesses to reach new customers, grow their brands and celebrate the creativity that defines the Naija lifestyle. 

About the Leadway Group 

The Leadway Group is a diversified financial services ecosystem offering comprehensive retail and corporate non-banking financial solutions. Spearheaded by its non-operating holding entity, the Group provides a unified portfolio of cross-functional services through its market-leading associate companies: general and life insurance (Leadway Assurance), pension fund administration (Leadway PFA), corporate trusteeship and estate planning (Leadway Capital & Trusts), investment portfolio advisory (Leadway Asset Management), and health management (Leadway Health).  Driven by discipline and continuous innovation, Leadway Group is committed to securing future financial freedom and health outcomes for millions of customers across West Africa. 

The post SMEs Celebrate Business Growth, Increased Visibility at Leadway Lifestyle Fair 2026 appeared first on Business Today NG.

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