Plateau State government has commenced a transformative retreat for local council 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 Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and featured a keynote address by the Chancellor of the Athena Centre and former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka.

The retreat, held 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.

Tĥe Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Ephraim Usman Gar, stated in his welcome address 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.”

“The time is now to build a productive, peaceful, and prosperous Plateau State,” said Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

In his keynote, Osita Chidoka stressed the importance of visionary and technically grounded governance. He said: “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.”