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.
Governor Mutfwang affirmed that the day was not just a celebration of democracy but a demonstration of tangible progress. “We are committed to delivering real impact in the lives of our people. This Democracy Day is a reminder that good governance can be seen, felt, and measured,” he said.
Former member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu will win the 2027 election with about 65 percent of the votes.
Jibrin, who noted that 2023 is not 2027, said Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, will win the upcoming presidential election by a wide margin.
The former lawmaker spoke while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday night.
He said, “In 2023, President Tinubu got 38 percent of the votes because of the nature of what happened at that time, but take it to the bank, the president will have nothing less than 65 percent of the total votes cast in 2027.”
Jibrin said the APC has a master plan to tackle the opposition and its candidates because the ruling party has studied them.
He added, “We understand that people are talking about the strength of the other opposition parties and figures, but what they fail to realise is that 2023 is not 2027.
“We studied all of these opposition figures, their modus operandi, their various opponents; we know them very well, and we have our master plan.
“Unfortunately, I will not be able to say something, but I can give you a hundred percent assurance that we are miles ahead of them and we will win the election.
“So, anything that is going to cause any little rifts and internal fighting, we don’t want it.”
Team Nigeria have arrived in Rabat with a message of belief ahead of their Davis Cup World Group II showdown with Morocco: if they could end a wait of more than three decades to reach this stage, they can also end their winless record against the North Africans.
The Nigerian contingent has already begun intensive preparations for the September 19-20 tie at the Union Sportive des Cheminots de Tennis du Maroc, with the players determined to turn what appears a difficult assignment into another landmark moment for Nigerian tennis.
Nigeria have never defeated Morocco in their four previous Davis Cup meetings, but Secretary General of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Shammah Aliyu Makpa, believes the team’s recent progress provides enough reason to approach the encounter with confidence rather than fear.
“We know it won’t be an easy task, but we are also equal to the challenge,” Makpa said.
“This is another opportunity for us to break the jinx because we have never defeated Morocco in the Davis Cup before.
“If we can qualify for this stage after over 30 years of waiting, then I will say it’s still possible to defeat Morocco and qualify for the Davis Cup World Group I.”
That sense of possibility has shaped Nigeria’s preparations since arriving in Rabat.
Daniel Adeleye, Canice Abua, Michael Emmanuel and Yusuf Abubakar have already taken to the match courts, beginning with a light session shortly after their arrival before moving into more demanding morning and afternoon training.
The players are using the early arrival to adapt to the Moroccan weather and court conditions while head coach Benson Ishicheli works on tactics and possible doubles combinations.
Makpa said the objective is to ensure that when the first ball is struck, Nigeria’s players are prepared in every aspect.
“Yes, preparations are in top gear now as you can see,” he said.
“The team is here early enough to prepare and acclimatise to the weather. The technical crew and everyone here are doing their work to ensure that the team is ready mentally, physically and emotionally before the clash.”
There is good reason for the confidence within the Nigerian camp.
Nigeria earned their place in World Group II by defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Lagos in February, with several members of the squad now in Morocco playing decisive roles in that victory.
Canice Abua and Michael Emmanuel delivered a crucial doubles victory over Denis Istomin and Khumoyun Sultanov before Daniel Adeleye defeated Ilya Ignatov in the reverse singles to complete Nigeria’s triumph.
The achievement brought Nigeria back to this level of Davis Cup competition after a wait stretching more than three decades.
Now the players are being asked to produce another breakthrough.
Highly-rated youngster Oluwaseun Ogunsakin had also been expected to strengthen the squad in Rabat, although his chances of joining his teammates have become doubtful because of circumstances beyond his control.
For those already in camp, however, attention is firmly on the players available and the opportunity immediately in front of them.
Makpa also credited the National Sports Commission and Lagos Country Club for providing the support and facilities that enabled the team to prepare properly before leaving Nigeria.
But once competition begins, preparation will give way to execution.
Morocco have history on their side after winning all four previous Davis Cup encounters between the countries. Nigeria, meanwhile, arrive with the confidence generated by overcoming Uzbekistan and ending their long wait to reach World Group II.
That is why the Nigerian camp is refusing to view the country’s poor record against Morocco as an insurmountable barrier.
They have already ended one 30-year wait. In Rabat, their message is that another piece of history can be rewritten.