RAYFIELD DIARY
With PETER TITLE
Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome its current challenges and rise to greatness soon.
He stated that although the nation was not yet where it ought to be, God is raising dedicated agents of transformation across the country to help steer it towards a brighter future.
The governor made the remarks while serving as guest speaker at the Send-Forth Service for Christian Participants of the Senior Executive Course 47, 2025, of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), held at the Chapel of Salvation of the Institute.
Taking his text from 2 Corinthians 4:16–21 and speaking on ‘Agents of Transformation’, Governor Mutfwang underscored the importance of Christians living as true ambassadors of Christ.
He explained that, just as an ambassador maintains constant contact with his home country, believers must remain in continual fellowship with God through prayer and obedience.
He reminded the participants that, upon graduation, they would earn the distinguished title of mni, a badge of honour reflecting the calibre of training designed to equip them for tackling the nation’s complex governance and development challenges.
Governor Mutfwang congratulated the participants and urged them to deploy the knowledge and insight gained at NIPSS towards selfless national service.
He charged elite public servants to be intentional, purposeful and value-driven in strengthening the institutions they represent.
He also noted that while various religions represented humanity’s attempts to reach God, Christianity stood apart as God’s purposeful mission to reach humanity.
He stressed that reconciliation with God empowered believers to reconcile others, emphasising that no one can reconcile others to God without first being reconciled themselves.
The Chairman of the Chapel Council, Pastor Engr. Davou Gyang, noted that the send-forth service also served as a commissioning for the participants as agents of positive transformation.
He commended their devotion to prayer throughout their stay and assured them that God, who began a good work in them, would bring it to completion.
He recalled the Chapel’s rich legacy, built by General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) and commissioned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, noting that notable leaders, including former Governor Jonah Jang and Governor Mutfwang, have worshipped there.
Speaking on behalf of the SEC 47 Christian Participants, Co-Coordinator Brig. Gen. Stephen Onuchukwu praised Governor Mutfwang for the remarkable transformation taking place in Plateau State under his leadership.
Quoting scripture, he said: “When the righteous are on the throne, the people rejoice,” affirming that participants had observed the governor’s commitment to justice, peace and development.
Brig. Gen. Onuchukwu assured that the light they received from NIPSS would illuminate their service to the nation as agents of transformation.
Plateau commends NULGE for industrial harmony
The Plateau State Government has expressed satisfaction with the cordial working relationship maintained with the local government staff over the years.
Governor Mutfwang also promised to donate a bus to the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Plateau State Chapter, to ease mobility challenges.
The governor made the disclosure when the state leadership of NULGE, led by State President Comrade Arandong Yohana Makwin, paid a courtesy visit to the Old Government House in Rayfield, Jos, on Monday.
Comrade Makwin appreciated Governor Mutfwang for implementing the minimum wage for local government staff and for the openness of state cabinet members in discussing labour matters.
He also commended the release of over 2,000 promotions for staff and payment of pensions and gratuities for retirees.
He appealed to the government to assist in completing ongoing work at the NULGE secretariat and support the union with a bus for movement.
Governor Mutfwang, recalling his own experience as a local government chairman, highlighted the challenges of the third tier of government and emphasised wealth creation, staff training and efficiency improvements as key priorities.
The visit provided an opportunity for both parties to consolidate their relationship and reinforce industrial harmony.
…. To Collaborate with Netherlands in agriculture
Determined to transform agriculture on the Plateau, the state government has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Netherlands to enhance potato and livestock production.
Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed this position during a courtesy visit by the Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Mr. Ronald Sonnemans, and his delegation at the Government House, Rayfield, Jos, on Monday.
Ambassador Sonnemans expressed delight at the state’s transformation, describing the environment as “refreshing and conducive for investment.”
He commended Governor Mutfwang’s strategic visit to the Netherlands in September, which sparked partnerships linking Dutch agricultural firms with Plateau businesses.
He added: “The climate is great, the soil is fantastic, and the workforce is very dedicated. All these ingredients make Plateau State an attractive ground for strengthened cooperation.”
The ambassador assured continued Dutch commitment to the partnership.
Governor Mutfwang highlighted two key collaboration pillars: development of the potato value chain and livestock improvement.
He noted that Plateau offered abundant land, a favourable climate and a dedicated workforce, with political will now aligning to create value.
He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to transform Plateau into a competitive agricultural hub that attracts foreign partnerships, enhances productivity, creates jobs and strengthens food security.
Officials accompanying the ambassador included Inge Tenniglo, Agricultural Counsellor, Ghana and Nigeria; Oluwaseun Ojambati, Senior Agricultural Policy Advisor; and Folusho Adejoro, Policy Advisor, Food Security and Climate.
Mutfwang condoles with family of late Hannatu Gomwalk
Governor Mutfwang has commiserated with the family of the late Hannatu Joseph Gomwalk, wife of former Benue-Plateau Governor Joseph Dechi Gomwalk, who passed away last week.
The governor visited the family at their Naraguta GRA home on Tuesday, describing death as inevitable and urging people to “always number their days.”
He noted that although he had planned to visit during her illness, official engagements prevented him from doing so.
Governor Mutfwang said her demise was painful but urged that, as Christians, “we should not mourn as unbelievers.”
He assured the family that the legacy of her late husband would be preserved, citing the establishment of the Plateau Publishing Corporation, the Gomwalk House, and the University of Jos as enduring contributions.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Professor Nenfort Gomwalk thanked the governor for visiting and described the deceased as a mother and prayer warrior whose guidance would be greatly missed.
Hannatu Gomwalk was born on April 2, 1939, and passed away on November 18, 2025.