BY GYANG BERE
The Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who came prepared to deliver dividends of democracy has, over this one year in office, remained firm, focused, resilient and steady in fulfilling his social contract with the people of Plateau state.
Interestingly, the people had dared the odds, mobilized themselves and voted H.E. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and the Hon. (Mrs.) Josephine Piyo as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively.
However, despite the monumental distractions before his assumption in office, numerous areas of tremendous positive impact abound, which has further made popular “The Time is Now” Administration. With daily accolades and testaments emanating from citizens ranging from all walks of life in Plateau state, below is a summary of some of these achievements, in sectors bearing direct impacts on the citizens.
- SECURITY OF LIVES AND PROPERTY
a. On the subject of security for lives and property, Governor Caleb Mutfwang personally interfaced with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and secured his listening ear towards redefining the true nature of insecurity in Plateau State.
b. Governor Mutfwang through his sincere efforts and using a multifaceted approach/strategy has restored security and sanity to Mangu, Barkin-Ladi, Riyom, Bokkos, Bassa and other Local Government Areas which came under severe attacks prior to his assumption into office.
c. Mutfwang as Governor visited Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Bassa and Mangu LGAs barely two days after swearing-in to office as Chief Security Officer of the State as a strategy to better understand their plights and sharpen Government’s response.
d. GCM paid courtesy visits to all Security Chiefs in Abuja over the incessant attacks in Plateau. This aggressive advocacy paved way for all service chiefs to undertake on-the-spot assessments of the security situation on the Plateau, resulting in the successes being recorded today.
e. Such security advocacies yielded the relocation to trouble communities of the GOC/Commander-OPSF all in a bid to command troops from the forefront. This was a first time occurrence in the history of insurgencies and security attacks in Plateau State.
f. The Governor has convened multiple and regular Security Council Meetings, marking a sharp departure from the ugly practice in past years.
g. The revitalization of the moribund state-owned security outfit “Operation Rainbow” was achieved within few months after inauguration and is now poised to restore a healthy community-security agencies relationship in tackling security challenges.
h. The training of 600 personnel to be injected into the Operation Rainbow for security intelligence/early warning signals was achieved under this Administration.
i. The appointment of a renowned security expert as Special Adviser to the Governor on Security has resulted in many positive security gains in the state.
j. A visit to the national headquarters of NEMA in Abuja has attracted substantial relief materials for IDPs in Plateau.
k. Plateau State under the able-leadership of Governor Mutfwang has set up a toll-free State Security and Information Centre (SIC) for citizens to report concerns on insecurity in local communities.
- ROAD AND ALLIED INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Numerous and critical road infrastructure all over the state have been (and are being) overhauled, overlaid with asphalt to facilitate free movement of traffic in the under-listed roads.
This is in keeping with the promises to modernize the state, especially, Jos metropolis, (the city-centre) for better growth, development and better exploitation of the state’s tourism and other potentials.
a. Road maintenance and allied works on Farin-Gada to Gada Biyu, Polo Roundabout to Police Headquarters roads.
b. Road repair works from Gold and Base roundabout to Rayfield, from Dadin Kowa, via D. B. Zang junction to Bukuru Expressway way, Plateau Specialist Hospital roundabout through to Hill Station roundabout and roads.
c. Ola Hospital Roundabout, Masallacin Juma’a street, Zololo Junction, and Angwan Rukuba Roads.
d. Attracted Federal Government intervention on the construction of Barkin-Ladi to Mangu Road.
e. British Boulevard road networks, Tafawa Balewa Street Jos and Plateau Riders road to Terminus Market among several others.
f. Revitalizing Railway line within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.
- WORKERS’ WELFARE
a. Cleared five months inherited workers salaries amounting to over N11 billion.
b. Approved payment of gratuities, death benefits and pensions from 1985 using a phased payment approach.
c. Approved the disbursement of the 90% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical workers/doctors.
d. The Administration is up-to-date in the payment of salaries of civil servants.
e. Approved the disbursement of 75% Hazard allowance to other health workers, including the Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.
f. Approved the implementation of the white paper on the recommendations of the committee set up to review last minutes employment by the immediate past administration with a view to putting things in their right and proper public service perspectives.
g. Upholds the values and ethics of the civil service as a deliberate step towards fostering an environment where all sectors and players can positively thrive and achieve governmental mandates.
h. Approved the training of workers towards efficient service delivery.
- EDUCATION
As a fulcrum for any society, Education has received tremendous attention for a total turnaround of fortunes in the state. Some achievements recorded so far are;
a. Government paid N200 million to bail-out Plateau State Polytechnic from total collapse as all it courses were long overdue for accreditation.
b. Securing full international postgraduate scholarships to some Plateau Engineering students in a foreign University.
c. Visited the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja and advocated for the agency’s increased attention to the urgent funding needs to especially Plateau schools which have been adversely affected by conflicts.
d. Paid N300 million to save Plateau State University Bokkos to avert the loss of course accreditation of some of its core programmes.
e. Subsidizing tuition fee for students of Plateau State University Bokkos.
f. Revived the payment of students’ scholarships/bursary for Plateau indigenes.
- AGRICULTURE
a. Reviving the Agricultural Services Training Company (ASTC) for use by farmers.
b. Mobilizing ASTC to farming communities in Mangu, Barkin-Ladi, Riyom and Bassa LGA to assist farmers continue with farming season which was abruptly interrupted by attacks.
c. Ploughed 900 hectres of land for farmers by deploying about 29 tractors from ASTC.
d. Flagged-off the distribution of 200 trucks of fertilizer to farmers across the state.
e. Revitalizing the Plateau Agricultural Development Project (PADP) and other government agencies to join the crusade for dry farming in the state.
- THE ENVIRONMENT
a. Government declared a state of emergency on the environment in Plateau state as a means to raise awareness and stress the importance of the environment to our collective livelihood.
b. Government restored sanity, cleanliness and orderliness by galvanizing the moribund environmental sanitation machinery of government (the Plateau State Environmental and Sanitation Agency – PEPSA) into action.
c. Reintroduction of the monthly sanitation exercise to encourage and ensure that cleanliness and improved livelihoods are achieved.
- HEALTH
a. The State Ministry of Health addressed promotion backlog and other anomalies for medical and health sector workers towards a more improved service delivery and stemming the tide of mass migration out of the service.
b. Concluded arrangements and will soon sign the MoU between the State and Federal Governments towards the smooth take-off for the new National Orthopeadic Hospital Jos and the Federal Medical Centre Wase.
c. The soon-to-be inaugurated Plateau State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System – PLASEMSAS -; (a domestication of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System), having been on-boarded, accommodated and personnel trained, will serve to address cases of medical emergencies in the state.
d. Collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Health and Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) towards overhauling oxygen supply and related services within hospitals in Plateau state. The first phase completed (located at JUTH) and subsequent phase designated at Shendam and Pankshin General Hospitals to cater for all zones in Plateau state.
e. Activated, supported and paid almost 90million Naira counterpart funding for the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PLA-DMCMA) towards accessing over 590million Naira funding (from the Global Fund) to effectively run the workings of the Agency which will soon commission the new and ultramodern warehousing and office facilities in the state.
f. Worked alongside SightSavers/Christian Blind Mission to renovate, equip and commission the Eye Unit at General Hospital Pankshin. Additionally worked with same partners to support the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness Survey in the State.
g. The State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Global Health Supply Chain-Procurement Supply Management (GHSC-PSM), Breakthrough Action Nigeria and the U.S President’s Malaria Initiative has executed the free donation of estimated 5 Billion Naira worth and almost 3 million treated mosquito nets, having paid counterpart funding.
h. Revamped the Inspectorate Unit and enrolled more health facilities on the state official database alongside the supervision of Pharmacies/Patent Medicine shops (achieved together with the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria towards restoring sanity, improve service standards and ethical procedures in healthcare delivery.
i. Embarked on aggressive and strategic in-house training of personnel around various medical and health sub-sectors towards better service delivery.
j. Engaged and energized the State Medical Advisory Board which has screened more than 35 and approved 20 medical requests for treatments within and outside the country.
k. Spear-headed the establishment of the Plateau State Humanitarian Emergency Operation Centre (PSHEOC) in response to attacks in some Local Governments of the State.
l. Received and adequately managed some interventions from different partners towards better healthcare provision in the state.
- AGENCIES
Many Agencies of the Plateau State Government have equally made their different marks as can be herein found:
I. THE PLATEAU STATE HOSPITALS MANAGEMENT BOARD
The Leadership of the PLA-HMB embarked on a broad-based system strengthening and rejuvenation efforts in a bid to improve towards more efficient service delivery. Some projects/initiatives achieved can be found as follows:
a. Purchase of Ultra Sound scanning machines to Shendam, Tunkus, Dyerok, Angware, and Barkin Ladi General Hospitals and the first time ever purchase of an X-Ray machine (plus adequate housing) for the Comprehensive Health Centre Dadin Kowa, Jos.
b. Opening of newly constructed General Hospitals at Mabudi and Kanke inclusive of drugs and other consumables supplies with a view to bring quality secondary healthcare services to patients.
c. Purchase and distribution of hospital furniture, bedding and other items to outlets.
d. Turnaround Maintenance of hospital equipment and boreholes across all facilities.
e. Setting up, furnishing and equipping of the NHIA/PLASCHEMA office with computers and other gadgets to ensure more adequate service delivery.
f. Furnishing of offices within the Board headquarters to create an enabling environment for work to thrive and increased personnel productivity.
g. Timely and efficient execution of staff related matters (more appropriate postings, conversions, promotions and discipline).
II.PLATEAU STATE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, JOS
The new Management at the PSSH-Jos, ably headed by Professor Christopher Sabo Yilgwan as CMD assumed office on the 2nd August 2023. Management embarked on
a. Settlement of over 112 million Naira drug and reagent debts met on ground.
b. Reformed from a chaotic to a more streamlined, transparent and effective drugs and other consumables related procurement process for the hospital.
c. Refurbished poor water systems in the hospital inclusive of sinking new motorized borehole in conjunction with a UK-based Non-Governmental Agency (TASTE); ongoing water reticulation into patient wards; maintenance of prior-abandoned pumps; ground water storage provisions, etcetera.
d. Turned around previously poor lighting with the procurement and installation of over fifty (50) functioning solar-powered flood lights.
e. Installation of multiple security cameras.
f. Migration from paper based Medical Record to Electronic Health Management System presently at 50% completion.
g. Completion at 98% of the new Diagnostic Laboratory building, Admin and EPU.
h. Completed awards for listed contracts;
Equipping of diagnostic Laboratory.
Procurement of One Hundred (100) numbers bed and mattresses for the hospital.
i. Lack of specialist Medical Doctors
j. Currently recruiting 23 Medical Consultants across 7 disciplines to cover different hospital service areas.
k. Expanding Residency Training in to/with four (4) core clinical areas.
l. Formerly opaque financial system
now revamped with the training of three Accounts plus Audit staff and the institution of daily audit rounds ensuring strict adherence with typical practicing ethical standards.
m. Previously commissioned Radio diagnostic centre (met under lock and key for claimed contractual liabilities) presently undergoing Test Commissioning of the equipment (a necessary precondition for installation or use of equipment) and payment of contractual liabilities completed. NNRA Inspection and Licensing underway as the centre opening currently imminent.
III. PLATEAU STATE DRUG AND MEDICAL COMMODITIES MANAGEMENT AGENCY (DMCMA)
The Plateau-DMCMA, since its establishment in 2022, has not been able to become fully operational, thus not making significant progress in fulfilling its mandate. With the inception of the Mutfwang-Administration, a few key accomplishments have been made, viz;
a. Mapping out of distribution channels to ensure equitable access to healthcare facilities across the state.
b. Payment of the counterpart contribution of the state Government of the ongoing Pharma-grade Warehouse at No. 59 Murtala Mohammed way, Jos.
c. Ongoing Media visibility exercises that positively showcase the agency and enlighten the populace on operations, functions, and workings of the agency.
d. In-house preparedness to ensure seamless implementation of an efficient procurement system and ensure timely acquisition of drugs and/or medical commodities.
e. Working out monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the availability and utilization of drugs and medical supplies.
f. Entering collaboration with healthcare providers and stakeholders to address healthcare needs in Plateau State.
g. Taking considerable steps towards sustainable domestic resource mobilization.
h. Viable options of local manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals, while harmonizing partnership with local and international Pharmaceutical industries.
IV. PLATEAU STATE CONTRIBUTORY HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT AGENCY (PLASCHEMA)
Created by law in June 2019, PLASCHEMA effectively took-off in January, 2021 to enhance healthcare accessibility for Plateau populace using health insurance and allied services. Herein are found some remarkable achievements within the last one year;
a. Paid five months arrears and now up-to-date in payment of capitation and fee-for-service for facilities and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).
b. In collaboration with our local partners, Local Health System Sustainability (LHSS), a house to house verification of Basic Healthcare Provision Fund beneficiaries (including subsequent realignment, reallocation and reenrolment exercise) was carried out in the Northern zone.
c. Under the leadership and direction of His Excellency, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, payment for the backlog of 327 million Naira counterpart fund to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund was made with funds deployed towards premium payments for the poor and vulnerable across the state.
d. Advocacy and sensitization to the following;
Transition Implementation Chairmen with the 17 LGAs now committed to paying Equity fund and have provided offices for PLASCHEMA.
In targeted areas of Barkin Ladi and Bassa Local Governments, in partnership with Women and Children in Support of Community Initiatives (WOCCI) which resulted in increased uptake of health insurance.
e. Development of a three (3) year Strategic Plan as well as the 2024 Annual Operational Plan while currently developing home grown ICT solutions to efficiently manage the Agency’s information systems and data.
V. PLATEAU STATE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SANITATION AGENCY (PEPSA)
During this one year period, PEPSA embarked on a proactive mission to guarantee a clean, safe, and protected environment in Plateau State, aligning closely with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s vision. The agency undertook the following initiatives:
a. Conducted a thorough assessment of the current state of waste management and sanitation practices in Plateau State, analyzing existing policies, infrastructure, challenges, and opportunities.
b. Flagged off a drainage distillation campaign in Jos and Bukuru Metropolis ahead of the rainy season, focusing on gutter cleaning to prevent flooding.
c. Held several meetings with agency staff to understand their roles and responsibilities and gauge their perspectives on the agency’s operations and challenges.
d. Emphasized Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s vision for waste management, environmental protection, and sanitation in Plateau State, including exploring innovative approaches and technologies for improving efficiency, sustainability, and environmental outcomes, as well as ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines.
e. Initiated dialogue and collaboration with key stakeholders, including government departments, local authorities, community groups, businesses, and NGOs, recognizing the importance of building partnerships for effective waste management and sanitation initiatives.
f. Developed a comprehensive action plan and strategies (including collaborative tours to partners and other agencies) to achieve the established goals.
g. Worked with other agencies of Government to enforce Executive Order 003 for the regulation of buildings/traffic and partnered with the Gbong Gwom Jos, the Media, etcetera, towards fulfilling agency mandates.
h. Collaborated with other organizations, leading to the donation of six waste collectors from Jos Green Centre, enhancing PEPSA’s waste management capabilities.
i. Commenced a waste clearance exercise at Terminus market premises to relocate roadside traders, facilitating the free flow of traffic and preparing the capital city for operations of the new Metro Buses.
j. Participated in roundtable discussions with the World Bank team and other stakeholders on the preparation and implementation of the 2024 Annual Work Plan for the SURWASH program.
k. 23. Conducted working visits to explore waste management models and identify areas for enhancement. PEPSA’s Director General engaged in knowledge exchange with counterparts such as the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to improve waste management practices in Plateau State.
l. Conducted assessments of the dumpsites in Plateau State with the view to inform future waste management strategies of the state and agency.
MINSTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s vision to modernize legacy structures and develop extensive road networks throughout Plateau State’s 17 LGAs has led to significant progress. Within his first year, the Governor ordered the continuation of construction on several key road projects, garnering public approval.
Notable developments include: Advancement on the 6.9km Rukuba Road Satellite Market-Tudun Wada-Sabon Gari network, with an extension to Mado, Wild Life Park, by Jolex Construction Co. Nig. Ltd; ongoing construction on the 5.65km Utonkon-Nunku-Keana link road, with an extension to Akila Machunga road.
The nearing completion of the 9km span flyover bridge by P W Nig. Ltd., currently at the asphaltic wearing course stage; additional efforts involve re-engaging contractors for the Jos-Bukuru metropolis road networks and resuming work on abandoned 5km projects at Local Government Headquarters since 2014.
Community members have expressed their appreciation for: The 7.14Km Chwelnyap road network, connecting key areas including Three Container, Yan Trailer, and Main Market; the 24.10km road rehabilitation within Jos South LGA and the 13.5 km upgrade of slum areas in Raku Belleng, Ramun Gyel, Rohol Kak, and Gyel Bukuru; the construction of a 6.5KM network at Angwan Rogo, with a bridge to Hawan Idi/Ali Kazaure, and a 12.1KM network covering Amma Street to Apata.
To enhance service delivery, the construction of the Fire Service Headquarters at Bukuru, Jos South LGA, is underway. Approval has been secured for the rehabilitation of the Central Mosque Jos and while the former Tati Hotel is undergoing rehabilitation to serve as office spaces for MDAs.
A significant MOU has been signed with Goye Associates under a PPP arrangement to construct three Truck/Bus Terminals at Mararaban Jama’a, Mista Ali, and Babale, which are anticipated to create 5,000 jobs for the local populace.
The administration has successfully negotiated for the acquisition of the 80-unit Federal Housing Estate in Laminga, Jos East Local Govornment area, to be used as Civil Servants’ Quarters.
Additionally, the Ministry has obtained the necessary approvals to allocate 200 hectares of land throughout the state for a large-scale, affordable housing project, in partnership with the Federal Housing Authority. This initiative has also attracted private investors interested in constructing smart cities and film studios in various locations, which are anticipated to generate employment opportunities and enhance the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
MINISTRY OF WORKS
Governor Mutfwang has authorized the payment of outstanding certificates for the construction of previously abandoned roads, including the Barkin-Ladi-Mangu and Hawon Kibo roads, reflecting his commitment to establishing a robust road infrastructure within the state.
These projects, initiated during the Jonah David Jang administration in 2013 and later neglected by the APC government, are now a priority for completion under Governor Mutfwang’s administration before the commencement of new initiatives.
The “Time is Now” administration has prioritized the rehabilitation of the Fobur-Angwarre bridge to prevent the isolation of the Local Secretariat from Jos. This bridge, originally constructed during the Jang administration, is crucial for maintaining accessible roads in the area.
Furthermore, Governor Mutfwang’s administration has forged a collaborative agreement with the Federal Works Controller in Jos, aiming to foster a beneficial partnership for the state. This collaboration has led to the rehabilitation of a collapsed bridge in Shendam Local Government Area.
Ongoing projects include the rehabilitation of the Hawon Kibo road, the Barkin-Ladi-Mangu road, the Shewr roads in Pankshin, and the continuation of construction from Mararaban Demshin to Demshin-Demshin2- Angwan Rina-Shargan-Bakin Kogi, among others. The Ministry has implemented measures to ensure that contractors promptly resume work at various sites across the state.
JOS METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Under the guidance of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Jos Metropolitan Development Board has taken significant strides in realizing the long-standing Jos Master Plan through the strategic execution of Executive Order 003.
The recently appointed General Manager, Mr. Hart Banket, has spearheaded a public advocacy campaign with the management team to facilitate the plan’s implementation.
The Board has reinstated building lines stretching from Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang to Bauchi Road Jos, a move aimed at revitalizing the Jos Bukuru Metropolis and enhancing the city’s aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the Board has focused on improving the work environment to boost service efficiency.
This includes the acquisition and setup of a Geographical Information System (GIS), procurement of professional cameras for media documentation, and the refurbishment of the GM and Directors’ offices to improve working conditions.
Renovations have also been undertaken, including the remodeling of the boardroom, reception area, fence, and gate; landscaping of the premises; and the introduction of staff welfare initiatives such as transportation provisions and allowances for corps members.
Key achievements of the Board include the repair of all neglected and malfunctioning vehicles, the acquisition of a Hiace bus for staff transportation, the painting of curbs throughout the metropolis, and the refurbishment of various roundabouts, including Maraban Jama’a, Plateau Hospital, and Polo Roundabout.
COMPILED BY GYANG BERE, DIRECTOR OF PRESS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE