In this report, DUNG CHUNG & NANBAL PANPE examine the state of sports in Plateau State three years into Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration. They highlight renewed funding, improved athlete welfare, stronger participation in national and international competitions and ongoing infrastructure development, which stakeholders say have collectively repositioned the state’s sporting profile
As Plateau marks the 2026 edition of May 29th, the State Sports Council credits the governor’s funding, welfare drive and facility upgrades for the resurgence of sporting activities across youth, para and senior sports.
For the state’s sporting community, the anniversary is more than a political milestone. It is a moment to take stock of what is officially described as the most consistent period of support for sports in recent years.
Speaking to THE NIGERIA STANDARD sports correspondents on the governor’s achievements, the Director of the Plateau State Sports Council, Professor Ezra Gunen, outlined the breakthroughs made by the administration. He highlighted the special attention the governor has given to sports development.
According to him, the governor’s personal commitment, backed by the timely release of funds and a focus on athlete welfare, has allowed Plateau to attend major national and international competitions since 2023.
The Director of Sports Development noted that the Sports Council has gained 99% sponsorship from the Governor for the National Youth Games, the National Sports Festival and various youth championships.
In Nigerian sports administration, late or partial release of funds is a familiar barrier. Associations often miss registration deadlines or send depleted contingents. However, under the current administration, Professor Gunen said the story has changed.
His words: “The reason why I said that Governor Caleb Mutfwang is a strong sports lover is because he releases funds as and when due. That has made our sports associations attend lots of championships.”
National exposure, rising performance
One of the clearest signs of this renewed access is international exposure. Gunen pointed to the state’s handball team, which secured a slot in an international competition within the period under review.
“During this period, our handball team has gone for international competitions,” he explained.
Beyond handball, Plateau athletes and coaches have been part of the Nigerian delegation at the All Africa Games in Ghana and other continental meets. The state has not missed any National Youth Games from 2023 to 2025.
The 2026 edition, originally scheduled for September, has been shifted to the first quarter of 2027, but Plateau’s record of uninterrupted participation remains unbroken.
That consistency matters for athlete development. Regular exposure to high-level competition is how young athletes build tactical skills, fitness and mental resilience required to compete at continental level.
Perhaps the most visible area of growth has been para sports. At the just-concluded 2025 Para Games hosted in Abuja, Plateau State placed 8th on the national medals table. Two of the state’s athletes clinched gold medals in cycling, a result that earned Plateau further recognition at national level.
“Plateau coaches have also performed excellently well,” Gunen said.
He added that Plateau is now making waves not only in handball, badminton and powerlifting, but has also expanded into cycling and other para-sport events.
The progress reflects a deliberate widening of the state’s sporting structure, shifting from a narrow focus on able-bodied sports to a more inclusive system that supports athletes with disabilities.
Athlete welfare has also become central. Gunen emphasized that education remains a key part of policy direction.
“Education is what Governor Caleb Mutfwang is prioritizing, because no one can employ just any athlete without education, as sports and education work hand in hand,” he pointed out.
Infrastructure, sporting identity
On Plateau’s identity in Nigerian athletics, the Sports Director stated that it is built on middle- and long-distance races, noting that the state still holds national records set in 1982, 1989 and 1993 that remain unbroken. This legacy is being reinforced by the current administration.
At the Senior Athletics Championship in Ghana, Plateau athletes won the 1500m and also competed in the 5000m races. The same athlete won gold in the 1500m at last year’s National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
For Gunen, these results show that the state is not starting from zero. “The goal is to support athletes with training, competition exposure, and welfare structure needed to turn talent into a sustainable venture.”
No review of Plateau sports would be complete without infrastructure. Governor Caleb Mutfwang has awarded the contract for the renovation of the Rwang Pam Township Stadium in Jos.
The project is intended to give Plateau United Football Club of Jos and Mighty Jets FC a proper home ground for league matches, addressing long-standing venue challenges affecting revenue, fan engagement, and performance.
A renovated Rwang Pam Township Stadium is expected to restore Jos as a premier sporting hub and strengthen the state’s sports economy.
For a state with a rich sporting history and deep passion for athletics and football, stakeholders say three years of consistency could reshape the next generation of athletes.