Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State and his deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, on Sunday offered a special thanksgiving service to commemorate three years of the administration, expressing profound gratitude to God and the people of Plateau State for their unwavering support throughout the journey.
The thanksgiving service, held at the COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos, brought together a large gathering of dignitaries, including former governors, serving and former lawmakers, ministers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the State Executive Council, and supporters from across the state.
Speaking during the service, Governor Mutfwang reflected on the challenges and victories that have shaped his administration since assuming office in 2023. He thanked God for divine protection, guidance, and strength, particularly during the intense electoral process, the legal battles that threatened his mandate, and the security challenges confronting the state.
Quoting a popular hymn, the Governor said, “Through it all, I have learned to trust in Jesus; I have learned to trust in God. Through it all, I have learned to depend upon His Word,” emphasizing that faith has remained the foundation of his leadership.
Mutfwang noted that despite the difficulties encountered, God’s grace had enabled his administration to remain focused on delivering meaningful development to the people. He highlighted several achievements recorded over the past three years, including the payment of more than N16 billion in pensions and gratuities and over N4 billion in medical assistance to vulnerable citizens.
The Governor said some of the administration’s most rewarding moments came from seeing the direct impact of government interventions on ordinary citizens.
“When I saw women celebrating after water was restored to communities that had gone almost two decades without public water supply, I was deeply moved. Those moments continue to inspire me to do more,” he said.
He also pointed to investments in healthcare, transportation, agriculture, education, tourism, water supply, and peace-building initiatives as evidence of the administration’s commitment to transforming Plateau State.
According to him, the Plateau Specialist Hospital now operates one of the most advanced medical laboratories in Nigeria, while the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency and the State Ambulance Service have significantly improved healthcare delivery across the state.
As the administration enters its fourth year, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his commitment to providing purposeful leadership, protecting the interests of Plateau citizens, and ensuring sustainable development across all sectors.
He also paid special tribute to women, youths, and children whose prayers, demonstrations of faith, and solidarity played a significant role during the period leading to the Supreme Court’s affirmation of his electoral victory.
“I will never forget the sacrifices and support of our women, youths, and children. Their faith and resilience during those difficult moments remain a source of strength and inspiration,” he said.
The Governor called on citizens to remain united, prayerful, and committed to the collective vision of building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Plateau State.
Former Plateau State Governor, Rear Admiral Bitrus Atukum (Rtd.), speaking on behalf of former governors, commended Mutfwang for his dedication to governance and his determination to drive development across the state. He urged citizens to continue supporting the administration through prayers and constructive engagement.
Earlier, Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo expressed appreciation to God and the people of Plateau State for their confidence in the administration. She noted that significant progress had been made in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education, tourism, water supply, and youth empowerment.
According to her, road reconstruction and rehabilitation projects undertaken by the government are improving connectivity and stimulating economic activities in both urban and rural communities.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, the Gbong Gwom Jos, represented by the Agwom Izere, Da Isaac Wakili, commended the administration’s efforts in promoting peace, unity, infrastructure development, healthcare, and agriculture. He urged political actors to avoid divisive rhetoric capable of undermining the state’s progress.
In his sermon titled “Thanksgiving and the Call to Unity,” Plateau State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dunka Gomwalk, encouraged citizens to embrace gratitude and unity, stressing that peace and development can only thrive when people work together despite their differences.
He praised Governor Mutfwang for returning to God in thanksgiving and for maintaining a leadership style anchored on prayer, resilience, and commitment to the welfare of the people.
The service also featured goodwill messages from church leaders, including the President of COCIN, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, and the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, represented by Rev. Stephen Panya Baba, both of whom commended the Governor’s dedication to the development of Plateau State.
Special prayers were offered for lasting peace, security, and prosperity in Plateau State, while worshippers prayed for God’s continued wisdom, strength, protection, and guidance upon Governor Mutfwang as he continues to lead the state into its next phase of development.
The Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) has recorded a major milestone with the introduction of In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) service provision to restore hopes of childless couples.
The milestone was recorded by a team of the hospital’s assisted reproductive health technology and others.
The Chief Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist at AKTH, Dr Ibrahim Rais, disclosed this in a video shared on the hospital’s official Facebook page.
Mr Rais said the team collected eggs from two women, while semen samples were also collected from their husbands for the next stage of the IVF procedure.
“Today marks a great milestone in the history of AKTH and the IVF service provision in the institution.
“The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, CMD, Abdulrahman Sheshe and his team has been working assiduously and today we have achieved this great milestone of the first egg collection in this institution.
“We have collected eggs from two women and also collected semen samples from their husbands. The eggs collected will be fertilised with their husbands’ sperm and we hope to achieve success.
“We are going to continue the service provision with three more patients and then we cap it up on Sunday with the last patient,” he said.
Mr Rais said commencement of the service would bring the service close to the population and restore hope among couples suffering from infertility.
“It is also important to note that starting IVF services in AKTH has been a very important development because the center will form one of points for service provision to the teeming population needing IVF services.
“It will form a centre of excellence for training in the field of Obstetric and Gynaecologist and Reproductive medicine.
“We have extracted more than a dozen eggs for now. Embryologists are working assiduously to ensure that there is fertilisation by sperm of the patients that had the procedure.
“We will go on to get more eggs that will generate more embryos and translate to potential more Nigerians,” Mr Rais said.
Similarly, the hospital in a statement on its official handle, said the milestone was achieved through the collaborative efforts of AKTH staff, specialist reproductive health experts from Jos and Abuja, and two embryologists.
It described the development as a significant step towards expanding advanced fertility services and bringing hope closer to residents.
Meanwhile, the hospital congratulated the the AKTH team for attaining the feat.
Three promising Nigerian youngsters — Raheem Moyinoluwa Salaudeen, Fawas Ayomide Adeleke and Jacob Obiora Iyida — are taking another important step in their football development after being registered for trial opportunities in the United Kingdom.
The trio, who are associated with Buruj Football Club and Buruj Sports Academy, will have the opportunity to experience football in a different environment while testing themselves against talented players in the UK.
The registration is part of Buruj’s wider commitment to creating international pathways for young Nigerian footballers and providing them with opportunities to gain exposure beyond the domestic football system.
For Raheem, Fawas and Jacob, the UK opportunity represents more than simply a football trial. It is a chance to learn, adapt and understand the demands of playing in a different football culture.
The three youngsters have continued to show commitment and determination throughout their development, and their latest opportunity provides another platform to showcase the qualities they have developed through their time in Nigeria.
Speaking about the opportunity, Raheem Salaudeen said:
“This is a big opportunity for us and we are grateful to everyone who has supported our journey. We want to go there, learn as much as possible, compete with confidence and show what Nigerian young players can do.”
Fawas Adeleke also expressed his determination to make the most of the experience:
“I see this as an opportunity to improve myself and understand a different style of football. I want to work hard, listen to the coaches and make every opportunity count. Hopefully, this will open another door for my career.”
For Jacob Obiora Iyida, the focus is equally clear — continue learning, gaining experience and taking another step towards his professional ambitions.
“I’m excited about the opportunity because playing outside Nigeria has always been one of my goals. I know there is a lot to learn, so I want to stay focused, work hard and show my best whenever I get the chance.”
Buruj Football Club and Buruj Sports Academy believe international exposure can play a significant role in the development of young footballers, allowing them to experience different coaching philosophies, tactical approaches and football cultures.
The academy’s development philosophy also places emphasis on education and personal development, ensuring that young players are prepared not only for possible professional careers but also for life beyond football.
The UK trip therefore represents another stage in a broader development pathway designed to help Nigerian youngsters build confidence, experience and international connections.
For Raheem, Fawas and Jacob, the message is simple: the opportunity has arrived, and now it is time to make it count.
From Nigeria to the United Kingdom, another chapter begins—with bigger dreams ahead.