Governor Mutfwang Applaud Ms. Rose Ndong for Emerging as 33rd NMGS President

In a statement yesterday by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has described the emergence of Ms. Rose Chundung Ndong as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) as a significant milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s mining sector.

Speaking at her installation ceremony held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Governor Mutfwang extolled Ms. Ndong, FNMGS, as a worthy daughter of Plateau State, whose rise to leadership is a testament to dedication, excellence, and meritorious service.

The Governor expressed profound gratitude to God for her emergence, emphasizing that her elevation was not the result of affirmative action, but was earned through competence, hard work, and professional distinction in public service.

“Her ascension to this enviable position is proof that investing in the girl child yields great dividends,” the Governor said. “The narrative in Africa is shifting — the belief that only the boy child deserves education is fast eroding. Ms. Rose Ndong’s achievements affirm that women can reach the peak of any career when given the opportunity.”

Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s commitment to gender inclusion, noting that women currently occupy key positions in his government. He commended Ms. Ndong for her outstanding contributions to mineral development, especially in the context of Plateau State, where solid minerals remain one of the state's most vital economic pillars.

He remarked, “In the First Republic, mineral resources like tin and columbite significantly contributed to the national GDP. Unfortunately, with the advent of oil, mining took the back seat. It is time to reposition the sector. We are optimistic that under Ms. Ndong’s leadership, Nigeria will transition from mere mineral exploration to actual mineral production, yielding tangible economic impact.”

Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the numerous challenges plaguing Nigeria’s mining sector, stating that his administration has taken bold steps to address some of these anomalies, though not without resistance. He stressed the importance of value addition to raw mineral exports, emphasizing that this is the surest path to sustainable economic growth.

“The presence of the Australian High Commissioner here today is significant,” he said. “Australia is one of the world’s mining giants. It is time we stopped exporting raw minerals and start adding value locally. This is the only way we can grow our economy and create wealth for our people.”

In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ndong called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s mineral wealth. She pledged that her tenure would focus on practical and impactful strategies to reposition the mineral sector.

She also revealed plans to complete the society’s national secretariat and appealed to well-meaning individuals and organizations to support the initiative.

“My tenure, by God’s grace, will be marked by innovation and progress,” she assured. “We will actively mitigate the impact of climate change through technical and environmental expertise. These are not abstract ideals; they are urgent strategies at the heart of NMGS’s mandate.”

Ms. Ndong added that the NMGS would undergo reforms to review its operations over the past decade, with a view to enhancing productivity in both the mineral and renewable energy sectors.

The event was attended by dignitaries including the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, and former Governor of Plateau State, Sen. Simon Bako Lalong, who both paid glowing tributes to Ms. Ndong. They expressed strong confidence in her ability to elevate the NMGS to greater heights for the benefit of the nati