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•Residents excited over roads, sanitation, security outfit, others
By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
For indigenes and residents of Plateau State, there is profound hope of a better tomorrow. This is because the governor of the state, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang, is walking the talk.
Despite the challenges facing the governor since he assumed office, he has continued to show that he came prepared for the job.
Among other things, the people are excited about the massive roads maintenance and rehabilitation going on in the state.
During the week, Mutfwang inspected road projects within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis. In all the places he visited, residents came out in large numbers, singing, dancing and praising the governor for his developmental initiatives, particularly the road projects. In fact, the residents showed that Mutfwang was their leader in whom they were well pleased.
The projects the governor inspected included Plateau Specialist Hospital Roundabout, Hill Station Roundabout, Masalacin Juma’a Street, Zololo Junction, Tafawa Balewa Road, Angwan Rukuba and British American Junction, among others.
In all the places he visited, he expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being done. He also reiterated that his administration was committed to changing the development narrative and enhancing the citizens’ living conditions.
While addressing residents at Masalacin Jama’a and Angwan Rukuba, the governor restated his commitment to strengthening unity, not just among the Christians and Muslims but also among all the ethnic groups in the state. He added that the primary focus of his administration was to fix roads to enhance the free flow of traffic and beauty of the state capital. He also announced plans to embark on larger projects in the future.
He said: “We want to ensure that every nook and cranny of Jos and Bukuru metropolis is improved to make the city a welcoming place for all visitors and residents.
“The government has just started, and what you see is the tip of the iceberg. Despite financial constraints, we are determined to change the development narrative on the Plateau.”
Wednesday witnessed another special event in the state. It was the passing-out parade of 600 personnel of the state’s security outfit, Operation Rainbow, recruited from across the local government areas. They were trained by the conventional security outfits to boost security by providing intelligence and early warning signals. It was in keeping with the governor’s promise to protect life and property of residents.
The governor’s commitment to security was further demonstrated through deliberate measures taken to revitalize and reorganize Operation Rainbow. This initiative aimed to equip the outfit with the tools to effectively manage contemporary security challenges and act proactively through prompt deployment.
In his inaugural address, Mutfwang, a lawyer, outlined his covenant to prioritize the maintenance of law and order, safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, and building a united and prosperous Plateau. These priorities laid the foundation for his mission of rejuvenating the state, fulfilling his social contract, and fostering an environment of peace and unity.
Since taking office, Mutfwang has remained committed to creating an environment conducive to the state’s development and attracting much-needed investments. One of the critical challenges inherited from the previous administration was the resurgence of attacks on communities in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local government areas.
However, undeterred by these challenges, Mutfwang immediately sprang into action, implementing a multi-faceted approach to address the state’s predicament.
He held crucial discussions with President Bola Tinubu to seek federal assistance in tackling the security concerns stemming from the activities of bandits. He also orchestrated dialogues with stakeholders and security chiefs, forging cooperation to put an end to senseless violence and destruction.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation and provide support to displaced individuals, Mutfwang visited Mangu and Riyom local government areas. He also engaged with the National Emergency Management Agency to seek assistance for internally displaced persons.
Moreover, Mutfwang launched the Plateau Economic Transformation Strategy (PETS) 2023-2027, a comprehensive economic development plan. This plan aims to transform Plateau State into a hub of economic activities in Nigeria and West Africa through agriculture and agro-industry, solid minerals development, tourism development, and human capital development. To support these pillars, the plan also focuses on security, infrastructure, governance, finance, environment, and innovation.
Recognizing the importance of environmental sanitation and public health, Mutfwang declared a state of emergency in environmental sanitation upon assuming office. Monthly environmental sanitation programmes have been reinstated across the state, reducing the threats of communicable diseases.
Mutfwang’s administration has made significant progress in rebuilding Plateau State and overcoming its challenges. This promising start sets the stage for continued progress and prosperity, with citizens encouraged to collaborate with the government in securing a united and prosperous Plateau.
According to Mr. Gyang Bere, the director of press and public affairs to the governor, as “Mutfwang continues to walk the talk, his capacity to deliver on his mission becomes more evident, sustaining the confidence and trust of the people.
“While interim measures have been taken, full construction work across the state will commence as soon as possible to deliver the promised dividends of democracy to the people.”
Meanwhile, a pan-Nigerian organisation, Salvation and Service Group (SaSG), has commended Mutfwang for pushing the envelope of development.
A statement signed by the group’s national coordinator, Mr. Jasper S. Orochi, said: “We want to commend the efforts of the governor even when he was being distracted by the tribunal and other matters. That is a mark of real leadership.
“We want to use this opportunity to preach and promote peace, unity and tolerance because Plateau people are one irrespective of diversity in terms of religion or whatever. Plateau should be an example to others within our diverse society and be beacon of hope and understanding to other states.”
