By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – As the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, clocks two years in office, 20 Commissioners in the State, alongside the Departments and Agencies under them, took three days to present their achievements within the period to the public.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, who set the pace for the presentations, stated it was an opportunity to bridge the gap between the government and the people, provide access to information and promote the culture of accountability in public service.

The State Head of Service, Stephen Gadong, who kick-started the process, emphasized the governor’s efforts at repositioning the civil service and improving the welfare of the workforce to foster industrial harmony within the service.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, noted the Ministry has spearheaded legal reforms, enhanced access to justice, and facilitated landmark infrastructural and human capital developments.

He said, “The Office of the Public Defender has been instrumental in providing legal assistance, securing bail for 304 detainees, handling 116 gender-based violence cases, and facilitating legal aid for over 20 active cases.

“The Ministry has facilitated the liquidation of judgment debts amounting to over N4.8 billion between January 2024 and March 2025, settling long-standing liabilities, including high-profile cases like Erapon Nigeria Ltd. v. Plateau State Government…”

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ephraim Usman mentioned significant strides, including the clearance of N5.6 billion in salary and pension arrears, the procurement of 35 Hilux vehicles for security agencies, the facilitation of various capacity-building programmes for staff, and successful filling of some vacant traditional stools.

The Ministry of Education’s achievements, as stated by Commissioner Kachollom Gang, included the allocation of N1.5 billion for accreditation of courses across State institutions, approval of 19 new degree programmes at the College of Education, Gindiri, construction of key facilities at Plateau State University and Polytechnic, and the establishment of skill acquisition centres.

“These interventions aim to foster a conducive learning environment and enhance academic standards,” she said.

The Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Cletus Shurkuk, mentioned the enhancement of internet accessibility and digital empowerment for inter-agency communication and operational efficiency.

He stated, “The period under review witnessed significant progress in innovation, ICT development, research promotion and capacity-building,” calling for improved budgetary allocation to accelerate digital transformation.

Nicholas Ba’amlong, the Commissioner for Health, maintained healthcare has been revolutionized for a healthier future, mentioning the recruitment of 22 top-tier medical consultants across major specialities, completion of laboratory complex, procurement of modern medical equipment for hospitals, expanded Residency Training Programme in Pediatrics, Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Gynecology.

The Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Development, Peter Gwom, announced the improvement at the Jos Wildlife Park with the renovation of decaying structures and the construction of a 17.1-kilometre perimeter fence around the Park to curb encroachment and provide a safer habitat for the animals.

To mitigate climate change, he highlighted the distribution of 100,000 adaptable tree seedlings to farmers across several communities in the State.

The Commissioner for Transport, Davou Gyang, among other things, stressed the purchase of 15 additional metro buses to serve the under-served routes.

Samson Bugama, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development and Sunday Akpa, his counterpart in the Ministry of Livestock Development, Veterinary Services and Fisheries disclosed the efforts at the implementation of climate-innovative systems for farmers.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Dafur highlighted significant progress in women’s empowerment, child protection, and social welfare development.

She disclosed the full implementation of the VAPP Law and Child Rights Act, repatriation of over 158 Plateau children from other States and abroad, providing scholarships and family reintegration, arresting of child trafficking syndicates, and sealing of illegal orphanages.

Other Commissioners like Adams Lekshak of Budget and Economic Planning, Musa Ashoms of Youth and Sports, Peter Gai of Lands, Survey, and Town Planning, Joshua Ubandoma of Works, Grace Dongkum of Finance, Salisu Nyalun of Commerce, Bashir Datti of Water Resources and Energy, Sylvanus Dongtoe of Housing and Urban Development, and Cornelius Doeyok of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality also presented their efforts at good governance.