Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, as part of his goodwill for the new year, granted absolute pardon to one prisoner, paid fines for 10 others, and had their various jail terms quashed.

In a state-wide broadcast on New Year’s Day, Mutfwang welcomed citizens to what he termed “a year of hope renewal, great opportunities, and transformative progress” for Plateau State.

In governance, the governor commended President Bola Tinubu, citizens, and security personnel for their support, trust, prayers, sacrifices, and diligence, and expressed optimism that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, the state would prosper.

He said, “I welcome you to the year 2025 – a year of hope renewal, great opportunities, and transformative progress for our beloved state… Despite the hurdles we encountered, we made bold investments in technology and logistics to strengthen the surveillance and protection of our rural communities. Our efforts have already begun yielding significant results, as unprovoked attacks, once rampant, are steadily declining.”

While progress has been made, Mutfwang noted that some communities continue to face security challenges, assuring that he would not rest until enduring peace is achieved across Plateau State. He also extended his heartfelt condolences to all those who have suffered from attacks across the state.

He stated that the pain of the affected people is their pain, saying they remain committed to partnering with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to end the avoidable tragedies.

The governor noted that it is sad that some individuals have turned child trafficking into a business to exploit children, stressing that the government under his watch will take decisive action against those who indulge in this criminal activity, while encouraging parents to take absolute responsibility for raising their children and safeguarding them against the menace.

Mutfwang listed the efforts made in sectors like transportation, agriculture, ICT, education, health, water and sanitation, urban renewal, energy, and infrastructure, among others. He added that in 2025, they are committed to building neighborhood markets across the Jos–Bukuru metropolis and establishing modern community markets in each of the three senatorial districts.

He also assured that they would focus on technological advancement, saying that plans are in place to revitalize the Nigerian Standard Building into a hub for tech-driven employment for Plateau’s youth, while their collaboration with Galaxy Backbone Limited will enhance internet accessibility and introduce e-governance initiatives for greater transparency and efficiency.

The Plateau State ICT Development Agency (PICTDA), he said, would also develop skills to position the state as an ICT hub. As they step into 2025, he urged the citizens to embrace the year as one of consolidation, sustainability, and fulfillment, as they engage in strategic discussions with Plateau youth, the business community, and elders to foster unity and progress.

Mutfwang assured that they are determined to revitalize and make functional all traditional institutions in the state to take charge of their domain and appealed to ethnic nationalities and communities where a vacuum exists to speedily remove all impediments to allow vacant stools to be lawfully occupied.

On the offenders, he said he is pleased to announce that fines were paid for various offenders who committed various offenses, and their jail terms were quashed, including Moses Reuben, who was granted absolute pardon. Payment of fines was made for Saleh Muhammadu, Mohammed Ado, Safa David, Timothy Sunday, David Yusuf, Abba Ahmed, Umar Adamu, Manasseh Dada, Na’Answan, and Sunday Joseph.

New Year: Gov Mutfwang pardons one prisoner, pays fines for 10 others