Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to security, inclusive development, and transparent governance during an interactive media engagement held Thursday at the Twin Theatre of the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
The high-level session brought together stakeholders from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association, Plateau Publishers Association, civil society actors, and social media influencers. It provided a platform for the Governor to give a comprehensive update on his administration’s achievements since assuming office on May 29, 2023, while responding to questions and concerns raised by the press.
Tackling Insecurity Head-On
Governor Mutfwang opened the session by addressing the security situation across Plateau, especially in conflict-prone areas like Wase. He highlighted that upon assuming office, his government prioritized restructuring the state’s security architecture, including revitalizing the Operation Rainbow security outfit.
“Plateau is safer than many other North Central states today,” the Governor asserted. “We have no local government under the full control of bandits. Opportunistic attacks may still occur, but we are proactively averting worse outcomes.”
He assured continued collaboration with security agencies and maintained that there are currently no permanent bandit camps in any part of the state.
Economic Stability and Strategic Interventions
On the economic front, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the hardship induced by the removal of fuel subsidy but pointed to measures his administration has taken to cushion the impact—most notably the Metro Bus Scheme, which offers subsidized transportation across Jos.
“Rather than distribute short-term palliatives, we chose a sustainable solution. Our Metro Bus Scheme saves commuters between ₦40,000 to ₦50,000 monthly,” he explained.
The Governor also highlighted renewed intermodal transport access with the resumption of train services and weekly flights between Jos, Abuja, and Lagos. Plans are in motion to upgrade Yakubu Gowon Airport into a cargo hub in partnership with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Health, Infrastructure, and Agricultural Gains
Governor Mutfwang reported significant progress in healthcare delivery, including the establishment of a diagnostic lab at Plateau Specialist Hospital and strengthened health insurance services under PLASCHEMA. The Drugs and Medical Commodities Agency, he noted, is now more effective in tackling the spread of counterfeit medicines.
In infrastructure, the Governor stated that while the majority of projects were inherited, his administration is ensuring they serve all citizens without bias.
“Our roads serve Christian, Muslim, and mixed communities alike. This is inclusive governance in practice,” he emphasized.
He added that lands and grazing reserves in Wase previously occupied by bandits have now been reclaimed, opening up opportunities for agricultural investment and food security.
Media Relations and Institutional Reforms
Governor Mutfwang stressed that transparency and responsible leadership remain the cornerstones of his administration. He emphasized that salary payments and civil service reforms are being treated as a duty—not achievements—and promised to continue fostering institutional development.
He also praised the media’s role in strengthening democracy, expressing a readiness to collaborate in reshaping the narrative of Plateau State. He cited improvements in tertiary education, with Plateau State Polytechnic and Plateau State University seeing increased enrollment and accreditation achievements.
NUJ Commends Governor, Calls for Media Revamp
In her remarks, NUJ Plateau State Chairman, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, commended the Governor’s approach to inclusive governance, particularly in the face of violent attacks across local government areas.
“Banditry and terrorism have poisoned community relations and subverted governance. Yet, your leadership has shown empathy and resilience,” she noted.
Mrs. Pwaspo called for increased support to families affected by violence and rebuilding of ravaged communities. She also appealed for urgent attention to Plateau’s state-owned media organizations, lamenting that the Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC) last employed staff in 2011, and the Plateau Publishing Corporation (PPC) over two decades ago.
“We seek urgent infrastructural and staffing interventions. The media is ready to partner with your government to rewrite Plateau’s story,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Governor Mutfwang closed the session on a hopeful note, thanking citizens and media professionals for their ongoing partnership.
“We are not yet where we want to be, but we are firmly on course,” he said. “Plateau is rising—towards a peaceful, productive, and competitive future.”
The interactive engagement reaffirmed the growing synergy between the Plateau State Government and media stakeholders in promoting accountability, development, and lasting peace across the state.
