A delegation of traditional leaders from Kerang District in Mangu Local Government Area on Friday 13th June 2025 paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Haggai Gutap, Technical Head of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme in Plateau State, to express their gratitude for ongoing development interventions in their community.
The visit, which took place at the NG-CARES Plateau State office in Jos, was led by community leader Luka Dampak and began with prayers offered by one of the traditional rulers.
In their remarks, the traditional leaders praised Dr. Gutap for his visible contributions to community development, particularly the road projects facilitated under the NG-CARES programme, which they said had brought significant relief and progress to Kerang and its surrounding areas.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Luka Dampak commended the leadership of Dr. Gutap and described his impact as a source of joy not only to the Timjaghas community but to the entire Mangu Local Government Area and Plateau State at large.
“We are here to sincerely appreciate your good works, especially the road construction projects that have opened up our communities. These developments have improved mobility and economic activities,” Dampak said. “We also deeply appreciate the employment opportunities and agricultural support provided under your watch.”
The leaders also pledged their continued support for Dr. Gutap and called for sustained collaboration. They used the opportunity to request further government interventions in key areas, including the provision of potable drinking water, electrification, and youth employment. They also extended an open invitation to Dr. Gutap to attend a meeting of the Kerang Traditional Council.
In addition, they prayed for continued success for Dr. Gutap and his team and offered blessings for Governor Caleb Mutfwang, acknowledging the administration’s commitment to infrastructural development and inclusive governance.
Responding, Dr. Haggai Gutap expressed deep appreciation for the visit and the goodwill messages, describing the gesture as both humbling and encouraging.
“I am truly grateful for your kind words and your prayers. Your visit means a lot to me and to the entire NG-CARES team. We remain committed to doing more for our communities,” Dr. Gutap said.
He highlighted the importance of sustained government presence in rural areas and urged the traditional leaders to continue guiding the youth toward positive behavior and community involvement.
“I urge you to speak to our young people about self-reliance and skill-building. Let them learn to ‘catch fish’ and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” he said.
Dr. Gutap also advised the formation of a Community Development Association (CDA) in Kerang, which he said would enhance community ownership and attract more interventions.
On the issue of potable water, Dr. Gutap assured the delegation that efforts were underway to address the problem and that technical teams would be dispatched to assess the situation.
He concluded by thanking the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, for his continued support, noting that the administration’s development agenda was creating meaningful impact across the state.