In a decisive move, the Plateau State government has issued a resounding call to its political appointees, urging them to align their efforts with the administration’s policies to realize Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s ambitious agenda. The government has swiftly implemented an enforcement ban on the collection of illegal taxes and the establishment of unauthorized roadblocks.
This proclamation was conveyed through a communique read by Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Arc Samuel Nanchang, on Friday, marking the conclusion of a 6-day retreat held at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru.
The retreat was meticulously designed to facilitate the onboarding of the Executive Arm of Government, catering to State Executive Council (EXCO) Members, Permanent Secretaries, and other pertinent Political Appointees. This prestigious event garnered the participation of prominent figures, including Governor Barr Caleb Manasseh Muftwang, Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo, Honourable Commissioners, Heads of Boards, Agencies, Commissions, Parastatals, and representatives from the State Political Party. Distinguished experts from various fields, serving as resource persons and facilitators, ardently engaged with attendees, igniting inspiration, fostering teamwork, and cultivating the desired mindsets and attitudes necessary for the collective well-being of the state and its residents.
The state government has charged these officials with embracing the Government’s Vision and Mission, encapsulated within Three Priorities with Ten Thematic and Twenty-Eight Subthematic Areas. A unified and assiduous effort is expected to propel the development of a united Plateau, harmonizing with the overarching goals and objectives of the initiative: “The Time is Now.”
Key elements of the communique include the imperative to enhance funding strategies, exploring alternative sources, reducing the cost of governance, and bolstering revenue generation for effective project financing.
To fortify governance, the directive emphasizes adopting and executing people-centric policies, plugging existing loopholes, minimizing wastage, and implementing cost-effective, transparent, and accountable processes. Furthermore, embracing e-governance is identified as pivotal for modernization and efficiency.
The state government also underscores the importance of inclusivity and gender mainstreaming across all government policies and programs. Additionally, the call is to transcend historical socio-economic, political, and security challenges, drawing inspiration from the legacy of the state’s forefathers and attaining a distinct identity, freedom, and the preservation of heritage.
In a bid to ensure comprehensive comprehension of the “The TIME is NOW” mantra, the state government intends to cascade this training to other officials within the government and civil service, solidifying a shared understanding and commitment to the initiative’s principles.