RAYFIELD DIARY
With PETER TITLE
The Participants of Policy, Strategic and Leadership Course 56 (PSLC) have commended Governor Mutfwang of Plateau State for his administration’s investment in human capital development through the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
The governor received the commendation recently when participants of Set 56 paid him a courtesy visit at the Twin Theatre, Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
The delegation comprised senior officers from government and private organisations, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Correctional Service, various state governments and the private sector.
The team was led by a representative of the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo.
In his remarks on behalf of the Director-General, Mr Chinedu Okoye applauded Governor Mutfwang’s visionary leadership and commitment to capacity building.
He noted that the sponsorship of 14 participants from Plateau State represented the highest number ever sponsored by any state since the inception of the PSLC in 2008.
According to him, “We verified our records and confirmed that Plateau State has never sponsored this number of participants before. This remarkable gesture underscores the governor’s foresight and belief in the transformative power of knowledge and leadership development.”
Mr Okoye further revealed that among the Plateau contingent were five directors from the Governor’s Office.
He described this as a reflection of the administration’s deliberate effort to strengthen institutional capacity and improve governance outcomes.
He explained that the Policy, Strategy and Leadership Course, introduced in 2008 as an abridged version of the Senior Executive Course, is a four-week intensive programme designed to expose participants to regulatory, strategic and leadership dimensions of policy formulation and implementation.
According to him, PSLC 56 was currently developing a major policy brief titled, ‘Mineral Mining and Boundary Treatment of the Plateau: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward’.
He said the brief aligned with government directives aimed at addressing critical developmental challenges and proffering practical solutions.
Responding, Governor Mutfwang congratulated the participants on their successful completion of the course.
He urged them to remain lifelong learners and change agents within their spheres of influence.
He said, “On behalf of the Deputy Governor and senior government officials here present, I congratulate you for successfully completing these four weeks of intensive learning.”
He emphasised that leadership went beyond formal positions.
Governor Mutfwang encouraged participants to apply the lessons learnt to their communities, workplaces and personal lives.
He stated, “Leadership is not just about the office you occupy. Many of you are already leaders in your communities, churches, and mosques. You must bring the knowledge you have gained to bear positively on your environment.”
He commended NIPSS for its enduring role in producing strategic leaders across the nation.
He assured the Institute of Plateau State’s continued collaboration to enhance governance and service delivery.
He said, “Since coming on board, we have enjoyed a robust relationship with Professor Omotayo and his team. We have broken the glass ceiling and will continue to strengthen partnerships that enhance governance and service delivery.”
He lauded the diversity of PSLC 56 participants drawn from different parts of the country.
He described it as a reflection of Nigeria’s unity in diversity and a platform for promoting mutual understanding and national cohesion.
Plateau to revitalise minerals to boost economy
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to revitalise the state’s economy by unlocking the vast potential of its mineral resources.
He said the goal was to reduce the state’s overdependence on federal allocations through strategic investment in the solid minerals sector.
Governor Mutfwang made this known recently while inspecting newly imported mineral exploration equipment at the Plateau State Mineral Development Company (PLASMDC), Bukuru, in Jos South Local Government Area.
Conducting the governor around the facility, the Managing Director of PLASMDC, Mr Matthew Dawap, and the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Development, Mr Peter Gwom, expressed optimism that the long-neglected mineral sector held the key to transforming Plateau’s economic fortunes.
Mutfwang said, “Plateau State and its people have not benefited much from decades of mineral exploration in our land. What we seek to do now is ensure that the state and its citizens truly derive value from the abundant mineral resources that God has blessed us with.”
He noted, “I discovered that the Plateau Mineral Development Company was registered almost 30 years ago but was never functional. We decided to revive and reposition it to play a leading role in this new economic direction.”
He described the array of equipment displayed as an indication of the state’s seriousness.
He said, “Though capital-intensive, I am confident that within the next two years, the state will begin to see dividends from this bold investment.”
The governor appealed to citizens to take ownership of the mineral sector, particularly the Plateau Mineral Development Company, by safeguarding public assets.
He warned that vandalism had hindered progress in the past.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to create wealth, generate employment and foster sustainable development.
Governor Mutfwang disclosed that the Plateau Mineral Development Company was entering into a joint venture agreement with NAC Investment Ventures to establish a new entity known as Plateau Sino Mines Ltd.
He said the initiative marked a significant milestone in the state’s quest for economic diversification and industrial growth.
…. Commissions Namu solar power grid
The Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has commissioned a 50–100 kilowatt Solar Mini Power Grid in Namu community of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area.
Our correspondent reports that the project is a global rural electrification initiative undertaken by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), funded by the Global Environment Facility and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Speaking during the commissioning, Governor Mutfwang disclosed that the initiative was aimed at supporting rural communities, especially those involved in agro-allied production, by providing access to electricity.
He said the project would boost agro-business development and enhance the economic prospects of the people.
He expressed gratitude to development partners for their support.
He urged community members, especially youth, to seize the opportunities presented by the solar mini-grid to engage in productive ventures.
He emphasised the importance of safeguarding the installed facilities to ensure sustainability.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Dr Abba Aliyu, explained that the project was part of President Tinubu’s directive to ensure that rural communities were provided with alternative power systems.
He noted that the support would help farmers upscale agro-business activities.
Dr Aliyu added that the project was part of one of the largest renewable energy-funded initiatives in the world, valued at 750 million dollars.
He said it aims to provide access to renewable energy for over 17.5 million Nigerians, with Plateau State expected to benefit from over 40 of the projects.
The Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Council, Christopher Manship, appreciated the development partners and the state government.
He commended their efforts in ensuring that rural communities benefitted from such projects.
In their goodwill messages, the Project Manager, Project Developer, UNDP Resident Representative, and the paramount traditional ruler all expressed willingness to support the initiative.
They urged the beneficiaries to maximise the use of the project and protect the facilities.
High point of the event was the formal commissioning and inspection of agro-processing units connected to the mini solar-powered grid.
First Lady donates N250m to NIPSS, commissions gender centre
Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated N250 million to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPPS, Kuru.
She also commissioned the ‘Senator Oluremi Tinubu Centre for Gender Studies’, named in her honour.
She made the donation during the commissioning of the centre held recently at the institution.
It was disclosed that the donation was made in recognition of her meritorious service to the nation.
The First Lady commended NIPSS for its diligent contribution to national development.
She applauded the establishment of the centre, noting that it would draw more attention to gender-related issues.
She said, “The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) is a beacon of intellectual excellence and strategic leadership in our nation. I thank the Board and Management of NIPSS for inviting me to be part of today’s event.”
She added, “Since its establishment in 1979, the National Institute has remained the intellectual powerhouse of our country, shaping policies, refining leadership and driving the national conversation.”
She said she was humbled by the decision to name the centre after her.
She said, “I thank you for this recognition. May this centre stand as a lasting symbol of our collective resolve to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.”
Senator Tinubu said the centre represented a bold step towards bringing gender issues to the forefront.
She said the vision aligned with one of the key priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She emphasised that when women were empowered, society prospered.
She commended the centre’s inclusive approach involving both men and women.
She said progress could only come when both genders stood as allies.
Similarly, Governor Mutfwang commended the Institute for establishing the centre.
He described it as a step in the right direction.
He called for more gender inclusivity at the national level.
He urged the First Lady to add her voice to the Senate discourse to give requisite attention to the matter.
He said, “Gender issue is no longer just a subject for discussion, it must become a national priority.”
He expressed support for special seats for women in legislative houses.
He lamented that the current proposal before the National Assembly appeared stagnant.
He said, “I am sure adding her voice to the advocacy will bring pressure to bear on the National Assembly.”
He noted that gender issues were not about women alone.
He said, “If the men are not included in the conversation, we will continue to suffer a setback.”
Disassociates self from Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, others’ expulsion
Governor Mutfwang has distanced himself from the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike; former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; Samuel Anyanwu; and other PDP leaders.
Their expulsion was announced last Saturday.
The clarification was contained in a press statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), Gyang Bere.
Governor Mutfwang stated that the matter was neither discussed at the Governors’ Forum nor at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting before the motion was presented.
According to the statement, the proposal did not reflect the governor’s position.
Governor Mutfwang noted that expelling party leaders at this crucial time was not strategic.
He said it would not resolve the internal challenges confronting the PDP.
He emphasised the need for unity, dialogue and collective efforts in rebuilding and repositioning the party.