From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Government of Plateau State commenced a transformative retreat for local government chairmen and executive councils in partnership with the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership.
The event, held under the theme “That Plateau May Shine”, was declared open by Gov Caleb Mutfwang who noted that the time is now to build a productive, peaceful, and prosperous State.
“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.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.” he asserted.
The retreat also featured a keynote address by Osita Chidoka, Chancellor of the Athena Centre and former Minister of Aviation.
The retreat, holding at the Miango Rest House, marks the first step in a long-term collaboration between Athena and the Plateau State Government to retool the state’s workforce and reimagine governance at the grassroots level.
Plateau State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, in his welcome address said that the retreat “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.”
During the retreat, participants and expected to participate in strategic planning, financial performance, intergovernmental collaboration, and revenue innovation sessions. The aim is to equip local leaders with the tools and frameworks to deliver sustainable development outcomes.
In his keynote, Osita Chidoka stressed the importance of visionary and technically grounded governance:
“Athena Centre is proud to serve as a leading hub for governance innovation and thought leadership.
“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.” Chidoka said.
The Athena Centre has expressed her resolve to continue to support Plateau State in institutionalizing a results-oriented approach across local government systems.
The initiative reinforces the Centre’s role in reshaping governance practice in Nigeria and the wider region.