By Pwanagba Agabus
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state on Thursday officially commissioned 15 brand new metro buses as part of a broader effort to revive the state’s public transportation system.
A historic moment at the event was the introduction of the first female driver for the Plateau Express buses.
Recall that the governor had, last year, commissioned the first set of 15 Metro buses bringing the total number to 30 buses.
Speaking at the commissioning to mark June 12th Democracy Day, Mutfwang expressed gratitude to God for the revival of the Plateau Express Service, one of the state’s legacy institutions that had faced numerous challenges over the years.
The governor noted that the last time the service operated effectively was under the previous PDP administration and proudly stated that the current PDP-led government is realigning with national initiatives.
He highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s charge to governors to alleviate citizens’ suffering, especially following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
According to him, “the transport sector was identified as a key area to directly pass benefits back to the citizenry.
Mutfwang announced that Plateau Express Service is now a functional transport system within the Jos metropolis, already benefiting residents and boosting mobility across the state.
“Plateau Express Service began many years ago and has gone through numerous challenges. But I’m proud to say that the last time Plateau Express truly served the people of Plateau was under the last PDP administration. And today, again under a PDP-led government, we are proud to align with the initiatives of Mr. President.
“When Mr. President came into office, he charged governors across the country to do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of the people.
“We believed one of the key sectors to address the challenges brought by the removal of fuel subsidy was transport.
“And so, we decided that the best way to bring subsidy directly back to the people was through the transport sector. I’m glad to say that today, we now have a functional transport service within the metropolis, benefiting our people immensely”, he maintained
While commending the leadership of Plateau Express, the Governor said the success proves that institutions thrive under clear, patriotic leadership.
Besides the transport service, he revealed ongoing efforts to revive other institutions, including Agricultural Services Training Centre (ASTC), Jos International Breweries, Panyam Fish Farm, Hill Station Hotel, and Plateau Hotel, among others.
Mutfwang shared his personal pride in supporting female empowerment, recalling how he sent nine boys and three girls for automotive training during his tenure as local government chairman.
While reiterating that the new buses were purchased brand new, not fairly used “Tokunbo” vehicles, and were funded from the state’s constitutional allocations not federal grants or donations.
The governor further noted that it was made possible by reallocating resources and prioritizing the transport sector over luxury purchases for other ministries.
He called on all residents to protect the investment for the benefit of current and future generations, stressing that development must take precedence over politics.
Meanwhile, sequel to the Metro Buses launch, Mutfwang also commissioned the laboratory, Paediatric Ward, and Office Complex in Plateau State Specialist Hospital Jos, Utonkon Bridge and Adjoining Roads Along Utonkon–Abattoir Road Jos, 1 Storey Administrative Block and refurbished Joshua Dariye Hall, Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi, Jos Campus.
These projects reflect the administration’s drive toward infrastructural renewal and enhanced public service delivery for the people of Plateau State.
Democracy Day: Mutfwang commission’s 15 metro buses, hospital facilities, others
