Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has reassured Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) that his administration has not forgotten them and is actively working with the Federal Government and development partners to resettle them and rebuild affected communities.
The governor made this commitment during a statewide broadcast marking his second year in office, highlighting his administration's achievements despite facing significant challenges.
"To every community that has suffered loss, I assure you that we have not forgotten you. We are working in collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners to resettle displaced persons and rebuild broken communities," Mutfwang stated.
Security Initiatives
The governor outlined several security measures implemented during his tenure, including the revitalization of Operation Rainbow for intelligence gathering and the launch of an Emergency Communications Centre with a toll-free line for rapid response across the state.
"We have taken bold and deliberate steps to secure lives and property. Working closely with federal authorities, we have revitalized Operation Rainbow for intelligence gathering," he explained.
Mutfwang also revealed the establishment of the Plateau State Activity Centre, equipped with modern technology for surveillance across the state, aimed at enhancing security operations.
Civil Service Reforms and Economic Initiatives
In addressing civil service concerns, the governor highlighted that his administration has cleared 4.5 months of salary arrears inherited from the previous government, resumed regular payment of salaries, gratuities, and pensions dating back to 1984, and restored promotions and training opportunities.
On the economic front, Mutfwang pointed to the introduction of the Tin City Metro transport service, which he said is transforming urban mobility in Jos and Bukuru Metropolis while creating jobs and subsidizing transportation costs for approximately 9,000 passengers daily.
"Just a few days ago, we added 15 more brand-new additional buses to the fleet, bringing the total to 30," he said, adding that the government has also procured Toyota Sienna vehicles for interstate travel on the Jos-Abuja corridor and other routes.
Transportation and Agricultural Development
The governor announced a Memorandum of Understanding with ValueJet Airlines to provide thrice-weekly Jos-Abuja flights and Lagos-Jos flights. He also mentioned a partnership with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to revive rail transport, which he said would be commissioned soon.
In the agricultural sector, Mutfwang reported the recovery of over 900 hectares of land belonging to IDPs, distribution of fertilizer and farming inputs worth ₦16 billion, and training programs for young farmers in modern agricultural businesses.
"Recently, we also signed an MoU with the famous research institute, IITA, Ibadan, to train our youth in Agri-Business as well as acquire skills across the agriculture value chain," he added.
Infrastructure Development
On infrastructure, the governor stated that the Road Maintenance Agency has rehabilitated about 111 km of urban roads as part of the Urban Infrastructure Renewal Programme, while over 3,000 km of roads initiated by the Jang administration but subsequently abandoned are currently under construction.
Concluding his address, Mutfwang described these achievements as "only the beginning" of his administration's efforts to build "a just, united, and prosperous State where every citizen has a sense of belonging and opportunity."
