Jos, Plateau State – April 6, 2024
In a bid to foster transparency and accountability, ” The Time is Now Accountability Forum,” powered by the Office of the Director-General of Research and Documentation, Governor’s Office, and PRTVC, was held today at the prestigious PRTVC Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State. The event saw the convergence of various stakeholders and members of the media eager to assess the progress and achievements of the state government.
Director-General of Research and Documentation, Sam Godons, set the tone with his opening remarks, acknowledging the dedication of Governor Barr Cale Manaseh Mutfwang towards good governance, peace, and development across various sectors of the state. He emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing the people of Plateau and urged everyone to pay close attention to the proceedings, regardless of their location.
Rita Kacholom Pam, the General Manager of Plateau Radio Television Cooperation (PRTVC), extended her gratitude for the opportunity to host the event, welcoming all participants warmly. She highlighted the overwhelming performance of various sectors under Governor Mutfwang’s leadership, expressing optimism that the forum would enhance trust and accountability within the administration.
The session commenced with Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Philimon Dafi, presenting the remarkable achievements of his office, including the development of libraries, provision of new office equipment, clearance of staff allowances, and implementation of legal frameworks to improve electricity generation and distribution.
Dr. Mrs. Kacholom, Commissioner of Higher Education, emphasized the significance of education and outlined efforts to rescue the higher education sector from collapse. She highlighted initiatives such as visitation panels for intervention, accreditation of courses, and fee reduction in state-owned tertiary institutions.
Commissioner of Agriculture, Samson Bugama outlined agricultural advancements, including office equipment revamping, staff capacity training, distribution of fertilizers worth 3.6 billion, establishment of agricultural processing zones, and partnerships for youth agricultural training.
Commissioner of Transport, Hon Jatau Davou Gyang praised the government’s dignifying efforts in transportation, highlighting the launch of trains, acquisition of Tin City Metro Buses, expansion of aircraft routes, and plans for a fuel dump to incentivize airline operations.
General Manager, Plateau Radio Television Cooperation (PRTVC), Rita Kacholom lauded the exceptional performance across sectors, signaling a new era of trust and accountability within the administration. She underscored the importance of keen attention from all stakeholders.
General Manager, Plateau Express, Samuel Gwott showcased achievements such as vehicle inspections, salary backlog clearance, establishment of new offices, online services implementation, promotion protocols, and infrastructure refurbishments.
Joshua Lahven, Commissioner Housing and Urban Development highlighted urban revitalization endeavors, including road renovations, housing support funds, impending housing estate implementations, and the creation of the New Plateau City.
JMDB Director General, Engr. Hart Bankat detailed achievements such as roundabout modifications, improved staff welfare, order implementations, and infrastructural expansions.
Samuel Dapya, Director General PEPSA underscored waste management initiatives, dialogue facilitation, waste dump development, bin provision for metro buses, and drainage maintenance efforts.
Commissioner Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Usman cited office renovations, infrastructure installations, salary payments, and security enhancement measures as notable achievements.
Hon Peter Gai, Commissioner Land and Survey celebrated the commissioning of new offices, ground rent collection strategies, digitization efforts, and expedited certification processes.
Commissioner of Health, Cletus Shurkuk highlighted staff welfare improvements, resident program commencements, dental equipment acquisitions, medical store enhancements, and public health interventions.
The event also featured a question and answer session, where attendees posed pertinent questions, receiving clarifications on various government initiatives and policies.
Guests, including key stakeholders from different sectors and members of the media, lauded the efforts of the government in promoting transparency and accountability.
As “The Time is Now Accountability Forum” concluded, it underscored the commitment of the Plateau State Government to delivering tangible results and serving the best interests of its people. With achievements highlighted and questions answered, the event served as a testament to the strides made in advancing governance and development in Plateau State.
