GOVERNOR MUTFWANG DISTRIBUTES ₦1.5 BILLION HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT TO VICTIMS OF VIOLENT ATTACKS IN PLATEAU, DONATED BY FIRST LADY, SENATOR OLUREMI TINUBU, AND PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT

…Pledges to Commence Rebuilding of Displaced Communities, Restore Livelihoods

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Esq., has commenced the disbursement of a combined ₦1.5 billion humanitarian intervention to indigent families affected by violent attacks across five Local Government Areas of the State.

The intervention comprises ₦1 billion donated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Bola Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, and an additional ₦500 million contributed by the Plateau State Government to support affected families in rebuilding their lives and restoring their livelihoods.

The funds were formally disbursed to verified beneficiaries at the Victoria Gowon Hall, Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, on Monday, September 21, 2026.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Mutfwang described the intervention as a practical expression of compassion, solidarity and shared responsibility towards families whose lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by violence.

He explained that the first phase of the intervention would focus on direct financial assistance to affected households, while subsequent interventions would support community recovery and rebuilding.

“1,571 affected households in Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas have been selected for the first phase, which is the disbursement of funds to heads of households. We have not forgotten you, and we will not forget you,” the Governor said.

Governor Mutfwang expressed profound appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for responding to the plight of affected families in Plateau State through the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that the gesture demonstrated compassion and concern for citizens facing the consequences of violent attacks.

He said the State Government’s decision to contribute an additional ₦500 million was a reflection of its responsibility to stand firmly with its citizens, particularly in moments of hardship and vulnerability.

“The true measure of this intervention will not simply be what happens within these walls today. Its real success will be seen when our communities are able to stand again, livelihoods are restored, families can return home safely, and people can live together in peace and dignity,” he stated.

The Governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to working closely with affected communities, traditional institutions and security agencies to promote peaceful coexistence, facilitate safe returns whenever conditions permit, and support the rebuilding and recovery of affected communities.

“Let this assistance be more than money in your hands. Let it become the beginning of a new journey—one of recovery, dignity, self-reliance and hope,” Governor Mutfwang urged the beneficiaries.

In his remarks, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, expressed appreciation to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her compassion and intervention in support of affected Plateau families.

“Our mother, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, thank you for showing compassion at a time of great need, for hearing the cries of our people and responding to them,” Professor Yilwatda said.

He also commended Governor Mutfwang for complementing the Federal Government’s intervention with ₦500 million from the State Government, bringing the total intervention to ₦1.5 billion.

Professor Yilwatda urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds judiciously and invest in activities capable of generating sustainable livelihoods.

“Think about cooperatives. Think about businesses. Think about how this support can be invested wisely to create sustainable livelihoods,” he advised.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Kacholom Gang, reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government to ensuring the effective implementation of the intervention, stressing that the Government would continue to provide support to citizens affected by humanitarian challenges.

Also speaking, the Director-General, Directorate of Research, Government House, Jos, Mr. Sam Godongs, explained that the beneficiaries were selected through a structured identification and verification exercise involving the affected Local Government Councils and other relevant stakeholders.

He said the verification process involved the assessment of household information, losses suffered and relevant documentation to ensure that the assistance reached genuine and verified victims.

Mr. Godongs disclosed that the second phase of the intervention would include a community recovery component, with affected communities expected to identify their priority needs through their respective Local Government Councils.

According to him, the identified needs would guide further interventions, including infrastructure projects where appropriate, as part of the broader recovery and rebuilding process.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Isaiaka Haruna expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang for the intervention, saying the combined support had renewed the hope of families affected by violence.

“While this assistance cannot replace the lives we have lost or completely erase the pain we have suffered, it has given us hope, dignity and the opportunity to begin rebuilding our lives,” Haruna said.

He appealed to fellow beneficiaries to use the support responsibly, describing it as an opportunity to restore livelihoods, rebuild families and create a more secure future for their children.

In a goodwill message, Senator Diket Plang commended the intervention and expressed support for the process, while wishing the Government and beneficiaries a successful implementation of the programme.

The ceremony, which was attended by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Ngo Josephine Piyo, top government officials, members of the National Assembly and other stakeholders, climaxed with the presentation of cheques to the verified beneficiaries.

The joint intervention underscores the importance of cooperation between the Federal and State Governments in addressing humanitarian challenges and supporting citizens affected by violence.

 Beyond the immediate financial assistance, the initiative provides a pathway towards recovery, livelihood restoration, community rebuilding, resilience and renewed hope for affected families across Plateau State.

Gyang Bere, PhD

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State

September 21, 2026