The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to intensifying the fight against HIV/AIDS in the state, pledging decisive action to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery for all citizens.
Governor Mutfwang made the declaration on Monday in Jos during the commemoration of World AIDS Day, represented at the event by his deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo. He highlighted that despite disruptions, including temporary halts in some donor-funded programs, the state is making notable progress in combating HIV/AIDS.
Speaking on the global theme for this year, “Overcoming Disruptions: Sustaining Nigeria’s HIV Response,” Mutfwang emphasized the need to place people at the center of interventions. “As your Governor, I stand fully aligned with this ambition. Plateau State remains firmly committed to the UNAIDS target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. This commitment is not mere rhetoric; it is a mandate my administration holds dearly,” he said.
The governor disclosed that his administration has approved the immediate employment of over 1,000 healthcare workers across the Primary Health Care Board and the Hospital Management Board. The recruitment includes doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory scientists, and community health extension workers, aimed at expanding HIV testing, treatment initiation, counseling, prevention, and community outreach.
In addition, Mutfwang highlighted strategic interventions to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, including the upgrade of five Primary Health Centres into full-fledged cottage hospitals and the expansion of the Plateau State Drug and Medical Commodity Management Agency to secure life-saving HIV test kits, antiretroviral medicines, and other essential supplies.
Executive Director of the Plateau State Agency for the Control of AIDS (PLACA), Mrs. Esther Turaki, noted that despite declining global HIV funding, the state has recorded a decline in new infections and an increase in antiretroviral coverage. She reported that from 2020 to 2024, new infections dropped from 3,850 to 2,520, with ART coverage reaching 92% and a viral load suppression rate of 94% as of June 2025.
In a keynote address, Prof. Christian Isiche urged stakeholders to prioritize vulnerable populations, women, and children in sustaining the HIV response. Meanwhile, the Network of People Living with HIV presented an award of excellence to Governor Mutfwang in recognition of his administration’s effective support to PLACA.
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, aims to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, support people living with the virus, and remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Governor Mutfwang used the occasion to call for resilience, local ownership of healthcare, and continued collaboration with civil society, partners, and communities to ensure no Plateau citizen is left behind.
In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of his Ampang West Ward, Dasjak Sunday Longyol, and dated December 29, 2025, the governor cited the need for an alternative political platform to better serve the state as the reason for quitting the party.
The letter, obtained by our correspondent in Jos, the state capital, on Thursday, expressed the governor’s gratitude to the party for providing him a platform to participate in the democratic process.
Mutfwang explained that his decision was guided by his commitment to purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and service delivery.
The letter, which Mutfwang personally signed, read, “I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect.
“I sincerely appreciate the PDP for providing me the political platform to participate in the democratic process.
“I appreciate the support of party leaders, members, and supporters at all levels during my time in the party, and I remain grateful for the trust reposed in me.
“Given the realities of the moment, and guided by my commitment to purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and service delivery, I am compelled to seek an alternative political platform.
“Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
However, the letter did not disclose which party the governor had joined.
The governor’s resignation comes after months of speculation, with Mutfwang reportedly joining the All Progressives Congress.
The National Working Committee of the APC has welcomed him, with party officials pledging support for his new political journey.
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has formally bid farewell to 200 Plateau indigenes selected for state-sponsored scholarships to study at Sanskaram University, New Delhi, India, in critical fields including Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The farewell ceremony, which took place at the National Youth Centre behind Shere Hills in Gwafan, Jos North Local Government Area, highlighted the state government’s sustained commitment to education and human capital development.
Addressing the scholarship beneficiaries, Governor Mutfwang described the programme as a rare privilege and a trust placed in them by the people of Plateau State. He urged the students to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to academic excellence, reminding them that they would serve as ambassadors of both Plateau State and Nigeria while studying abroad.
The governor further charged the students to uphold integrity, respect the laws and culture of their host country, and fully leverage the exposure and skills they would acquire, particularly in technology-driven disciplines vital to global advancement. He encouraged them to return home upon completion of their studies to contribute meaningfully to the development of Plateau State, assuring them of his administration’s continued support.
In a symbolic gesture, Governor Mutfwang presented the students with their international passports and flight tickets, confirming that all travel arrangements had been concluded and reaffirming the state government’s full backing for the initiative.
Earlier in her remarks, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Kachollom Pyam Gang, described the scholarship programme as historic, noting that it was rare for a state government to sponsor as many as 200 students abroad at the same time. She commended Governor Mutfwang for his vision and sacrifice, stating that the initiative would leave a lasting imprint on Plateau State’s educational landscape.
Dr. Gang congratulated the beneficiaries on gaining admission into a reputable Indian university, attributing their selection to diligence, discipline, and academic excellence. She advised them to remain focused, obey the laws of their host country, and return home equipped with skills and knowledge that would drive sustainable development in the state.
Also speaking at the event, the Ujah of Anaguta, His Royal Majesty Johnson Jauro Magaji, lauded the governor for investing in the future of Plateau State, describing the scholarship scheme as unprecedented. He offered prayers for the students’ success and urged them to promote unity and represent the state with pride.
The Controller of the Plateau State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs. Linda Fom, advised the students to strictly comply with immigration regulations, avoid drugs and other illegal activities, and use their study visas strictly for academic purposes. She reminded them to honour the sacrifices made by the state government and their parents by returning home safely after their studies.
Speaking on behalf of parents, Mrs. Fabong Hope Adanchin expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for extending educational opportunities to children from diverse backgrounds, including orphans and the less privileged, and prayed for divine wisdom and guidance for the governor.
Some of the beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the scholarship. Jelbak Plangnan Wilfred, who will study Radiography and Imaging Technology, described the opportunity as life-changing, while Chumle Nanshep James, a prospective Optometry student, said the scholarship had significantly eased the financial burden on his family.
In her closing remarks, the Acting Education Secretary, Mrs. Nankus A. Ngwalang, thanked Governor Mutfwang for the initiative and appreciated parents, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders for their support, while praying for the students’ success and safe return.
The event marked another milestone in Plateau State’s ongoing efforts to empower its youth through quality education and international exposure.