Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared that Plateau State is gradually overcoming its challenges and experiencing renewed hope, peace, and development as his administration marks its third anniversary in office.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday to commemorate three years in office, Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the people of Plateau State for their support and confidence in his administration, describing the journey since May 29, 2023, as one marked by resilience, sacrifice, and steady progress despite numerous challenges.
The governor recalled that his administration inherited a state grappling with insecurity, economic hardship, institutional decay, and declining public trust in governance. He noted that despite these challenges, his government remained focused on rebuilding Plateau through peace, unity, justice, and sustainable development.
Mutfwang paid tribute to victims of violent attacks across the state and sympathized with communities affected by displacement and destruction. He assured residents that his administration remains committed to restoring peace, rebuilding affected communities, and supporting victims of insecurity.
Reflecting on the past three years, the governor acknowledged legal battles, persistent security challenges, and economic difficulties, but maintained that his administration had remained steadfast in delivering on its promises to the people.
He also defended his political transition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a strategic decision aimed at ensuring political stability and advancing the long-term interests of Plateau State.
On security, Mutfwang said the government had strengthened collaboration with federal and state security agencies, revitalized Operation Rainbow, and recruited over 2,000 community volunteers to improve intelligence gathering and community policing efforts.
According to him, the state also established an Emergency Communications Centre with a toll-free line and equipped the Plateau State Activity Centre with modern surveillance technologies, including drones and CCTV cameras, to enhance security monitoring and response.
The governor revealed that efforts were underway to resettle displaced persons, citing the recently launched Eden Initiative for Humanitarian Support in Ribakwe community of Bassa Local Government Area. He said the initiative would be expanded to other conflict-affected areas, including Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu, and Bokkos.
In the area of governance, Mutfwang stated that his administration had cleared inherited salary arrears, ensured prompt salary payments, and committed over N16 billion to pension and gratuity payments, some dating back to 1986. He added that promotions, staff training, and improved working conditions had restored confidence within the civil service.
Highlighting economic achievements, the governor pointed to the Tin City Metro Transport Service, which he said has eased transportation challenges and reduced commuting costs for thousands of residents daily. He also noted that interstate transport services had been revived while partnerships with airlines were expanding air connectivity to Jos.
The governor said education remained a top priority, noting that tuition fees for Plateau indigenes in state-owned tertiary institutions had been reduced by 50 percent, while scholarship funding increased by 300 percent. He added that over 397 classrooms had been constructed and 557 renovated across the state through various educational intervention programmes.
Mutfwang further disclosed that under the Mutfwang Legacy Scholarship Scheme, 200 students are currently studying in India, while others are pursuing studies in the United States and other countries. He also highlighted investments in specialized training programmes, particularly in aviation.
In the health sector, the governor said the Plateau State Specialist Hospital had been upgraded with modern equipment worth N2 billion and strengthened with the recruitment of specialist medical personnel. He added that health insurance coverage had expanded significantly through the PLASCHEMA scheme, increasing beneficiaries from 93,605 in 2023 to over 319,000.
The governor also highlighted achievements in agriculture, road construction, water supply, rural electrification, environmental sanitation, tourism, and urban renewal. He said over 500 kilometres of roads had been asphalted, with more than 2,000 kilometres expected to be completed in the coming months.
Mutfwang called on residents to continue promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and tolerance, warning that his administration would not tolerate attacks, reprisals, cattle rustling, destruction of farmlands, or any other actions capable of undermining peace and security.
As he concluded the anniversary broadcast, the governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and expressed optimism about the future of Plateau State.
“Certainly, we have not yet reached the mountaintop, but we are no longer in the valley. Step by step, progress is being made, foundations are being strengthened, and hope is being restored,” Mutfwang said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing ongoing projects and urged citizens to remain united in the collective effort to build a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Plateau State.