Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reiterated his administration’s resolute commitment to promoting meritocracy and implementing positive reforms aimed at repositioning the state’s civil service for improved service delivery and sustainable development.
Speaking on Monday at the swearing-in ceremony of five newly appointed Permanent Secretaries held at the Victoria Gowon Auditorium, New Government House, Jos, the Governor described the appointments as historic, being the first time such elevations were based strictly on performance in a competitive written examination rather than favoritism.
“This is the first time we are conducting a written examination to select Permanent Secretaries. Under this administration, we are laying a solid foundation for a merit-based system. You are assuming office at a pivotal moment in our reform journey, and the expectations are high,” the Governor declared.
Governor Mutfwang decried the entrenched mediocrity that has plagued the civil service over the years, stressing that his administration is determined to reverse the trend by instilling professionalism, accountability, and competitiveness across the service.
“What we inherited is not something we can be proud of. Our goal is to rebuild a civil service that is resilient, capable, and respected across the country. We want Plateau civil servants to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with their peers nationwide,” he said.
He emphasized that his government will invest in the training and development of committed and resilient officers who will mentor younger professionals and drive policy implementation for the long-term benefit of the state.
In a related development, Governor Mutfwang also inaugurated a 16-member State Economic Advisory Council with a mandate to reposition Plateau State’s economy for inclusive growth and prosperity.
At the inauguration held at the Twin Theatre, New Government House, Jos, the Governor said the council will serve as a think-tank to review existing economic frameworks and recommend innovative policies that will attract and retain private sector investment in the state.
“The council is tasked with critically assessing our economic policies, regulations, and legislations, and recommending ways to strengthen them. Our economic philosophy is rooted in Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The private sector has the capacity and expertise to drive growth more efficiently than the government alone,” Governor Mutfwang noted.
He highlighted Plateau’s vast economic potential and expressed hope that the council will identify priority areas for investment that will enhance job creation and wealth distribution across the state.
“We expect the council to provide actionable recommendations, particularly in sectors that can unlock opportunities for our citizens and position Plateau State as a hub of economic activity,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council, Mr. Ibrahim Puri, thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve and pledged the commitment of the council to offer sound and objective counsel for the betterment of the state.
“We are honored by this trust. As technocrats, we will offer sincere, evidence-based recommendations—short, medium, and long term. Our goal is to support job creation, especially for our youths, by tapping into the unique economic potentials in each Local Government Area,” Puri assured.
Gyang Bere
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
May 20, 2025.
