A State Broadcast by His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau State

1. Dear citizens of Plateau State,

It is with immense gratitude to Almighty God that I welcome you to the year 2025. This year heralds a renewal of hope, immense opportunities, and transformative progress for our beloved state. We owe deep thanks to God for His unwavering protection and guidance throughout 2024. As the Scripture reminds us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

2. Reflections on 2024

The year 2024 was pivotal for Plateau State. Through the “Budget of New Beginnings,” we established a strong foundation for rebuilding and repositioning our state toward peace and prosperity. Despite the challenges we faced, including legal hurdles, our collective mandate was restored and celebrated with joy and renewed purpose.

3. Our Achievements So Far

Since assuming office, peace and security have been our highest priorities. In 2024, we invested significantly in technology and logistics to bolster the safety of our rural communities. These efforts have begun to yield positive results, with a noticeable decline in the previously rampant unprovoked attacks.

While progress has been made, some communities still face security challenges. Let me assure you that our resolve to achieve lasting peace across Plateau State remains firm. My heartfelt condolences go to those affected by these tragedies. Your pain is shared, and we are steadfast in our partnership with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to address these issues. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices of our security personnel and their commitment to safeguarding our state.

4. Addressing Child Trafficking

We are deeply saddened by reports of individuals exploiting our children through child trafficking. Under my leadership, the government will decisively combat this heinous crime. I urge parents to take full responsibility for protecting their children from such dangers.

5. Economic Relief and Transportation Improvements

The removal of fuel subsidies in 2024 posed significant hardships. In response, we launched initiatives to ease the burden on our people. This included introducing 15 modern MAN-Diesel buses with advanced payment systems for urban transportation. Due to overwhelming demand, we have already ordered an additional 15 buses, which will join the fleet in 2025.

6. Agricultural Advancements

Last year, we made significant progress in agriculture:

Advanced discussions with the African Development Bank for a Special Agro-Processing Zone in Plateau State.

Partial reactivation of BARC Farms, including private investments in feedlots.

Successful trials of wheat, barley, Napier, and Brachiaria grass for mass production in 2025.

The Kuru Livestock Centre will be redesigned, with construction set to begin this January. Additionally, over 6,000 hectares of land have been cultivated through the Agricultural Services and Training Centres (ASTC) to help displaced communities return to farming.

A database of over 300,000 farmers has been created, alongside an online input distribution system to streamline resource allocation. Over ₦3.6 billion was invested in fertilizers and farming inputs to boost food production.

We are also upgrading the Yakubu Gowon Airport to a cargo airport, enabling the export of perishable crops and vegetables from Plateau State.

7. Infrastructure and Urban Renewal

In 2024, we rehabilitated numerous roads within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis. Declaring 2025 the “Year of Groundbreaking Road Construction,” we plan to expand these efforts.

Our urban renewal initiatives, guided by Executive Order 003, will modernize the Greater Jos Master Plan, addressing slum prevention, traffic management, and infrastructure preservation. We aim to establish neighborhood and community markets in each senatorial district.

8. Healthcare Improvements

We revitalized the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Agency and upgraded services at the Plateau Specialist Hospital. Through partnerships, we secured over $400,000 worth of medical supplies and invested ₦2 billion in laboratory infrastructure. Counterpart funds were cleared to improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

9. Education Achievements

Significant strides were made in education:

Accreditation of numerous courses at Plateau State Polytechnic, College of Education Gindiri, and Plateau State University Bokkos.

Approval of new programs, including Medicine and Pharmacy, at Plateau State University Bokkos.

Increased scholarship allowances for Law School students and other scholars.

10. Power and Energy

To boost power and industrialization, we signed an MoU with the Rural Electrification Agency and allocated land for a 132/33KV substation. These efforts aim to extend electricity to underserved areas in Plateau State.

11. Vision for 2025

This year’s “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability” builds on the achievements of 2024, focusing on agriculture, education, infrastructure, and healthcare. We are also prioritizing technological advancement, partnering with Galaxy Backbone Limited to enhance internet access and introduce e-governance.

12. Call for Unity

As we step into 2025, let us put aside ethnic, political, and religious differences. Together, we can build a united and prosperous Plateau State. I deeply appreciate the support of the Federal Government, institutions, and international partners who have stood with us on this journey.

13. Final Announcements and Pardons

Lastly, I am pleased to announce the pardon of several individuals who paid fines or served sentences for various offenses. This act symbolizes our commitment to justice and reconciliation.

Welcome to 2025—a year of hope, transformation, and progress. Together, we will achieve the Plateau of our dreams.

God bless Plateau State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.