Hon. Ephraim Usman Gar has officially resumed duties as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Plateau State following his reappointment by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Ephraim returned to the ministry’s headquarters in Jos, where he was formally received by management and staff after completing the process of his renomination, confirmation, and swearing-in.
Speaking during the resumption ceremony, the commissioner expressed gratitude to God and Governor Mutfwang for the confidence reposed in him, promising to continue the work already initiated under the present administration.
He pledged to redouble efforts toward ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach people at the grassroots, emphasizing the importance of effective local government administration in driving development across the state.
Ephraim assured residents that the ministry remains committed to fulfilling its mandate and improving service delivery in all the 17 local government areas of Plateau State.
The commissioner also called on citizens to continue praying for Governor Caleb Mutfwang, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other leaders at various levels of government to enable them succeed in their responsibilities.
According to him, the support and cooperation of all stakeholders are essential to achieving meaningful transformation and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
He further appealed to staff members of the ministry to work closely with him in advancing the administration’s objectives and ensuring efficient service delivery.
As part of his renewed agenda, the commissioner disclosed plans to embark on visits to all 17 local government areas of the state to assess the performance of council chairmen and evaluate ongoing projects.
He explained that the visits would also provide an opportunity to inspect and commission completed projects while identifying areas requiring additional attention and support.
The commissioner stressed that councils performing below expectations would be encouraged to improve, while successful initiatives would be strengthened and replicated where necessary.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Yakubu Ishaya Mallo, formally handed over the affairs of the ministry to the commissioner and welcomed him back to office.
Mallo commended Governor Mutfwang for reappointing Ephraim, describing him as a diligent, disciplined, and principled leader whose impact continued to be felt even during his absence from the ministry.
He noted that staff members remained inspired by the standards and achievements established by the commissioner before his resignation earlier this year.
Hon. Ephraim had stepped down from office in March to contest the Plateau Central Senatorial District election but could not scaled through.
Following his renomination by Governor Mutfwang, confirmation by the Plateau State House of Assembly, and administration of the oath of office by Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, he was reassigned to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
