Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has presented brand-new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to first-class traditional rulers across the state as part of efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and support community leadership.
The presentation ceremony took place at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos, on Wednesday, and formed part of activities marking the governor’s 61st birthday.
Speaking during the event, Governor Mutfwang described the gesture as a demonstration of his administration’s respect for traditional rulers, noting that they remain a vital part of the leadership structure in society.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that our traditional rulers are critical to the leadership structure of modern society. Though governance systems have evolved, their role as community leaders remains indispensable,” the governor said.
He explained that the vehicles, presented as a personal birthday gift to members of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, were provided in collaboration with the 17 Local Government Councils to enhance the mobility and effectiveness of the royal fathers.
Governor Mutfwang added that the initiative represents the first phase of a broader effort aimed at improving the welfare of traditional rulers across all categories in Plateau State.
He further revealed that plans were underway to revive the Butex Mechanical Workshop to serve as a dedicated maintenance facility for the vehicles to ensure proper servicing and sustainability.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Usman, said the gesture reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions and promoting peace and stability in communities.
Usman noted that the government has made progress in resolving long-standing chieftaincy matters, including the filling of several vacant traditional stools that had remained unresolved for decades.
He disclosed that more than 200 district and village heads have been successfully selected with minimal litigation, while the process for selecting a new Long Pan has already commenced.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, commended the governor for the gesture and acknowledged the importance of the support to traditional institutions.
He appealed for continued attention to the welfare of traditional rulers and urged communities with vacant stools to speed up the process of filling them, noting that prolonged chieftaincy disputes often slow community development.
The event also featured birthday tributes to Governor Mutfwang from members of the State Executive Council, political associates, and well-wishers.
The governor, who shares the same birthday with his elder brother, Elder Daniel Mutfwang, expressed gratitude to his family for their support and reflected on the values of servant leadership instilled in him by his late mother.
“With the help of God, I will continue to lead through servant leadership that uplifts the lives of our people and advances the development of Plateau State,” he said.
Prayers were offered for the governor by the Plateau State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Dunka Gomwalk, who asked for God’s guidance and protection over his leadership.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo; the Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel Jatau; the Chief of Staff, Government House Jos, Jeremiah Satmark; the APC State Chairman, Rufus Bature; as well as members of the judiciary, political appointees, and other stakeholders.
