The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Esq., has emerged as the LEADERSHIP Newspaper Governor of the Year 2026, in recognition of his visionary, people-centred leadership and transformative impact on the state.
Presenting the award notification to the Governor at the Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, Vice Chairman of LEADERSHIP Group, Mr. Mike Okpere, said the recognition was informed by Governor Mutfwang’s commitment to responsible leadership, institutional development, inclusive governance and the socio-economic advancement of Plateau State.
He highlighted the administration’s achievements in infrastructure renewal, improved security, SME development, modern transportation, job creation, agriculture, tourism and technology.
Okpere explained that the selection followed a comprehensive assessment of policies, programmes and their impact on citizens, noting that the award was reserved for governors who had demonstrated exceptional leadership and measurable commitment to the development of their respective states.
He said, “We examined the policies and what is happening in the fields and how people have been impacted, either economically or otherwise. When we sat down, we examined a lot of things. Last year we had six Governors of the Year in various fields. This year, we have only five Governors of the Year, and among the five, Your Excellency, you are one of them.”
Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of LEADERSHIP Group, Mr. Muazu Elazeh, said the award reflected Governor Mutfwang’s accomplishments in infrastructure development, economic transformation and peacebuilding, particularly in the face of the security challenges confronting Plateau State.
He explained that LEADERSHIP’s annual awards are designed to recognise Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in various fields, encourage them to sustain their contributions and inspire others to emulate their example.
Elazeh further commended Governor Mutfwang for remaining focused on his administration’s development agenda despite the security challenges confronting the state, noting that the difficulties had not dampened his commitment to governance or derailed the government’s determination to improve the lives of the people of Plateau.
Responding, Governor Mutfwang expressed profound appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a great honour and a call to greater service. He commended the Board and Management of LEADERSHIP Newspapers for sustaining the vision of its late founder, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, whom he said he personally knew and shared a cordial relationship with during their years in Kaduna.
“I want to say with all sense of humility that I am greatly humbled by this recognition. I happen to know Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah. We lived in Kaduna in those days, so I knew about the formation of LEADERSHIP from its beginnings before he eventually moved to Abuja. This is a legacy he left behind, and it is quite gratifying that years after his demise, LEADERSHIP continues to flourish,” the Governor said.
Governor Mutfwang urged LEADERSHIP Newspapers to continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and responsible journalism, assuring the media organisation of the Plateau State Government’s continued partnership in advancing good governance and the development of the state.
He said the award would further strengthen his administration’s resolve to serve the people with greater dedication, stressing that the task of governance requires sustained commitment and hard work. “Like the President said when he was asked what he would be doing in the second term—it’s more work. There’s nothing more to do than to continue working to bring the Nigeria of our dreams. The Nigeria of our dreams can only be made possible when the constituent states themselves live up to the dreams and expectations of their people,” he stated.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained investment in infrastructure, human capital, security, economic development and other critical sectors, assuring that the government would continue to work diligently to translate the aspirations of the people of Plateau State into tangible development and a better quality of life for all.
Gyang Bere, PhD
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
September 16, 2026
