Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has pledged continued dedication to defending the interests of the state, insisting his administration will not be distracted from its development agenda despite ongoing challenges.
He made the remarks on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held at the COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos to commemorate his third year in office. The ceremony attracted former governors, traditional rulers, clergy, top government officials, lawmakers, and military figures, including retired former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Martin Agwai.
Addressing concerns about holding the thanksgiving amid recent tensions, the governor said the decision was guided by faith and gratitude.
He noted that discussions initially questioned the appropriateness of the event but emphasized that thanksgiving remained necessary regardless of circumstances.
Mutfwang also reflected on his political journey, saying he nearly lost hope during the party primaries that eventually brought him to office, but was motivated by a desire to promote unity and good governance in Plateau State.
He further recalled facing resistance after assuming office, including insecurity in parts of Mangu and Riyom as well as legal battles up to the Supreme Court, which he described as attempts to frustrate his emergence. Despite this, he maintained that divine support and resilience sustained his administration.
The governor stressed the need for unity across political and social divides, noting that he had engaged past leaders in reconciliation efforts.
He expressed concern over what he described as a tendency in politics and other sectors for individuals to seek progress by undermining others, calling for a change of attitude through both prayer and governance reforms.
Mutfwang reaffirmed his resolve to speak up for Plateau citizens, adding that many of the efforts made on their behalf were not always visible in the public space but would continue in their best interest.
Presenting highlights of his administration’s performance under a three-pillar agenda, peace and security, good governance, and economic development, the governor outlined key achievements across sectors.
On civil service reforms, he said his government had cleared inherited salary arrears, ensured regular salary payments, restored promotions, and reconnected government offices to electricity. He added that over ₦16 billion had been paid in pensions and gratuities dating back to 1986, while about ₦60 billion was still required to clear outstanding liabilities.
In the health sector, he disclosed that the Plateau State Specialist Hospital had been upgraded with modern laboratory equipment worth ₦2 billion, alongside the recruitment of specialists and physiotherapists. He also noted expansion in health insurance coverage from 93,605 beneficiaries in 2023 to over 319,000, as well as renovation and solarisation of primary healthcare centres.
On education, he said tuition fees for indigenes in state-owned tertiary institutions had been reduced by 50 percent, while scholarships increased significantly. He added that hundreds of classrooms had been built and renovated, with students currently benefiting from overseas scholarship schemes.
For infrastructure, Mutfwang stated that about 500 kilometres of roads had been completed, with more projects ongoing across all local government areas. He also highlighted revived water schemes, including major projects in Langtang North and Jos South.
The governor appealed to residents to continue supporting his administration to achieve more developmental milestones
In his sermon, the Plateau State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Dr. Duncan Gomwalk, urged unity and thanked God for progress made despite challenges. He noted that development efforts were ongoing but not always fully acknowledged publicly.
The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, represented by the Agwom Izere, HRH Isaac Wakili, also called for peaceful politics and urged citizens to support leaders in delivering democratic dividends.
Former military administrator of Plateau State, Col. Bitrus Atukun (retd.), advised patience and collective support for the administration, noting that governance challenges are inevitable but surmountable with unity.
Other clerics and CAN representatives commended the governor’s relationship with the church and pledged continued prayers and support for his administration.