From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has called on citizens to set aside religious and ethnic differences and unite in the fight against poverty, insecurity and underdevelopment.
Governor Mutfwang made the call at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos, when the Metropolitan Grand Knight of the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba, KSM, Jos Metropolitan Council, Sir Mathew Yokpe, led members of the Order on a courtesy visit.
The Governor dismissed allegations that his administration was deliberately sidelining the Catholic community, saying appointments were based on competence, political realities and geographical considerations rather than religious affiliation.
He said poverty affects citizens irrespective of their religion or ethnic background, stressing that government would continue to invest in agriculture, livestock, infrastructure and skills development to create jobs and expand economic opportunities.
Governor Mutfwang also said insecurity remains a major obstacle to economic development, as citizens cannot fully access their farms and businesses without adequate security.
On livestock development, the Governor said Plateau has the potential to become one of Nigeria’s leading livestock-producing states, noting that modern ranching could create jobs for young people and professionals, including veterinary doctors.
He disclosed that the state was developing an abattoir capable of processing about five hundred cattle daily.
He also assured citizens that his administration would not take ancestral lands from indigenous people and hand them over to strangers under the guise of ranch development.
The Governor further disclosed plans to transform the Jos Airport into an international airport to create new opportunities for the export of agricultural produce and other goods from Plateau.
On security, Governor Mutfwang said the government was taking strategic measures to secure communities and the state’s borders. He added that plans had been concluded to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their ancestral communities after the farming season, subject to adequate security arrangements.
Earlier, Sir Mathew Yokpe commended the Governor’s commitment to peace, unity and development, while appealing for fair consideration of qualified members of the Catholic community in public appointments.
He also announced plans to launch the KSM Jos Metropolitan Council Endowment Fund and Charity Initiative to support humanitarian assistance, education, welfare and community development.
The event climaxed with the announcement of Sir Joseph Ntung Ari, KSM, as the Campaign Director-General of the Mutfwang/Piyo Campaign Council for the 2027 elections.