..Announces major developments for 2025
From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
In his New Year’s address, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State announced the pardon of 11 inmates from the Jos Correctional Centre, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to justice and societal reform.
The governor revealed that the state government had paid fines for several serious offenders, leading to the quashing of their jail terms.
Among those granted pardon were Moses Reuben (absolute pardon), Saleh Muhammadu, Mohammed Ado, Safa David, Timothy Sunday, and David Yusuf, all of whom had their fines settled. Other inmates, including Abba Ahmed, Umar Adamu, Mannaseh Dada, Na’Answan, and Sunday Joseph, also benefited from the payment of their fines.
In addition to the pardons, Governor Mutfwang shared several key initiatives and developments set to propel the state forward in 2025.
Among them was the completion of a database of over 300,000 farmers, aimed at streamlining agricultural resource allocation.
A new online input distribution system, which is expected to launch soon, will further ease access to fertilizers and farming inputs, with the governor revealing that the state has already invested over ₦3.6 billion in this endeavor.
On infrastructure, Mutfwang outlined ambitious plans for the state’s transport and urban renewal.
He announced the ongoing rehabilitation of roads within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis and declared 2025 as the “Year of Groundbreaking Road Construction.” Furthermore, the signing of Executive Order 003 had kickstarted a comprehensive urban renewal program under the Greater Jos Master Plan.
This initiative focuses on slum prevention, traffic management, and infrastructure preservation.
The governor emphasized plans to build neighborhood markets and modern community markets in each of Plateau’s three Senatorial Districts.
The Yakubu Gowon Airport will also undergo significant upgrades to become a cargo airport, facilitating the export of Plateau’s perishable crops and vegetables.
Mutfwang noted that the Plateau State Commodity Marketing Company (PLACOM) was established to address challenges in commodity trading, warehousing, and market information systems, ensuring that farmers receive the true value for their produce.
The governor also highlighted the administration’s commitment to healthcare, announcing that in 2024, Plateau State revitalized the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Agency and improved services at the Plateau Specialist Hospital.
These efforts were bolstered by securing over $400,000 worth of medical supplies and investing ₦2 billion in laboratory infrastructure.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the clearing of backlogs of counterpart funds to PLASCHEMA had improved healthcare access for vulnerable populations in the state.
In education, Plateau has made notable strides, with accreditation for several courses at Plateau State Polytechnic, the College of Education Gindiri, and Plateau State University Bokkos.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) approved new programs in Medicine, Pharmacy, Statistics, and Religious Studies for Plateau State University, Bokkos.
Additionally, the College of Education Gindiri now offers degree programs in affiliation with the University of Jos. Scholarships for Plateau State students in higher institutions were also increased, alongside the purchase of dental equipment for the College of Health Technology, Zawan.
In his address, the governor also touched on the state’s efforts to improve public health and sanitation. Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed the state’s commitment to resolving the water scarcity in parts of Jos and Bukuru, citing ongoing efforts to strengthen the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) for regular sanitation exercises. He proudly shared that Jos had been recognized as one of the cleanest and safest cities in Northern Nigeria.
On energy, the governor highlighted the government’s collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company to boost electrification in the Southern and Central Plateau regions. This will help scale up the state’s industrialization efforts.
Looking ahead to 2025, Mutfwang presented the “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability,” focusing on sustainable development in agriculture, education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
Additionally, technological advancements are a top priority, with plans to transform the Nigerian Standard Building into a hub for tech-driven employment aimed at Plateau’s youth.
Collaborations with Galaxy Backbone Limited will also enhance internet accessibility, fostering greater transparency and efficiency through e-governance.
The Plateau State ICT Development Agency (PICTDA) will play a key role in developing skills to position Plateau as an ICT hub. The governor expressed his determination to ensure that the state is a driving force in the digital economy, encouraging unity and progress across all sectors.
Mutfwang also addressed concerns about child trafficking, condemning it as a growing menace in the state. He vowed to take decisive action against those involved in this criminal activity and urged parents to take full responsibility for safeguarding their children.
“We must not allow ethnic, political, or religious differences to divide us,” Mutfwang said, urging Plateau citizens to unite in the pursuit of a better future for the state.
The governor concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Federal Government for its support and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to revitalizing traditional institutions across the state, ensuring that vacant stools are lawfully occupied.
As Plateau State enters 2025, Governor Mutfwang’s message is clear: the focus will be on sustainable development, unity, and creating opportunities that uplift the lives of every citizen.
