Toba Owojaiye reportingÂ
Jos, PlateauÂ
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, delivered a state broadcast on January 1, 2024, reflecting on the challenges faced in 2023 and outlining plans for the future.
In a statement made available to Truth Live News, he declared 2024 as a year of hope and progress despite the tragic loss of lives due to conflicts, emphasizing the need to address attacks as criminal acts of terrorism rather than mere clashes. The Governor mourned the victims and declared a week of mourning from January 1st to 8th, urging intense prayers for lasting peace.
Acknowledging the economic challenges, Mutfwang highlighted achievements such as clearing salary backlogs, paying gratuities, and initiating training programs for civil servants. Despite the state’s poverty ranking, he outlined plans for economic support, including distributing rice, maize, and fertilizer to farmers, as well as implementing fuel subsidies for workers.
The Governor emphasized ongoing efforts to revive Plateau Express Service, improve transportation, and revamp the railway track. He appreciated the swift response from the President, security agencies, and various officials in providing relief to victims of attacks. Mutfwang called for collaboration with the Federal Government, development partners, and the international community to rehabilitate affected communities and issued an Executive Order to protect mining communities.
The state’s 2024 budget, titled ‘The Budget of New Beginnings,’ aims to lay foundations for the future. Mutfwang urged unity among citizens, emphasizing that overcoming challenges requires collective strength. Notably, he granted state pardon amnesty to a prisoner and stressed the importance of justice.
The Governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, international entities, and well-wishers while concluding with a message of confidence in overcoming insecurity, envisioning Plateau as a global destination for peace and tourism. He wished citizens a happy and prosperous New Year, signing off with blessings for Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.