By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Plateau State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has pledged renewed commitment to grassroots development across the 17 local government areas of the state.
The council chairmen said the PDP-led administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has given them the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and capacity at the grassroots level, in line with the governor’s developmental strides.
The 17 local government chairmen stated this at the commencement of a peer review tour designed to strengthen governance at the local level.
ALGON Chairman in Plateau State and Wase Council Chairman, Hon. Hamisu Anani, said during engagements with stakeholders in Qua’anpan, Mikang, and Langtang South that the tour was initiated to promote peer review, interaction with stakeholders, and assessment of ongoing developments.
He explained that the initiative aims to deepen unity, foster collaboration, and bridge gaps in governance and development.
“We are going round the 17 LGAs to inspect projects executed at the council secretariats and across various wards,” Anani said.
He added that local governance requires synergy among the executive, legislative, and traditional institutions, noting that Plateau will continue to grow stronger if all work together.
While appreciating Governor Mutfwang’s support, Anani stressed that, despite limited resources, the councils have been able to implement impactful projects and leave lasting legacies.
“We must work together and protect the mandate given to us. Let us continue to pray for and support the government at all levels,” he urged.
In their remarks, the chairmen of Qua’anpan (Hon. Christopher Audu Wallet), Mikang (Hon. Bernad Alkali), Langtang South (Hon. Nanfa Nbin), and Shendam (Hon. Nichola Kemi Nshe) reaffirmed their commitment to delivering democratic dividends to their people.
They listed completed and ongoing projects such as council secretariats, hospitals, schools, and road construction as evidence of progress.
Councillors and other stakeholders applauded the provision of fertilizers and farm inputs, while the legislative arms praised the cordial relationship with council chairmen as a foundation for sustainable development.
As part of the tour, the chairmen paid homage to traditional rulers before engaging with stakeholders to explain the rationale behind the initiative.
The Long Gamai of Shendam, HRM Miskoom Martin Shaldas; the Long-Tel of Tehl Chiefdom in Mikang, HRH Barr. Donald Puntel; and the traditional ruler of Qua’anpan, HRH Miskoom Safiyanu Allahnana, commended the chairmen for initiating synergy and pledged their support.
They urged the chairmen to prioritize security and intensify engagement with traditional institutions, security agencies, and stakeholders to maintain peace.
The peer review tour, described as the first of its kind in Plateau since the return of democracy, comes as the chairmen approach their first year in office. It is seen as a major step toward fostering collaboration among the executive, legislative, and traditional institutions to enhance grassroots development.
