Plateau State commemorated this year’s Democracy Day with a wave of major infrastructure and social development projects, signaling a renewed commitment by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration to delivering impactful governance under the “Time is Now” agenda.
The governor led a series of project commissionings spanning transportation, healthcare, education, and public infrastructure, underscoring the administration’s determination to translate democratic ideals into measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
At the Old Government House in Rayfield, Governor Mutfwang flagged off 15 newly procured Tin City Metro Buses under a revitalized Plateau Express Service. The initiative, aimed at improving intra-city transportation, offers residents safe, affordable, and reliable mobility at a subsidized flat rate of ₦400 per ride—a major relief amid rising transport costs.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Jatau Gyang, said the intervention could help regular commuters save up to ₦50,000 monthly, and emphasized that the buses were fully funded by the state government, reflecting transparency and accountability.
Governor Mutfwang further revealed plans to deepen transport infrastructure through the construction of a new airport terminal, revival of railway services, and strategic partnerships with Chinese investors.
In the health sector, the state government commissioned a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory, pediatric ward, and modern administrative block at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital. The facilities, equipped with medical devices worth over ₦2 billion, also mark the rollout of an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system—ushering in a new era of digitized healthcare delivery in the state.
Chief Medical Director, Prof. Christopher Yilgwan, hailed the projects as a turnaround for previously abandoned facilities, noting that they now meet global standards and may help reduce medical tourism by providing top-tier services within the state.
At Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, the governor commissioned a new administrative building and renovated multipurpose hall named after former Governor Joshua Dariye. The visit also highlighted the institution’s recent reaccreditation success across various departments.
Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Wapkuk, expressed optimism over the institution’s trajectory, while Governor Mutfwang announced plans to upgrade the polytechnic into a University of Science and Technology. He reassured staff that those with valid appointments would retain their jobs amid ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening academic excellence.
The governor also inaugurated the newly completed Utonkon Bridge and connecting roads at the Utonkon Abattoir axis. The project, he said, would enhance agricultural logistics, improve travel safety, and stimulate economic activity in the surrounding rural communities.
A standout moment during the day’s events came when Governor Mutfwang introduced one of the newly recruited female Metro Bus drivers—a beneficiary of a mechanical training program he had sponsored years ago. Her transition from a vocational trainee to a public transport professional was highlighted as a symbol of the administration’s focus on youth and women empowerment.
