A former Plateau State Governor and representative of Plateau South Senatorial District, Senator Simon Lalong, has offered reasons why Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang deserves the award of the Silverbird Governor of the Year 2025.
He stated this at the prestigious Silverbird Group Man of the Year Award ceremony at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Lalong said the honour reflects the measurable strides made under Mutfwang’s administration in restoring peace and repositioning Plateau State for growth.
According to him, the award was not merely ceremonial but a validation of deliberate governance choices that are changing long-standing narratives about the state.
“This award to Governor Mutfwang is well-deserved and it reflects the positive realities that we are seeing across our state,” he affirmed.
Governor Mutfwang was named Governor of the Year 2025 following what organisers described as bold initiatives in deploying technology to combat insecurity, driving inclusive development, and creating a more enabling environment for investors.
The former governor assured Mutfwang of sustained bipartisan support, stressing that governance should transcend political rivalry.
While receiving the award from veteran journalist and former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, the governor dedicated it to the peace-loving people of Plateau State.
He thanked Lalong, his predecessor, and other political leaders present at the event for demonstrating what he described as a “new spirit of unity and love” on the Plateau.
The governor acknowledged that although Plateau State has, for decades, made headlines for unfortunate reasons, the narrative is changing.
He affirmed that beyond the River Niger, Plateau State is fast emerging as the next destination for investors, owing to deliberate policies that have created an enabling environment for peace, productivity, progress, and shared prosperity.
Governor Mutfwang emphasised that lasting peace can only be achieved when leaders rise above divisions and provide purposeful direction.
He said: “The only way we can secure enduring peace is when leaders take responsibility and provide the necessary leadership for the people to follow.
“Yesterday, we may have been political rivals.
“Today, we stand together in the interest of peace and development.
“That is the new Nigeria we seek to build, beginning with the solid foundation we are laying on the Plateau.”
Mutfwang reiterated that lasting peace requires responsible leadership and collective commitment, adding that Plateau State is fast emerging as an attractive destination for investors beyond the River Niger.
He also commended the Silverbird Group for recognising the state’s progress, pledging continued partnership in advancing peace building and media-driven development initiatives.
The colourful ceremony drew a distinguished audience, including members of the National and State Assemblies, ministers, traditional and religious leaders, local government chairmen, and other key stakeholders.
