I’m Greatly Humbled By LEADERSHIP Award – Gov Mutfwang

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has said he is greatly humbled by his recognition as the Governor of the Year 2026 by LEADERSHIP Newspapers.

Speaking at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja on Monday during the presentation of the award letter by the management of LEADERSHIP Group Limited, publishers of LEADERSHIP Newspapers, Mutfwang commended the management of the media house for keeping the dream of its publisher, the late Sam Nda-Isaiah, whom he personally had a good camaraderie with, alive even after his demise.

“I want to say with all sense of humility that I am greatly humbled by this recognition. I happen to know Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah. We lived in Kaduna in those days. So I knew about the formation of LEADERSHIP from its beginnings before he eventually moved to Abuja.

“This is a testament to the legacy he left behind. And it’s quite gratifying that years after his demise, LEADERSHIP continues to flourish. So I want to commend the board and management of LEADERSHIP Newspaper for not allowing this dream to die,” he said.

The Plateau State governor urged LEADERSHIP to continue to exhibit the highest standards of professionalism in journalism.

Mutfwang assured that the Plateau State Government will continue to partner with LEADERSHIP Newspapers for the growth of both entities.

“Our desire is to grow Plateau State and I’m sure growing Plateau State is also an opportunity for growth to enterprises that are related to Plateau State, of which LEADERSHIP is one. We are trying to revive our own brand, The Standard (State-owned Newspaper), and I think there have been some reasonable progress since we came on board because everyone has to carve a niche. And there is space for everybody,” he said.

The governor expressed appreciation for the award, describing it as a call to service through putting in more efforts.

“Like the President said when he was asked what he would be doing in the second term – it’s more work. There’s nothing more to do than to continue working to bring the Nigeria of our dreams. The Nigeria of our dreams can only be made possible when the constituent states themselves live up to their dreams and expectations of their people,” Mutfwang said.

He reassured that his administration will continue to invest to make sure that those dreams and aspirations come to fruition.

Presenting the letter of award, the Vice Chairman of LEADERSHIP Group, Mr Mike Okpere, said Governor Mutfwang was selected for the award after rigorous assessment of how his administration’s policies and programmes impacted the people of Plateau State.

“We examined the policies and what is happening in the fields and how people have been impacted either economically or otherwise,” he said.

Okpere further said: “When we sat down, we examined a lot of things. Last year we had six governors of the year in the various fields.

“This year we have only five governors of the year. We did not find the sixth who will be qualified to be so honoured. But among the five, Your Excellency, you are one of them.”

Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of LEADERSHIP Group, Mr Muazu Elazeh, said the award was informed by the governor’s achievements in the areas of infrastructure, economic transformation and peaceful building despite the security challenges the state was facing.

He said: “LEADERSHIP believes that beyond being a Newspaper which holds the government to account, we have a responsibility to identify Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in the various fields of endeavours and let the world know about this for two reasons. One, to urge them to continue and two, for others to emulate them. So that informs the reason for the LEADERSHIP award to you.”

Elazeh further said the choice of Governor Mutfwang for the award was made because of the laudable things he has been doing in Plateau State in spite of the security challenges, which he still did not allow to dampen his morale or derail the government.

“In spite of all that, against all odds, you continue to focus on security recovery and economic renewal. We feel these are central things that deserve to be acknowledged and such efforts to be applauded. And one of the reasons, essentially, is your investment in infrastructure.

“You invested largely in infrastructure and the people of Plateau State are feeling the impact. You were able to focus on SMEs, which is one key way of lifting people out of poverty.

“So your administration’s effort in combating the security threat to the state and focusing essentially on economic renewal are part of the reasons why we deem you worthy of this award,” he added.

Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang emerged LEADERSHIP’s Governor of the Year 2026 for demonstrating visionary and people-centred leadership and transforming Plateau through infrastructure renewal, improved security, SME support, modernised transport, job creation, and investments in agriculture, tourism, technology and commerce.