Governor Caleb Mutfwang has charged government officials in Plateau State to embrace a renewed sense of urgency in governance, stressing that the state can no longer afford delays in implementing critical reforms.
Speaking at the Plateau State Annual Retreat themed “That Plateau May Shine” in Bassa LGA, Mutfwang underscored that leadership is a trust and urged public officials to maximize their time in office to drive meaningful change.
He lamented Plateau’s untapped potential despite its rich resources, questioning why the state continues to struggle economically while others thrive.
“Why should we, in one of Nigeria’s most blessed lands, remain poor? Why do we suffer from insurgency when our forefathers stood firm? Why has the standard of our public education declined when our students once excelled nationally?“he asked.
Emphasizing the need for a shift in governance culture, he warned against working in silos and stressed unity as the key to development.
He insisted that progress is built on collective effort and declared that the era of creating personal power bases should be over.
He also cautioned against political desperation, urging leaders to uphold integrity and focus on service rather than self-interest.
Drawing from his personal journey, he noted that leadership should be purpose-driven.
“Progress is built on unity—no one can do it alone. The era of working in silos, creating personal power bases, is over. This is the time to join hands and move forward together” he said.
Reflecting on his approach to leadership, he explained that his identity as a Christian takes precedence over his profession and political career, emphasizing that politics is merely a platform for advancing the common good.
“For me, it was never difficult to be a Christian before being a lawyer, and the same applies to being a politician. Politics is not my vocation—it is merely a means to an end, a platform for advancing the common good.
“When you see it that way, you won’t be desperate, and you won’t adopt a do-or-die mentality. You will wait for time and chance because there is a time God has ordained for every activity”. He noted
Reiterating the importance of time-conscious governance, the governor reminded officials that their positions come with responsibility.
“Even if you are posted somewhere for just three months, make a difference. Your position is a trust given to you. Yes, loyalty to me as a leader is good, but your ultimate loyalty should be to God, to whom we will all give account.
“That means working with integrity, without needing supervision. Our people are suffering, and they have entrusted us to improve their lives. May we not fail them”. He emphasized.
Also, Commissioner for Information, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, described the retreat as a vital platform for public officials to reflect on their roles and strategize for improved service delivery.
She emphasized the need for self-evaluation and a renewed commitment to the administration’s vision.
“This retreat provides us with the opportunity to review our performance and refocus on the responsibilities entrusted to us. It is a moment for deep reflection, self-evaluation, and recommitment to the vision of this administration. We must ask ourselves: Are we truly serving the people, or are we merely occupying positions?” She said.
She urged all political appointees to align with the governor’s vision and ensure their contributions translate into tangible development outcomes for Plateau State.
The five-day retreat features discussions on leadership, governance, and development strategies, with contributions from experienced policymakers and development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
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