In an effort to strengthen government machineries, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Wednesday swore in newly appointed Special Advisers and inaugurated the Governing Councils and Committees of key government agencies, marking a renewed push toward efficient governance, energy reform, and climate-conscious development.
The ceremony, held at the New Government House in Jos, featured the swearing-in of Special Advisers, the inauguration of the Plateau State Electricity Commission, the Road Safety Advisory Council, the Energy Corporation Board, and the Committee on Carbon Sequestration for the Jatropha-to-Biofuel Project in partnership with Noah Regen.
Addressing the appointees and dignitaries at the event, Governor Mutfwang called on the new advisers and board members to bring their experience and integrity to bear in service of the state.
“Today is a very significant milestone in our effort to deepen governance and bring qualified professionals into public service,” the Governor declared. “We have taken time to carefully select these individuals, not just for politics, but for performance.”
Speaking on the importance of sectoral realignment, the Governor emphasized the strategic repositioning of some appointees to drive sector-specific results. “Habila Mutla has been moved from Plateau United because we are rethinking our grassroots football development. Plateau is a breeding ground for soccer talent, and we are ready to return to inter-school sports across secondary schools,” he said.
Special Advisers inaugurated include Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan to serve as Special Adviser, National Party Affairs, Hon. Habila Mutla Speciali Adviser Grassroots Soccer Development while Dr. Markus Amang Avong, a former Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, will serve as Special Adviser Livestock and Veterinary Services.
Meantime, Hon. Emmanuel Dung Gyibok is the Special Assistant to the Executive Governor on Mines.
The Governor emphasized on the importance of the minning sector to the development of the state,thereby urged Gyibok to organize informal miners to ensure they benefit more from the mining sector.
“We want to help our artisanal miners and ensure they’re not left behind in the mineral economy,” he said.
Turning to electricity, the Governor reiterated his administration’s ambition to position Plateau at the forefront of power generation and distribution. “We built the first hydro station in Nigeria. Plateau must take electricity seriously. Deregulation is in motion, and we must deliver power to our people,” he affirmed.
He also justified the appointment of Amb. Bagudu Hirse as Chairman of the Electricity Regulatory Commission. “Some may wonder why a diplomat in electricity? But under the previous administration, he led an insightful review of the sector, and we believe he is best positioned to implement that vision,” Mutfwang said.
The Governor also announced the state’s foray into carbon credit initiatives through the inauguration of the Carbon Sequestration Committee.
“This is a global trend. Developed nations won’t reduce their emissions but expect developing countries like ours to absorb it. With Jatropha, a plant native to the Plateau, we can begin to trade in carbon credits while investing in cleaner energy,” he noted.
The Plateau State Electricity Commission has Ambassador Bagudu Hirse as Chairman, State Road Safety Advisory Council has the Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo as Chairman, Victor Dagyet Riyom is the Chairman, Energy Corporation Board, while the Committee on Carbon Sequestration for the Jatropha-to-Biofuel Project in partnership with Noah Regen has Peter Gwom the Hon. Commissioner of Environment as Chairman.
In a vote of thanks, Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, speaking on behalf of all the appointees, appreciated the Governor for the confidence reposed in them.
“We are proud to be part of this reform-oriented administration. We pledge to give our best to support the Time is Now agenda,” he said.
The event marks a strategic role to fast-tracking governance reforms, youth sports development, energy diversification, and climate-friendly policies in Plateau State.
