Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reshuffled his cabinet, moving the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom, to the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning.
The reshuffle, according to the administration, is aimed at repositioning the government for improved performance, efficiency and better service delivery across the state.
Gwom, who spoke to newsmen at the J.D. Gomwalk State Secretariat, Jos, said his three-year experience at the Environment Ministry had strengthened his understanding of institution building and people-centred governance.
He said his major priority in his new assignment would be to strengthen existing structures and build systems that would remain effective even after he leaves office.
“What is important is to build a system that is sustainable, that anyone that comes after me will benefit from and build upon,” Gwom said.
The commissioner-designate described his time at the Environment Ministry as a “fantastic opportunity,” saying the experience gave him a deeper understanding of the connection between governance, humanity and the environment.
“I felt personally that I was working for humanity, to save humanity here, because what we’re doing here is trying to save the planet,” he said.
Gwom is expected to bring his emphasis on staff development to the Lands Ministry, having encouraged mentorship and capacity building among younger officers during his tenure at the Environment Ministry.
He also stressed the need for a human face in public administration, noting that government policies and decisions have direct consequences on the lives and livelihoods of citizens.
The incoming Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning said his focus in government has remained service rather than personal enrichment, stressing that public office should be used to positively impact people.
As Gwom assumes his new portfolio, expectations will be high for him to apply his experience in institution building, staff development and people-centred administration to improve land management, surveying, town planning and property development in Plateau State.
