PLATEAU: WELCOME TO 2025, A YEAR OF HOPE AND GREAT OPPORTUNITIES. GOV. MUTFWANG, TELLS PLATEAU PEOPLE, NIGERIANS

By: Amb. Valentine Adese (JP),

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Governor Caleb M. Mutfwang has warmly welcomed the people of Plateau State and Nigerians to the year 2025.

The Governor in his year state wide broadcast stated that 2025 is a year of hope renewal.

Adding that, “2025 has great opportunities and transformative progress for our beloved state. We owe our deepest gratitude to God for His steadfast guidance and protection over Plateau State throughout 2024. As the Scriptures remind”.

He said 2025 is a year of hope and transformation, while wishing the people of Plateau State and Nigerians a prosperous New Year.

The Governor who used the speech to disclose that his administration has paid the fines of over 10 inmates, also used the occasion to express his sincere gratitude to the Federal Government, led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the support and collaboration he has enjoyed. 

GOV. MUTFWANG

 

In his statewide broadcast, Governor Mutfwang said, “My fellow citizens, let us not allow ethnic, political, or religious differences to divide us. As we step into 2025, let us walk together in faith and unity, determined to achieve the Plateau of our dreams. We will continue to prioritize projects and policies that touch lives and uplift communities.

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Federal Government, led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the support and collaboration I have enjoyed. I also wish to immensely appreciate all institutions, associations, and international partners who continue to support our developmental journey”.

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE BROADCAST BELOW:

TEXT OF A STATE BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BARR. CALEB MANASSEH MUTFWANG, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, ON THE OCCASION OF THE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2025

1. My dearly beloved brothers and sisters of Plateau State,

2. With profound gratitude to the Almighty God, I warmly welcome you to the year 2025—a year of hope renewal, great opportunities and transformative progress for our beloved state. We owe our deepest gratitude to God for His steadfast guidance and protection over Plateau State throughout 2024. As the Scriptures remind us, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

3. The year, 2024, marked a critical turning point for Plateau State. Through our Budget tagged, "Budget of New Beginnings," we laid a robust foundation for rebuilding and repositioning our state for Peace and Prosperity. Despite the hurdles we encountered, including litigations, our collective mandate was restored and reaffirmed amidst jubilation.

4. For this, I remain deeply thankful for your steadfast support and faith in this administration. Together, we have embarked on a shared journey to deliver good governance and tangible dividends of democracy.

5. From the moment I assumed office, peace and security have been our topmost priorities. In 2024, we made bold investments in technology and logistics to strengthen the surveillance and protection of our rural communities. Our efforts have already begun yielding significant results, as unprovoked attacks, once rampant, are steadily declining.

6. However, while we have recorded progress, some communities continue to face security challenges. Let me assure you that we will not rest until enduring peace is achieved across Plateau State. I extend my heartfelt condolences to all those who have suffered from attacks across the state. Your pain is our pain. As a government, we remain committed to partnering with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to end these avoidable tragedies. Let me express my deepest appreciation to the security personnel for their sacrifices and diligence.

7. It is sad that some individuals have taken child trafficking as business to exploit our children. Let me inform you that the government under my watch will take a decisive action against those who indulge in this criminal activity. I encourage parents to take absolute responsibility for raising their children and safeguarding them against this menace.

8. The removal of fuel subsidies in 2024 brought unfortunate hardships, but our administration swiftly responded with initiatives to cushion the impact on our people. Recognizing the strain on urban transportation, we introduced 15 modern MAN-Diesel buses equipped with advanced payment systems to serve our communities. Due to overwhelming demand, I am glad to inform you that additional 15 more have already been ordered to expand the fleet in 2025.

9. On agriculture, 2024 witnessed significant advancements: We have reached advanced discussions with the African Development Bank to onboard Plateau State as a participating State in the development of the Special Agro Processing Zone. BARC Farms was partially reactivated, with a private investor establishing feedlots. Successful trials for wheat, barley, and grasses such as Napier and Brachiaria were conducted, setting the stage for mass production in 2025.The Kuru Livestock Centre is set to be redesigned, with construction starting in January 2025.Through the Agricultural Services and Training Centres, ASTC, over 6,000 hectares of land have been cultivated to assist displaced communities in returning to their homes and livelihoods.

10. A database of over 300,000 farmers has been collected, and we have designed an online input distribution system to streamline resource allocation, which will be launched shortly. Our administration invested over ₦3.6 billion in the purchase and distribution of fertilizers and farming inputs to boost food production.

11. In addition, the Yakubu Gowon Airport is set to be upgraded to a cargo airport to facilitate the export of perishable crops and vegetables that are produced in our state.

12. Our administration also established the Plateau State Commodity Marketing Company (PLACOM) to address challenges in commodity trading, warehousing, and market information systems.

This initiative eliminates the exploitative role of middlemen and ensuring that farmers get the true value of their produce.

13. Our efforts to create a friendly economic atmosphere has attracted local and international investors. Notably, agreements have been signed for the revitalization of Hill Station Hotel and Plateau Hotel, with the first rooms expected to be ready by December 2025.

14. Plans are also underway to reconstruct the Jos Abattoir to global standards to create employment and boost internal revenue generation. In 2024, we revitalized the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Agency and improved services in the Plateau Specialist Hospital into a beacon of medical excellence. Through partnerships, we secured over $400,000 worth of medical supplies and invested ₦2 billion in laboratory infrastructure. We also cleared backlogs of counterpart funds to PLASCHEMA in order to ease healthcare access for our vulnerable populations.

15. On education, we have also made remarkable strides: In tertiary education, many courses have been accredited for Plateau State Polytechnic,College of Education Gindiri and Plateau State University Bokkos. The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved new programmes in Medicine, Pharmacy, Statistics and Religious Studies for Plateau State University Bokkos, while the College of Education Gindiri has been approved to award degree programmes in affiliation with the University of Jos.

16. Scholarship allowances for Law School students, as well as general scholarships for Plateau State students in higher institutions were increased and paid. Dental chairs and equipment were also purchased for the College of Health Technology, Zawan.

17. On infrastructure, we rehabilitated many roads within the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis and have declared 2025 as the "Year of Groundbreaking of Road Construction."

18. On urban renewal, the signing of Executive Order 003 has kickstarted a comprehensive urban renewal plan under the Greater Jos Master Plan, targeting slum prevention, traffic management, and infrastructure preservation. In 2025, we are committed to building neighborhood markets across the Jos - Bukuru metropolis while establishing modern community markets in each of the three Senatorial Districts.

 19. Additionally, we are collaborating with development partners for the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market to provide a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

20. To improve public health and hygiene, we are prioritizing investments in Water, Sanitation, and Mineral Development. We are very much aware of the water scarcity in parts of Jos and Bukuru and we working tirelessly to resolve it. Efforts are underway to strengthen the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) for monthly sanitation exercises, while creating a dependable water supply system for rural and urban areas. We are proud to inform you that Jos has been adjudged to be one of the cleanest and safest cities in Northern Nigeria.

21. On mineral development, we will engage with artisanal miners to organize mining activities and improve safety, licensing rights, and marketing opportunities.

 Power and energy remain critical to our economy. We have therefore signed an MoU with the Rural Electrification Agency to scale up electrification and industrialization. The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has also been granted land for a 132/33KV transmission substation to extend electricity to Southern and Central Plateau.

22. As we embrace 2025, our "Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability" builds on the solid foundation laid in 2024. Our focus will be on sustainable development in agriculture, education, infrastructure, and healthcare.

23. In 2025, we will also focus on technological advancement. Plans are in place to revitalize the Nigerian Standard Building into a hub for tech-driven employment for Plateau’s youth. Our collaboration with Galaxy Backbone Limited will enhance internet accessibility and introduce e-governance initiatives for greater transparency and efficiency.

24. The Plateau State ICT Development Agency (PICTDA) will also develop skills to position the state as an ICT hub. As we step into 2025, let us embrace the year as one of consolidation, sustainability, and fulfillment. Already, we are engaging in strategic discussions with Plateau youths, business community, and elders to foster unity and progress.

25. We are determined to revitalize and make functional all traditional institutions in the state to take charge of their domain. We appeal to ethnic nationalities and communities where vacuum exist to speedily remove all impediments in order to allow vacant stools to be lawfully occupied.

26. My fellow citizens, let us not allow ethnic, political, or religious differences to divide us. As we step into 2025, let us walk together in faith and unity, determined to achieve the Plateau of our dreams. We will continue to prioritize projects and policies that touch lives and uplift communities.

27. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Federal Government, led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the support and collaboration I have enjoyed. I also wish to immensely appreciate all institutions, associations, and international partners who continue to support our developmental journey.

28. Thank you for your trust, prayers, and sacrifices as we march forward with hope and determination. Plateau shall rise again!

29. Finally, I am pleased to announce that fines were paid for various offenders who committed various offenses and their jail terms were quashed.

They include:

1. Moses Reuben – Absolute pardon

2. Saleh Muhammadu – Payment of fine

3. Mohammed Ado – Payment of fine

4. Safa David – Payment of fine

5. Timothy Sunday – Payment of fine

6. David Yusuf – Payment of fine

7. Abba Ahmed – Payment of fine

8. Umar Adamu – Payment of fine

9. Mannaseh Dada – Payment of fine

10. Na’Answan – Payment of fine

11. Sunday Joseph – Payment of fine

30. Welcome to 2025—a year of hope and transformation, I wish you a prosperous New Year.

God bless Plateau State

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.