The Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, security, infrastructure development, and inclusive governance as he welcomed residents into the year 2026.
In a statewide broadcast to mark the New Year celebration on Thursday, the governor expressed gratitude to God for His protection over Plateau State despite the security and economic challenges experienced in 2025.
He sympathised with families who lost loved ones during the year and assured them of continued government support, while praying for the recovery of those injured.
Governor Mutfwang described 2025 as a turning point for the state, noting that the implementation of the “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability” helped strengthen the foundations of responsible governance.
Mutfwang said the administration deliberately focused on peace and security, road infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and human capital development.
He commended the people of Plateau State for their resilience and unity, saying they chose hope over despair in the face of hardships.
According to him, the government intensified efforts to restore lasting peace through collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, faith-based leaders, and community stakeholders, while strengthening early-warning and conflict-prevention mechanisms.
The Governor disclosed that 1,450 personnel drawn from all 17 local government areas, ethnic groups, and religious backgrounds were recruited and trained under Operation Rainbow to enhance security across the state.
On infrastructure, Mutfwang reported steady progress in the rehabilitation and construction of critical road networks across the three senatorial zones, improving rural–urban connectivity.
He added that urban renewal projects in Jos and other major towns, alongside improvements in water supply and rural electrification, were undertaken to enhance citizens’ quality of life.
In the education sector, the governor said the state invested heavily in renovating public schools, recruiting and training teachers, and settling outstanding obligations.
He also highlighted partnerships with tertiary institutions, expanded vocational and skills acquisition programs, and the award of scholarships to Plateau students to study in India as part of efforts to build global competence.
He noted improvements in healthcare delivery through the upgrade of primary healthcare facilities, expanded maternal and child health services, and better access to essential drugs.
Social intervention programs for widows, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons were also sustained.
Governor Mutfwang said agriculture remained a key comparative advantage for Plateau State, with farmers supported through the distribution of inputs, extension services, improved market access, and the launch of new Plateau potato seedlings to boost productivity and export potential.
He added that the government worked to improve the ease of doing business, support small and medium-scale enterprises, and promote the state as a tourism and investment destination.
On governance, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline, noting that workers’ welfare was prioritized through regular payment of salaries and pensions and continuous engagement with labour unions.
Looking ahead to 2026, Mutfwang outlined key priorities including deepening peace and security, accelerating infrastructure delivery, transforming education through digital learning, expanding healthcare services, diversifying the economy for job creation, and sustaining inclusive governance with greater gender and youth participation.
He called on all residents, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, to work together for a peaceful and prosperous Plateau State, urging them to reject division and violence in favour of dialogue and mutual respect.
The governor also alluded to recent political developments in the state, assuring citizens that any forthcoming decisions would be guided strictly by the overall interest of Plateau State following wide consultations.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as development partners and international allies, for their support, and pledged that his administration would continue to serve with integrity, compassion, and courage in 2026.
