In a renewed drive to strengthen governance and accelerate reforms across critical sectors, Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Wednesday swore in newly appointed Special Advisers and inaugurated key governing councils and strategic committees.
The ceremony, held at the New Government House in Jos, marks a major milestone in the administration’s efforts to promote inclusive leadership, energy transition, and sustainable development across the state.
Among the bodies inaugurated were the Plateau State Electricity Commission, the Road Safety Advisory Council, the Energy Corporation Board, and the Carbon Sequestration Committee for the Jatropha-to-Biofuel Project in partnership with Noah Regen.
Speaking during the event, Governor Mutfwang charged the new appointees to approach their assignments with integrity, professionalism, and a results-driven mindset. “Today is a very significant milestone in our effort to deepen governance and bring qualified professionals into public service,” the Governor said. “We have taken time to carefully select these individuals, not just for politics, but for performance.”
He announced the repositioning of Hon. Habila Mutla from Plateau United to the role of Special Adviser on Grassroots Soccer Development, citing the administration’s renewed focus on grassroots sports. “Plateau is a breeding ground for soccer talent. We are ready to revive inter-school competitions and sports infrastructure at the secondary school level,” he added.
Other key appointments include Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan as Special Adviser on National Party Affairs, and Dr. Markus Amang Avong, former Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, as Special Adviser on Livestock and Veterinary Services. Hon. Emmanuel Dung Gyibok was also appointed as Special Assistant to the Governor on Mines.
Mutfwang stressed the importance of reorganizing the mining sector to better benefit informal and artisanal miners. “We want to help our artisanal miners and ensure they’re not left behind in the mineral economy,” he said.
On electricity reform, the Governor reaffirmed his vision to position Plateau as a leader in power generation and distribution in Nigeria. “We built the first hydro station in Nigeria. Plateau must take electricity seriously. Deregulation is in motion, and we must deliver power to our people,” he noted.
He defended the appointment of Ambassador Bagudu Hirse as Chairman of the Electricity Regulatory Commission, describing him as a visionary leader with prior experience in energy sector review under the last administration.
Mutfwang also announced the establishment of a Carbon Sequestration Committee to steer the state’s entry into the global carbon credit economy. “With Jatropha, a plant native to Plateau, we can begin to trade in carbon credits while investing in cleaner energy,” he stated.
The various boards and committees inaugurated include:
* *Plateau State Electricity Commission* chaired by Amb. Bagudu Hirse
* *State Road Safety Advisory Council* chaired by Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo
* *Energy Corporation Board* chaired by Victor Dagyet Riyom
* *Carbon Sequestration Committee (Jatropha-to-Biofuel Project)* chaired by Peter Gwom, Commissioner for Environment
Ambassador Hirse, speaking on behalf of the appointees, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in them. “We are proud to be part of this reform-oriented administration. We pledge to give our best to support the *Time is Now* agenda,” he said.
The event is seen as a strategic move to fast-track reforms in governance, youth development, energy, mining, and environmental sustainability across Plateau State.