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| Gov Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang |
His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Executive Governor of Plateau State, delivered a compelling address at the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ conference held from November 12 to 14, 2025.
Emphasizing the critical role of editors as custodians of truth and agenda setters, Governor Mutfwang who was represented by his commissioner for information, highlighted the conference theme, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” and its sub-theme on electoral integrity and the trust deficit.
He called on media professionals to rise above political and ethnic biases, urging them to promote balanced reporting and foster trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions as the nation prepares for the 2027 elections.
The governor stressed that credible and peaceful elections rely heavily on the responsible framing of issues by the press, positioning editors as key players in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.
Below is full text of his address:
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BARR. CALEB MANASSEH MUTFWANG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, AT THE CONFERENCE OF THE NIGERIAN GUILD OF EDITORS, HELD ON Nov 12-14, 2025
1. It gives me great pleasure to be here today at this significant gathering of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, men and women who hold the pen of conscience and shape national direction through information, analysis, and truth. I thank you sincerely for inviting me.
2. The theme of this year’s conference, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, with the sub-theme “Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027,” is not only apt but timely as we stand at another crucial juncture in our nation’s democratic journey.
3. Our democracy, though not perfect (it’s not perfect anywhere in the world), remains the best system for managing our diversity. However, the strength of our democracy depends on trust: trust in leadership, in institutions, and in the electoral process.
4. Editors play a pivotal role in strengthening this trust by ensuring balanced reporting, truth-telling, and the promotion of values that unite rather than divide us.
5. As the agenda setters, you are to help shape the direction to follow through the framing of your reportage and editorials. As Cohen once said, “The media may not be successful in telling people what to think, but it is stunningly successful in telling them what to think about.” What becomes topical in Nigeria is often set by those of you in this hall from time to time. The quality and success of our democracy will be largely dependent on the kind of issues you consider important, particularly by guiding and insisting on electoral integrity and trust in our system.
6. You must therefore rise above political or ethnic biases to defend national cohesion. At this stage of our nation’s development, Nigeria needs editors who will amplify hope, challenge impunity, and uphold accountability. The media environment must help shape the mindset that will give us credible, peaceful, and trustworthy elections in 2027.
7. One of the recurring challenges facing our democracy is the erosion of trust in the electoral process. Nigerians expect a system that guarantees credible, transparent, and peaceful outcomes in 2027.
8. As editors, your power to shape perception and build public confidence cannot be overstated. The battle for credibility in elections is not just fought at the ballot box; it is also fought in the newsroom—through responsible reporting, fact-checking, and issue-based coverage.
9. Part of building trust and credibility with the electorate is to let the vendors of democracy reach the people by impacting positively on their lives through progressive policies and programmes. It is on this note that I speak briefly about what we are doing in Plateau State to restore faith in democratic governance.
10. In Plateau State, our administration remains committed to demonstrating that democracy can and must deliver tangible benefits to the people. Allow me to highlight some of the key areas where progress is being made:
11. We are focusing on agriculture as a key driver for tackling food insecurity and boosting economic growth. So far, 124,050 farmers have been assisted with fertiliser and 80,080 with improved seeds. We have cultivated over 13,000 hectares across the state through various farmer support programmes.
12. Closely linked to this is our collaboration with the Federal Government through the creation of the State Ministry of Livestock Development, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries. We have begun the cultivation of Napier grass in the Wase grazing reserve. The Panyam Fish Farm will harvest in December to feed the Nigerian market. Our State University has also adapted Alfalfa grass, which will serve the nation.
13. We have embarked on aggressive urban renewal and rural rehabilitation to reconnect communities and improve the movement of farm produce. About 1000km of road construction is ongoing at different levels of completion.
14. Healthcare delivery is being revitalized through the upgrading of health facilities, recruitment of personnel, and improved supply of drugs and medical consumables through the Plateau Drugs and Medical Commodities Supply Agency. Our goal is to ensure that quality and affordable healthcare are within the reach of every Plateau citizen.
15. Tourism remains one of Plateau State’s strongest assets. We are repositioning the sector through strategic partnerships and events. Most recently, we hosted the Miss Tourism Africa pageant with representation from 25 countries, the Tourism Roundtable, and the signing of several MoUs. We aim to restore Plateau as the tourism capital of Nigeria.
16.The Plateau State Energy Corporation has been repositioned to promote renewable and clean energy alternatives for rural electrification. The target is to ensure that a significant percentage of underserved communities are powered through renewable sources within the next three years.
17. On education, we have upgraded facilities at both the secondary and tertiary levels, expanded support for primary education, and recruited qualified manpower for greater impact.
18. While politicians are doing their thing, you, as members of the Guild, should direct the electoral process leading to 2027 toward critical issues of governance. You should raise the bar by asking for credible, people-oriented elections as a way of restoring public trust in our democratic process. Nigerians yearn for peace, fairness, equity, and justice. These values must guide both leaders and the media.
19. We must together prove that democracy can work for the Nigerian people, delivering jobs, security, and hope for all.
20. In conclusion, I salute the Nigerian Guild of Editors for its steadfastness in defending democracy. Your collective voice remains vital to sustaining national cohesion and ensuring that democratic governance translates into real dividends for the people.
21. Let us therefore continue to use our platforms responsibly: to inform, to unite, and to inspire faith in our collective future.
22. Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
God bless Plateau State.
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