Governor Mutfwang Inaugurates Special Advisers, Governing Council and Strategic Committees.

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and enhance service delivery, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, presided over the swearing-in of newly appointed Special Advisers and the inauguration of key Governing Councils and Strategic Committees.

The event, which took place at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, amplifies the administration’s renewed drive for efficient governance, energy sector reforms, and climate-conscious development.

Among the bodies inaugurated were the Plateau State Electricity Commission, the Road Safety Advisory Council, the Energy Corporation Board, and the Committee on Carbon Sequestration for the Jatropha-to-Biofuel Project in partnership with Noah Regen.

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Mutfwang charged the newly appointed officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and dedication in their assignments.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to deepening governance and bringing on board qualified professionals to drive our development agenda,” the Governor said. “We have carefully selected individuals not merely on political grounds but on the basis of competence and capacity to deliver results.”

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the Governor noted the strategic realignment of certain appointments to achieve targeted sectoral impacts, citing the redeployment of Hon. Habila Mutla from Plateau United FC to head grassroots soccer development.

“We are revamping our approach to sports development. Plateau has historically been a breeding ground for football talent, and we are committed to revitalizing inter-school sports across secondary schools,” he said.

Among the Special Advisers sworn in were:

Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan – Special Adviser on National Party Affairs

Hon. Habila Mutla – Special Adviser on Grassroots Soccer Development

Dr. Abong – Special Adviser on Livestock and Veterinary Services (former Registrar, Veterinary Council of Nigeria)

Hon. Emmanuel Dung Gyibok – Special Assistant to the Governor on Mines

Governor Mutfwang emphasized the vital role of the mining sector in the state’s economic development and urged Hon. Gyibok to organize informal miners into structured groups for better inclusion and benefits from the mineral value chain.

“We must not allow our artisanal miners to be left behind in the emerging mineral economy,” the Governor noted.

On the electricity front, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to place Plateau at the heart of power generation and distribution in Nigeria.

“Plateau built Nigeria’s first hydroelectric station. With ongoing deregulation, we must rise to the challenge of providing stable power to our people,” he stated.

He further explained the rationale behind the appointment of Ambassador Bagudu Hirse as Chairman of the Plateau State Electricity Regulatory Commission, describing him as a visionary who had previously led a comprehensive review of the sector under the last administration.

The Governor also announced Plateau State’s strategic entry into the global carbon credit market through the inauguration of a Carbon Sequestration Committee focused on the Jatropha-to-Biofuel project.

“Developed countries expect us to absorb emissions they are unwilling to reduce. With Jatropha, a plant indigenous to Plateau, we have a chance to benefit economically from global climate initiatives while promoting renewable energy,” he said.

The composition of the inaugurated councils and committees is as follows:

Plateau State Electricity Regulatory Commission – Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, Chairman State Road Safety Advisory Council – Her Excellency, Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, Chairman

Energy Corporation Board – Mr. Victor Dagyet Riyom, Chairman Carbon Sequestration Committee (Jatropha-to-Biofuel Project in partnership with Noah Regen) – Hon. Peter Gwom, Commissioner for Environment, Chairman

In a vote of thanks on behalf of the appointees, Ambassador Hirse expressed gratitude to the Governor for the trust reposed in them, pledging their collective commitment to the administration’s development blueprint.

“We are proud to serve under this reform-oriented administration and will give our utmost to advance the 'Time is Now' agenda,” he affirmed.