The Plateau State Government continued its ministerial press briefings on Day 2 with key ministries outlining achievements under Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration. Commissioners for Environment, Works, Youth and Sports, and Housing presented their progress reports during the session held at the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos.
The briefing highlighted the government’s focus on infrastructure development, climate action, youth empowerment, and urban renewal—reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive growth.
Environmental and Climate Action Gains
Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom, detailed efforts to combat erosion, climate change, and improve water access. He revealed that over 2,000 households now benefit from water harvesting systems, while targeted flood and erosion control interventions are in progress and expected to conclude by October.
Collaborations with the World Bank-supported ACReSAL project and the European International Bank are strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable communities. Gwom also disclosed the ongoing construction of a 17.1km perimeter fence around the Jos Wildlife Park to support conservation and deter illegal mining.
He added that ministry offices are undergoing renovation and digital upgrades to enhance service delivery, and pledged to make progress reports and visual evidence available to the public for accountability.
Road Infrastructure and Connectivity
Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ubandoma Joshua Laven, reported that the ministry is currently executing 49 road projects inherited from previous administrations. Of these, 17 have received fresh approvals and are underway in communities such as Jengre and Karampana.
Laven stressed that the government is committed to completing ongoing projects instead of initiating new ones. Major urban roads, including Bukuru Road and Yelwa Club Junction, are being rehabilitated to reduce congestion and improve mobility. He encouraged residents to monitor projects within their communities, reiterating the administration’s goal of delivering lasting infrastructure.
Youth Empowerment Through Sports and Skills
Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, announced key achievements in youth development. He noted that Plateau athletes were sponsored to international competitions in Morocco and Egypt, while renovation work continues at the Rwang Pam Stadium.
Ashoms stated that feeder teams like Platy Jet have received support, with some players now playing professionally abroad. Retired athletes are also being trained as coaches and sports officials to build capacity within the sector.
He further highlighted that 340 youths have so far benefited from the Plateau Youth Agricultural Employment Program, with a target of reaching 1,000 beneficiaries by the end of the year. According to him, the government remains committed to equitable opportunities for all young people in the state.
Urban Renewal and Housing Reforms
Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Sylvanus Dongtoe, said several previously abandoned infrastructure projects have been revived, including a 6.7km road now under construction. Roads such as Nukong and Masabashi Chuma have seen extensions and completion.
He disclosed that the Jennifer Clark Secretariat has been upgraded with laptops, vehicles, and modern tools to boost staff performance, in line with the “Time Is Now” agenda of Governor Mutfwang.
Dongtoe also unveiled the SmartUSD initiative to drive smart city development, noting that new towns are being mapped for investment, metro bus shelters are under construction, and government buildings are being fitted with fire safety systems with federal government support.
A Unified Vision for Development
The ministerial briefing offered citizens a clear overview of progress made across strategic sectors. From tackling environmental challenges and modernizing infrastructure to empowering youths and upgrading urban systems, the reports underscored a cohesive and forward-thinking governance approach.
Governor Mutfwang’s administration, through its transparent and performance-driven leadership, continues to lay the foundation for an inclusive and prosperous Plateau State.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the ongoing delivery of infrastructure projects across Abuja serves as the strongest campaign message ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking while inspecting the Arterial Road N16 and the Tunga Madaki–Zuba road projects on Wednesday, Wike maintained that political activities would not distract his administration from completing key development projects in the territory.
According to him, the administration’s achievements provide a clear record of performance that can be presented to Nigerians.
He said, “voters are more interested in tangible results than political rhetoric, stressing that the government has fulfilled many of its promises through ongoing infrastructure development”.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Arterial Road N16 project, a major route linking Jahi, Gwarimpa and Karsana.
He noted that the contractor, CBC Global, had assured the government that the road would be completed by January, adding that adequate funding would be provided to ensure the target is met.
Wike also commended the work being carried out on the 7.3-kilometre Tunga Madaki–Zuba road by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.
He said the company had demonstrated commitment despite weather-related challenges and remained on track to complete the project by December.
The FCT minister disclosed that approval had been granted for the relocation of electricity poles along the route to pave the way for the installation of streetlights.
He further praised Chinese construction firms handling projects in the territory, noting that many begin work without waiting for mobilisation funds because of their confidence in the government’s ability to meet contractual obligations.
He assured residents that funding would continue to be made available for critical projects and urged contractors to maintain high standards and meet agreed deadlines.
Wike added that regular inspections by the FCT Administration are aimed at ensuring timely completion of projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The inspections, he said, form part of efforts to accelerate infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory ahead of future electoral cycles.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc has released its unaudited financial results for the half-year ended June 30, 2026, showcasing significant balance sheet expansion alongside a contraction in core underwriting revenues.
According to notice filed by the company on the floor of Nigerian Exchange Plc, to alldealing members and stockbrokers, Sovereign Trust the group’s total assets grew by 43% surging from ₦28.31 billion in June 2025 to ₦40.47 billion in June 2026.
The insurer equity base also went up from ₦12.49 billion to ₦23.20 billion expanding by 86%, signaling robust capital adequacy and underlying balance sheet strength.
Insurance service expenses for the period under review dropped by 51% from₦19.55 billion to ₦9.50 billion while net expenses from reinsurance contracts appreciated to ₦11.01 billion, impacting overall operational margins.
Investment returns rose sharply from 1.03 billion in H1 2025 to₦2.96 billion in same time of 2026, indicating 188 percent increase, demonstrating effective asset management in a high-yield environment.
While Earnings Per Share stood at 5 kobo for the group (6 kobo at the company level.
Overall, the H1 2026 performance highlights Sovereign Trust Insurance’s resilience in fortifying its capital position and leveraging investment returns to buffer operational shifts in a dynamic macroeconomic environment.