The Plateau State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, marked the culmination of the first phase of the ministerial press briefing, shedding light on achievements and future plans of the ministry under the Time is Now administration. Commencing on April 23rd, the event signified a pivotal moment in rejuvenating the ministry’s functions, thanks to the unwavering support of the state’s executive governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang.
At the heart of the ministry’s operations lies its core mandate: information gathering, dissemination, and coordination of media activities to promote government policies. The overarching vision is to nurture an enlightened citizenry actively engaged in Plateau’s development and the nation-building process.
During the briefing, Commissioner Ashoms delineated numerous achievements and ongoing initiatives:
– Establishment of a digital footprint across social media platforms to adapt to evolving communication trends.
– Forging retainership arrangements with media organizations to amplify coverage and storytelling.
– Active participation in conferences, seminars, and workshops aimed at enhancing staff capacity.
– Successful orchestration of national events like Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary celebration.
– Ministerial press briefings providing insights into government programs and policies.
– Engagements with local, national, and international media outlets to facilitate effective government-citizen communication.
– Collaborative efforts with agencies and associations to bolster government initiatives.
The ministry celebrated notable milestones, including the rehabilitation of public enlightenment vehicles and the settlement of outstanding balances from the previous administration. Future endeavors entail embarking on media tours across local government areas, publishing a government-centric magazine, and crafting hand diaries showcasing the state’s rich heritage.
Plateau Publishing Corporation and Plateau Radio Television Corporation
The ministry’s subsidiaries, Plateau Publishing Corporation and Plateau Radio Television Corporation, also reported significant progress:
– Enhancements in content quality and staff welfare at Plateau Publishing Corporation.
– Infrastructure upgrades and operational refinements at Plateau Radio Television Corporation.
Commissioner Ashoms exuded optimism regarding the ministry’s future trajectory, underscoring its unwavering commitment to transparent communication, citizen engagement, and Plateau State’s advancement. The successful conclusion of the initial phase of the ministerial press briefing underscores the administration’s steadfast dedication to fostering growth and development.
Comprehensive Review of Plateau State Ministries Unveils Achievements and Plans
In addition to the Plateau State Ministry of Information and Communication’s briefing, several other ministries presented their accomplishments and future strategies during a recent series of ministerial press briefings.
Plateau State Ministry of Finance:
Led by Commissioner Mrs. Dongkum Grace Shwarta, the Ministry of Finance unveiled its one-year scorecard, highlighting significant achievements and ongoing projects aimed at financial management and economic development in the state. Established in 1967, the ministry serves as the financial backbone of the state government, translating its vision into reality by funding projects and programs. With a commitment to effective resource mobilization, efficient allocation, and prudent expenditure, the ministry aims to implement dynamic fiscal policies for sustainable economic growth.
Key Achievements Include:
– Sanitization of the state’s payroll system, resulting in significant savings and the clearance of salary arrears.
– Prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and third-party deductions.
– Implementation of hazard allowances for health workers and accreditation fees for tertiary institutions.
– Payment of transportation and fertilizer palliatives to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
– Increase in remuneration for cleaners and pensioners.
– Clearing of pension arrears, gratuities, and death benefits.
– Capacity building programs for government officials.
– Synergies with federal agencies to enhance fiscal policies and revenue generation.
The ministry faces challenges such as inadequate office accommodation, operational vehicles, skilled manpower, and office supplies. Additionally, the global economic downturn has affected revenue potentials, while staff shortages pose operational difficulties. Despite challenges, the Plateau State Ministry of Finance remains committed to transparent financial management, economic stability, and sustainable development under the visionary leadership of Barr. Caleb M. Mutfwang.
Plateau State Ministry of Higher Education:
Under the leadership of Hon. Commissioner Mrs. Kachollom Gang, the Ministry of Higher Education conducted its 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing, presenting a comprehensive review of activities and achievements from May 29, 2023, to date. Established in January 2018, the ministry aims to transform and enhance the quality of higher education in Plateau State, supervising, monitoring, and coordinating all state-owned and private tertiary institutions to ensure compliance with government policies and global standards.
Key Achievements Include:
– Familiarization visits to state-owned higher institutions to assess their conditions.
– Establishment of visitation panels to identify institutional needs and challenges.
– Approval of a 50% tuition fee reduction for Plateau State indigenes to alleviate economic hardships.
– Accreditation of course programs in various state-owned tertiary institutions.
– Payment of examination fees for College of Arts, Science and Technology, Kurgwi.
– Settlement of law school fees for Plateau State indigenes.
– 300% increase in scholarships for Plateau State students.
– Appointment of new management staff to revitalize certain institutions.
– Initiation of recruitment processes for qualified staff.
– Crackdown on unregistered private institutions.
– Pursuit of international scholarships for capacity building.
– Development of registration guidelines for private higher institutions.
– Payment of outstanding salaries for adhoc staff.
– Commencement of indexing backlog of students in health technology colleges.
– Cataloguing of institutional challenges for future intervention.
– Review of laws governing tertiary institutions for improved governance.
Despite challenges such as inadequate office facilities, insufficient funding, vehicle shortages, security concerns, and delayed budget releases, the ministry remains committed to advancing the state’s higher education sector through strategic initiatives and partnerships.
Plateau State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development:
Led by Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development celebrated the one-year anniversary of the “Time is Now” administration with a comprehensive report detailing achievements and ongoing projects. Aligned with the administration’s vision for physical and infrastructural development, the ministry’s mission focuses on implementing the Greater Jos Master Plan, providing urban infrastructure, and upgrading slum areas to ensure effective urban growth and development.
Key Achievements Include:
– Remobilization of work on road networks.
– Rehabilitation of roads in various areas.
– Renovation of public structures.
– Acquisition of housing units for civil servants.
– Creation of office spaces.
– Resumption of works on road construction within major slum areas.
– Rehabilitation and renovation of public buildings.
– Signing of MOUs for construction projects.
– Securing land for housing schemes and new town development.
– Designation and demarcation of urban centers.
Challenges such as inadequate office facilities, insufficient funding, and security concerns persist, but plans are underway to address them through increased funding, infrastructure improvements, and stakeholder collaboration.
In conclusion, the Plateau State government’s various ministries remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing the state’s development agenda, despite challenges. Through strategic planning, collaboration, and diligent execution, they aim to realize the vision of a prosperous and sustainable Plateau State.
