It is a thing of joy that the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, celebrated his 59th birthday anniversary yesterday, March 12. Ordinarily, he is not one to spend his energy on such; given that there are sufficient state matters to dedicate his time to.
Given the age that announces or rather heralds the celebration of his diamond jubilee anniversary, it is therefore a befitting occasion to reflect on the remarkable journey of a man who has risen from a humble beginning to become one of the most respected and admired leaders in Nigeria today.
Barr Mutfwang’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and excellence in the details of what has been his life. That is why God has repeatedly been at the head and directing what he does.
From his early education at Boys Secondary School, Gindiri, in Plateau State, to studying law at the University of Jos, he demonstrated a passion for learning and a thirst for knowledge; but above all, loving people and relating with them in the best way possible for the future, and that is why God has opened the door for him to be celebrated.
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His leadership potentials were evident right from his youth, having served as the President of the Nigerian Christian Corpers’ Fellowship, Kaduna State Chapter during his NYSC stint. He further honed his skills at the Haggai Institute for Leadership Development, Hawaii, USA, where he acquired the tools and insights to become a transformative leader later in life.
Barr Mutfwang’s legal career is a testament to many things about him: Integrity, professionalism, and competence. He founded his own firm, Caleb Mutfwang & Co, in 1996, and served as the Deputy General Manager, Legal and Secretarial Services at Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited, Kaduna, from 2002 to 2004.
In the course of his engagement to set things right at work and interacting with various publics, he earned the respect and admiration of his peers and clients for his robust dedication and diligence in the pursuit of justice.
Barr Mutfwang’s political career is a shining example of his vision, courage, and charisma. He went into the political arena with a conviction to serve the people and make a positive difference in their lives.
To make a mark and get a wider acceptance in the political landscape, he embraced the political philosophy of some great Nigerian leaders who played ‘politics without bitterness’.
By that act, he extended his hand of friendship and cooperation to his opponents. No wonder, he won the hearts of the people of Mangu LGA, who elected him overwhelmingly as their Executive Chairman in 2014, and thus witnessed a remarkable transformation he brought to the council. Though short-lived, as his tenure was truncated, it was a turning point in the affairs of the LGA.
Barr Caleb Mutfwang’s crowning glory came in 2023, when he became the Governor of Plateau State, after a hard-fought and historic election. He thus fulfilled an opportunity of uniting and bringing inclusivity to the diverse people of the state under a common banner of peace and prosperity.
In less than a year, he has initiated and implemented strategic development projects and policies that have improved the quality of life and the standard of living of the people. He has also fostered a conducive environment for investment and innovation, making Plateau State a hub of economic and social progress.
There is no doubt, that Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang hit the ground running immediately after taking the oath of office, despite the challenges that had confronted the state by clearing the unpaid salary arrears of civil servants and pensions amounting to about N11 billion.
Consider the security challenges he has faced since he became the Governor: He took all of them with equanimity and yet making sure that nothing is left to chance; but addressing them with diligence and steadfastness of purpose.
Indeed, besides robust interventions that paved the way for accreditation of courses in the state-owned tertiary institutions, the governor reinstated 3,879 workers who were employed at the twilight of the previous administration to inject life into the civil service for efficient service delivery.
By giving hope to a set of despondent youth, the opportunity to set processes right made what was initially thought by the opposition as a witch hunt to assuring them of the genuine intention of a government that has come to make things work.
He has embarked on laudable programmes which include road rehabilitation and construction within the Jos Bukuru Metropolis and beyond, revitalization of the moribund railway transport and introduction of 15 New Tin City Metro Buses to cushion the effect of subsidy removal in the transportation sector.
Governor Mutfwang, whose dream is to build a united, prosperous and productive Plateau, purchased and distributed over 200 trucks of fertilizer and other farming inputs to farmers at a subsidised rate. This was done in his desire to make Plateau a hub of agriculture, where crops with comparative advantage would be exported to other nations of the world.
Barr Mutfwang is not only a leader, but also a mentor, a role model, and a father figure to many. He is a committed Christian, who lives by the principles of his faith and is a compassionate and generous man, who cares deeply for the welfare of his people and the well-being of humanity.
In 59 years, life has been fair, as it has taken Governor Mutfwang to the pinnacle. But it is the grace and humility which have run through the gamut of his person and work, including his political trajectory to a level that are worth emulating.
In the course of the years, the governor has overcome many challenges and adversities, but in all of these, he has done so with courage, optimism, faith and candour. He has touched many lives, but above all, he has given hope with a belief that their tomorrow will be a lot more better and beautiful.
As he celebrates his birthday, his outstanding contributions to the legal profession, his unwavering dedication to public service, and his exceptional leadership as the Governor of Plateau State are herein recorded and also saluted.
Under the exemplary character, the inspiring vision, and the transformative leadership of Governor Mutfwang, the people of Plateau State are no doubt looking forward to making the state a model of good governance, development, and security in the country.
Happy birthday, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the People’s Governor, a statesman, and a hero!
Bere is Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
