Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has taken decisive steps to address the grievances of citizens by meeting with End Bad Governance protesters at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.
In a town hall-style meeting with a coalition of youth protesters, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his commitment to tackling the challenges facing the state and outlined several measures his administration is implementing to ease the economic and social hardships.
During the meeting, Governor Mutfwang expressed empathy with the protesters’ demands, which include concerns over the high cost of living, rising electricity tariffs, and inadequate healthcare and education services. He shared that these very issues had motivated his entry into politics, driven by a desire to rectify the societal wrongs that have plagued the state.
“I am deeply frustrated when I see children denied education due to insecurity, when lives are lost because people cannot afford healthcare, and when businesses struggle due to unaffordable electricity tariffs,” the Governor lamented, acknowledging the harsh realities faced by many in the state.
To address these concerns, Governor Mutfwang outlined a series of initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions in Plateau State. Among these are efforts to support micro and small businesses, enhance agribusiness opportunities to create more employment for the youth, and pass an electricity bill that will allow the state to generate its own power.
These measures are part of a broader strategy to foster economic growth and create a more enabling environment for citizens.
Governor Mutfwang also highlighted the federal government’s interventions, including the distribution of about 29,000 bags of rice and sorghum to schools, orphanages, and vulnerable groups across the state.
He emphasized his administration's commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, assuring the youth that every penny received by the government would be accounted for in the public interest.
Expressing gratitude for the peaceful nature of the protests, Governor Mutfwang described the youth as progressive and dynamic individuals dedicated to improving the standard of living in Plateau State.
He pledged to continue engaging with them and other stakeholders to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.
The Governor also spoke about ongoing efforts to reorganize urban centers to attract investors and build community markets, enabling citizens to run their businesses more effectively.
Additionally, he mentioned the acquisition of Metro buses and the resuscitation of the state’s rail line as part of the government’s response to the removal of fuel subsidies, aimed at easing transportation challenges and reducing the cost of living.
Governor Mutfwang provided a detailed account of how federal monetary interventions have been utilized in the state, including paying counterpart funds for the Universal Basic Education program, which has led to the reconstruction and renovation of about 300 schools across the state’s 17 local government areas.
He also discussed the servicing of debts inherited from previous administrations and investments in the NG-CARE program, which are designed to attract more funds and drive development in Plateau State.
In response, representatives of the protesters, including Ishaya Durkwa, Mildred Bakwo, and Sam Ode, presented their demands to the Governor. They commended Governor Mutfwang for his leadership and the security agencies for their professionalism in handling the protests.
The youth leaders also expressed their commitment to continuing the fight against bad governance and called for sustained engagement with the state government.
The meeting was attended by several key government officials, including Deputy Governor Hon. Mrs. Josephine Piyo, Speaker of the House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, Chief of Staff Hon. Jeremiah Satmark, Head of Civil Service Barr. Rauta Dakok, and Commissioner of Youths and Sports Hon. Bashir Lawandi, among others.
These officials also addressed the youth, reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns and working towards a better future for all citizens of Plateau State.
The meeting concluded with a promise from Governor Mutfwang to present the youth’s demands to the Federal Government and to continue working tirelessly to improve the state’s governance and economic conditions.
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