Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has painted an optimistic picture of Nigeria's future, calling for a collective national effort to realize the country's potential. The governor delivered this message of hope at the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Annual Management Conference in Jos.
NYSC Conference Highlights National Unity and Development
Governor Mutfwang, who was represented by his Deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, addressed managers of the youth scheme. He reflected on the NYSC's origins as an interventionist program created by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), to foster unity after the civil war.
He stated that the scheme has since evolved into a strategic pillar of national life. Mutfwang praised the NYSC for its tangible contributions in critical sectors including education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, and sports.
"The scheme has grown to assume a strategic role in the national life and Nigeria's stride towards development," the governor noted. He particularly commended its role in providing gainful employment for corps members through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training.
Managers Urged to Sustain Founding Vision
The governor applauded the NYSC managers for remaining true to the founding vision and sustaining the corps' reputation as "the leading light of youth organisation in Africa." He endorsed the conference theme, "NYSC as a catalyst for National Development: Tackling Present Challenges and Charting Sustainable Solutions," describing it as both appropriate and timely.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, explained that the two-day conference was designed to equip participants. He said it would feature a series of well-structured presentations delivered by experts from within and outside the scheme.
Jang Clarifies Stance, Denies Calling for Mutfwang's Resignation
In a related political development, former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Jonah Jang, has strongly denied media reports suggesting he called for Governor Mutfwang to resign. This followed Mutfwang's recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A statement issued by Jang's Media Consultant, Clinton Garuba, clarified the former governor's position. "For clarity, Senator Jang's remarks were quoted out of context. At no time during the PDP stakeholders' meeting did he call for Governor Mutfwang's resignation," the statement read.
It further explained that Jang's criticism was directed at the general trend of politicians switching parties, not specifically at Mutfwang. The statement urged the people of Plateau to disregard the earlier report and continue their support for Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who it said continues to lead under the people's mandate.
The events underscore a week of significant discourse in Plateau State, blending governance, youth development, and political clarification on the path forward for Nigeria.
