Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang gifts 17 Exeed VX SUVs to chiefs worth over N870m, while children in some communities learn in mud classrooms
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang marked his 61st birthday by handing out 17 brand-new Exeed VX SUVs to first-class traditional rulers, even as children in some communities continue learning in mud classrooms.
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The handover took place at the Old Government House in Rayfield, Jos, on Wednesday.
The governor said the vehicles aim to improve mobility for chiefs and underscore their role in local governance.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that our traditional rulers have become part of the critical leadership structure of modern society,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ephraim Usman, said the gesture reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions.
Jacob Gyang, chair of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, thanked the governor but urged attention to the welfare of all chiefs and quicker resolution of vacancies.
Each Exeed VX SUV reportedly costs around N51 million, meaning the total value of the 17 vehicles exceeds N870 million.
Residents questioned the spending choice, highlighting the lack of proper school facilities.
A Tanbol Sabongida resident said, “Our children are learning inside mud huts. The rainy season is setting in, and those structures cannot withstand the rain.”
Photos shared with Legit.ng show men shaping mud for classrooms, women fetching water, and children observing, illustrating the dire learning conditions.
Pupils lack proper desks, and classrooms cannot accommodate all students.
Plateau’s 2026 budget totals N917.91 billion, with education allocated N91.3 billion (10%), below UNESCO’s recommended 15–20% of public spending.
Water, sanitation, and energy (N107.08 billion) and works and transport (N92.71 billion) receive higher allocations.
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In a similar initiative, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recently presented 65 new SUVs to traditional rulers to support governance, peace-building, and community development.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
