Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has received an Award of Excellence in Leadership from the Plateau State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), in recognition of his leadership and efforts in steering the affairs of the state amid prevailing challenges.
The award was presented on Thursday, September 17, 2026, during the 6th J.D. Gomwalk Annual Lecture held in Jos, with the theme, “Leadership and the Imperative of Constructive Politics in Plateau State.”
Governor Mutfwang, who is the Patron of NIPR in Plateau State, was represented at the event by the Director-General of the Mutfwang/Piyo 2027 APC Campaign Council, Sir Joseph Ari.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, Ari said the legacy of the late former Governor of Plateau State, J.D. Gomwalk, continues to inspire leaders across Plateau State, the Middle Belt and beyond.
He described Governor Mutfwang’s leadership approach as an example of constructive leadership, stressing that Plateau requires leadership anchored on dialogue, professional advice, constructive criticism and effective communication.
According to him, such approaches are necessary for improving governance and strengthening the relationship between government and citizens.
Ari also acknowledged the contributions of former Plateau State leaders, including Rear Admiral Samuel Atukum (Rtd) and Sir Fidelis Tapgun, describing them as leaders who demonstrated discipline, humility and calmness in public service.
He further stated that the Mutfwang/Piyo 2027 campaign would focus on issues rather than insults or name-calling, saying the campaign would seek to promote trust, unity and good governance.
He linked the approach to the ideals associated with the late J.D. Gomwalk and the consolidation of the administration’s “Time Is Now” agenda.
Other recipients of awards at the event included former Governors Rear Admiral Bitrus Atukum (Rtd) and Sir Fidelis Tapgun; former Minister of Aviation, Chief Samuel Mafuyai; the Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit; Sir Joseph Ari, FNIPR; and representatives of the J.D. Gomwalk family.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Rev. Prof. Monsignor Cletus Tanimu Gotan said politics should be viewed primarily as an avenue for service rather than personal enrichment.
“Politics must not be allowed to become a marketplace for survival; instead, it should be seen as a sanctuary for service,” he said.
Gotan stressed that sustainable peace requires more than speeches and meetings, arguing that dialogue must translate into concrete government policies and programmes.
“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 said.
He identified inclusive governance, economic empowerment, justice, reconciliation and proper civic education as critical pillars for building constructive politics and sustainable peace in Plateau State.
The cleric also called on political, traditional, religious and civic leaders to place the interests of the people above personal considerations, while advocating greater participation of women and young people in governance.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Samuel Mafuyai, said leadership at all levels should be measured by its impact on the lives of citizens, stressing the need for sustainable development and legacies that would benefit future generations.
Speaking on behalf of the NIPR President, Council Member Prof. Sarah Lwahas said public relations professionals remained willing to collaborate with government in communicating and projecting the Plateau story more effectively.
Representative of the Gomwalk family, Prof. Nenfort Gomwalk, commended NIPR for sustaining the annual lecture series and appealed to the government to preserve the legacy of the late J.D. Gomwalk.
He specifically called for the remodelling of Gomwalk’s former residence into a befitting monument to preserve his memory and contribution to the development of Plateau State.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of NIPR Plateau State Chapter, Mr. Thomas Bajeh, expressed appreciation to Governor Mutfwang for his continued support to the institute.
Bajeh described the J.D. Gomwalk Annual Lecture as an important platform through which NIPR promotes conversations around good governance, leadership and development in Plateau State.
He called for stronger collaboration between NIPR and government to advance professional communication, good governance and sustainable development.
The event also featured a panel discussion and goodwill messages from the Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit; the Chairman of NIPR Bauchi State Chapter; and other dignitaries, who urged the institute to continue contributing to good governance through professionalism and strategic communication.
Signed:
Sir Joseph Ari Strategic Media Team
September 18, 2026
