Plateau State Teams Up with Athena Centre to Revitalize Local Governance
In a significant move aimed at strengthening grassroots administration, the Plateau State Government has launched a transformative retreat for local government chairmen and executive councils, partnering with the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership. The initiative, themed “That Plateau May Shine,” was officially opened by Governor Caleb Mutfwang and signals a long-term commitment to enhancing governance across the state.
The retreat, currently underway at the Miango Rest House, marks the initial phase of a broader collaboration between the Athena Centre and the Plateau State Government. This partnership seeks to retool the state’s workforce and redefine governance at the local level.
Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, emphasized the strategic importance of the retreat in his welcome address. He stated that the program “forms part of a strategic commitment to align local government operations with the Plateau State Development Framework (PSDF 2023–2027) and deliver tangible outcomes in public service delivery.”
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Governor Mutfwang underscored his administration’s dedication to improving public service. “The time is now to build a productive, peaceful, and prosperous Plateau State,” he declared. “This retreat represents a turning point in our governance journey. We are committed to building institutions that deliver real value to the people, starting from our local governments.”
Participants at the retreat are engaging in comprehensive sessions covering strategic planning, financial performance, intergovernmental collaboration, and revenue innovation. The goal is to equip local leaders with the necessary tools and frameworks to drive sustainable development.
Osita Chidoka, Chancellor of the Athena Centre and former Minister of Aviation, delivered a keynote address stressing the importance of visionary and technically sound governance. “Athena Centre is proud to serve as a leading hub for governance innovation and thought leadership,” Chidoka stated. He added, “This partnership with Plateau State reflects our commitment to supporting subnational governments that are ready to lead with clarity and purpose. We are building a new culture of local governance — one anchored on accountability, data, and delivery.”
The Athena Centre will provide ongoing support to Plateau State, focusing on institutionalizing a results-oriented approach within local government systems. This initiative reinforces the Centre’s broader objective of reshaping governance practices across Nigeria and the wider region.
Governor Mutfwang expressed optimism about the future, concluding, “This is only the beginning. With partners like the Athena Centre, we are confident that Plateau State will serve as a national example of subnational transformation.”
By PRNigeria
