Gov. Mutfwang Realigns Plateau as a Premier Cultural and Tourism Hub as Bit Gamai 2025 Grand Finale Fosters Unity and Local Economic Growth

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging culture and tourism as catalysts for unity, peace, and inclusive economic growth, as the BIT-GAMAI 2025 Festival of Arts, Culture and Exhibition brought the State’s 2025 tourism and cultural calendar to a grand and colourful close.

Governor Mutfwang joined traditional rulers, political leaders, and citizens at the Shendam Mini Stadium on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, for the landmark celebration hosted by the Gamai Nation.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor described BIT-GAMAI 2025 as “a befitting conclusion to a very exciting year in our cultural calendar,” noting the symbolism of the Gamai Nation, widely known for unity and hospitality hosting the grand finale.

He observed that Shendam has, over the decades, evolved into a melting pot of cultures, stressing that “there is hardly any part of Plateau State that is not represented here, a testimony to the receptive and friendly nature of the Gamai people.”

Governor Mutfwang underscored unity as the bedrock of sustainable development on the Plateau and called on traditional institutions to continue serving as anchors for peaceful coexistence. “That the people of Plateau State will become united is a theme that is very passionate to my heart. Together, we are stronger,” he said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerated development across critical sectors, including infrastructure, water supply in Southern Plateau, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, and commercial expansion. The Governor further assured citizens of heightened development momentum in 2026, with the completion of ongoing road projects, the renovation of Shendam General Hospital, the activation of the Polytechnic project, and sustained investments in the State’s security architecture.

“Our number one enemy is poverty, and we must fight it together so that our people can prosper,” Governor Mutfwang declared.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, represented by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Bernard Doro, commended the people for preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Gamai Nation.

He assured them of the firm support of the APC National Chairman and pledged continued efforts toward inclusivity and equitable distribution of national resources to drive collective prosperity. He also called for stronger collaboration among Plateau people, irrespective of political, religious, or ethnic differences, in the interest of sustainable development.

Representing the leadership of the National Assembly, Senator Simon Bako Lalong conveyed the goodwill of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to the Gamai Nation and announced a donation in support of cultural development. He further canvassed legislative backing for strengthening traditional institutions in Nigeria, describing culture as a foundational pillar of identity, stability, and national cohesion.

Earlier, the National President of the Gamai Development Organisation (GUDO) and host of the festival, Dr. Albert Kelong Alkali, outlined key interventions by the organisation, including the near completion of an ICT training centre, the establishment of a cooperative society to support farmers, and the documentation of Gamai heritage through a community newsletter.

He commended Governor Mutfwang and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for improved peace and appealed for additional support for agriculture and youth empowerment.

In his welcome address, the Chairman its Shendam Local Government Council, Nicholas Nshe described Shendam as “the home of peace and hospitality,” highlighting its cultural diversity and long-standing tradition of harmonious coexistence. He thanked Governor Mutfwang for honouring the invitation and for completing the long-awaited Kallong-Pandam Bridge, describing the project as the fulfillment of a promise after more than four decades of anticipation.

Also speaking, the Grand Patron of the festival and Long-Gamai of the Gamai Nation, His Majesty, Miskoom Martin Mudu’utrie Shaldas III, described BIT-GAMAI as a historic annual celebration rooted in decades of cultural expression. He noted that the dances, masquerades, cuisines, and traditional attires on display vividly reflect the enduring Kwararafa heritage and the unity of the Gamai people.

The festival, which featured vibrant cultural performances and exhibitions from across Gamai land and neighbouring communities, concluded with renewed calls for peace, cultural pride, and collective action toward a more united, prosperous, and tourism-driven Plateau State.