By Abiodun Abegunde
Former Plateau governor and Senator representing Plateau South, Sen. Simon Lalong, has described the emergence of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang as Silverbird governor of the year 2025 as a well-earned recognition.
Speaking at the prestigious Silverbird Group Man of the Year Award ceremony held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, Lalong said the honour reflected the measurable strides made by the governor in restoring peace and repositioning the state for growth.
According to him, the award is not merely ceremonial but a validation of deliberate governance choices that are changing long-standing narratives about the state.
‘’This award to Gov. Mutfwang is well-deserved and it reflects the positive realities that we are seeing across our state.’’
Mutfwang was named Governor of the Year 2025 following what organisers described as bold initiatives of deploying technology to combat insecurity, driving inclusive development, and creating a more enabling environment for investors.
The former governor assured Mutfwang of sustained bipartisan support, stressing that governance should transcend political rivalry.
While receiving the award from veteran journalist and former Ogun Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Mutfwang dedicated the honour to the peace-loving people of Plateau.
He thanked his predecessor, Lalong, and other political leaders present at the event for demonstrating what he described as a “new spirit of unity and love” on the Plateau.
The governor acknowledged that though the state had for decades, made headlines for unfortunate reasons, the narrative was changing.
He affirmed that beyond the River Niger, Plateau was fast emerging as the next destination for investors, owing to deliberate policies that had created an enabling environment for peace, productivity, progress, and shared prosperity.
The governor emphasised that lasting peace could only be achieved when leaders rose above divisions and provide purposeful direction.
“The only way we can secure enduring peace is when leaders take responsibility and provide the necessary leadership for the people to follow.
‘’Yesterday, we may have been political rivals; today, we stand together in the interest of peace and development.
‘’That is the new Nigeria we seek to build, beginning with the solid foundation we are laying on the Plateau,” he said.
Mutfwang reiterated that lasting peace required responsible leadership and collective commitment, adding that Plateau was fast emerging as an attractive destination for investors beyond the River Niger.
He also commended the Silverbird Group for recognising the state’s progress, pledging continued partnership in advancing peace building and media-driven development initiatives.
The colourful ceremony drew a distinguished audience, including members of the National and State Assemblies, ministers, traditional and religious leaders, local government chairmen, and other key stakeholders.
NAN