According to Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, no local government area in the state is under the control of bandits, which underlines his administration’s extensive security reforms and development initiatives.
At the Twin Theatre of the New Government House in Rayfield, Jos., Governor Mutfwang addressed attendees at an interactive media parley with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau Publishers Association, Bloggers, and Social Media Influencers.
“Plateau is safer than a lot of other North-Central states today.” There is no local government in place that bandits can control entirely. The Governor argued that despite persistent opportunistic attacks, our proactive actions have prevented worse outcomes by highlighting his government’s commitment to restoring state peace and investor confidence.
Since taking office on May 29, 2023, the Governor has used the parley as a platform to implement strategic interventions across various sectors. The list was topped by security, with Mutfwang highlighting the revitalization of the state-owned security company Operation Rainbow and the establishment of regional intelligence networks to support traditional security forces.
Beyond security, Mutfwang addressed the economic realities posed by the elimination of fuel subsidies. He explained that instead of distributing short-term palliatives, his government preferred long-term relief by subsidizing transportation through the Metro Bus Scheme. He claims that this initiative is currently saving commuters between 40 and 50 000 dollars per month.
Read more about Bandits annexing 64 Plateau-based communities, according to Governor Muftwang.
He also made mention of the state’s successful resumption of rail transportation services as part of efforts to ease movement and lower transportation costs. Rail is the most affordable mode of transportation on the planet, and it’s back on the Plateau today, he said.
In terms of aviation, the governor announced that Plateau now has three weekly flights to Abuja and seven to Lagos, and that work is being done to convert Yakubu Gowon Airport to a cargo international airport, in response to a Memorandum of Understanding signed with FAAN. He claimed that this would open up opportunities for Plateau farmers and entrepreneurs to export food.
According to Mutfwang, “Tourism is also experiencing a rebound,” citing a rise in hotel occupancy and a resumption of conferences and other major events. “Jos is no longer a “no-go zone.” This is just the start, he said, adding that the NBA Legal Practice Conference and national constitutional consultations have recently taken place.
The administration’s efforts to revitalize the city are reflected in the number of equally distributed road infrastructure projects across all ethnic and religious communities. We don’t make decisions based on taste. Because we believe in inclusive development, he emphasized that our projects are targeted at all groups, including Christians, Muslims, and mixed people.
In terms of rural development, the governor proudly stated that bandit-held Wase regions have been reclaimed, including a significant grazing reserve that is now secure and open for agricultural investments, making a significant improvement to the state’s food security plans.
In addition to a wider plan to turn the hospital into a teaching facility, a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory has been completed at the Plateau Specialist Hospital. The revitalization of PLASCHEMA and the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency has given people access to authentic drugs and high-quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
Governor Mutfwang also addressed education, noting that Plateau State Polytechnic and other institutions have experienced double-enrolment as a result of targeted interventions, while Plateau State University has reclaimed accreditation for important courses, including its advancing Faculty of Medicine.
The Governor acknowledged journalists and media professionals’ role as “critical partners” in the state’s transformation journey throughout his speech.
