GOVERNOR MUTFWANG RECEIVES NIPR LEADERSHIP AWARD, REAFFIRMS FOCUS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE
Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Esq., and Patron of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), has received an Award of Excellence in Leadership from the NIPR, Plateau State Chapter, in recognition of his leadership qualities amid the challenges confronting the State.
The award was presented on Thursday during the Sixth Edition of the J.D. Gomwalk Annual Lecture in Jos, themed: “Leadership and the Imperative of Constructive Politics in Plateau State.”
Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, Sir Joseph Ari, DG Mutfwang/Piyo 2027 Campaign Council, said the leadership legacy of the late Joseph Dechi Gomwalk continues to inspire leaders across the Plateau, the Middle Belt and across the Niger.
He remarked that Governor Mutfwang’s leadership exemplifies constructive leadership, which remains critical to the development of Plateau State, stressing the importance of constructive criticism, professional advice and effective communication in strengthening governance.while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders, including Rear Admiral Samuel Atukum and Fidelis N. Tapgun, noting their respective examples of discipline, humility, focus and calm leadership.
He stressed that the Mutfwang/Piyo 2027 Campaign will consolidate on devoid ethic acrimony but generate trust and Public good will and unity of citizens for good governance in line with the good leadership of the Late JD Gomwalk, consolidating on "Time is Now" Agenda
Other awardees included past Governors of Plateau State, Rear Admiral Bitrus Atukum and Fidelis Tapgun; former Minister of Aviation, Samuel Mafuyai; the Ngolong Ngas Jika Golit; DG Mutfwang/Piyo 2027 Campaign Council, Sir Joseph Ari, fnipr; and the J.D. Gomwalk family.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Rev. Prof. Monsignor Cletus Tanimu Gotan said politics should remain a vehicle for service and the common good rather than personal survival. “Politics must not be allowed to become a marketplace for survival; instead, it should be seen as a sanctuary for service.”
Gotan further stressed that lasting peace requires more than political declarations and dialogue, noting that “the road to peace is continuous dialogue and such dialogues must not end with photo opportunities. Government must have policy actions, funded programmes and measurable outcomes.” He called for inclusive governance, economic empowerment, justice and reconciliation, institutional continuity and civic education as foundations for constructive politics.
Gotan urged political, traditional, religious and civic leaders to place the interests of the people above sectional considerations, while encouraging greater participation of women and young people in governance.
Chairman on the occasion, Chief Samuel Mafuyai, emphasized the need for leadership at all levels to impact lives through sustainable development, leaving legacies that will guide younger generations.
Speaking on behalf of the NIPR President, Council Member Prof. Sarah Lwahas said public relations professionals, as managers of communication, were prepared to collaborate with government to improve the narrative of Plateau State.
The representative of the Gomwalk family, Prof. Nenfort Gomwalk, appreciated NIPR for sustaining the annual lecture and appealed to government to preserve the late leader’s legacy, including by giving his former residence a befitting remodel as a monument.
In his address, Chairman of NIPR Plateau State, Thomas Bajeh, appreciated Governor Mutfwang for his continued support to the chapter. He said the 6th J.D. Gomwalk Lecture is a legacy that NIPR features annually as a platform to strengthen good governance in Plateau State, stressing the need for continuous collaboration with government towards growth and development.
The event climaxed with a panel of discussants and goodwill messages from the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, the Chairman NIPR Bauchi State Chapter, among others. They charged NIPR to maintain professionalism in adding value to good governance.
Gyang Bere, PhD
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
September 17, 2026
Comments
Post a Comment