DR. CLETUS BAKO SHURKUK HANDOVER OVER SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, TAKEOVER OFFICE AS COMMISSIONER MINISTRY FOR WORKS

DR. CLETUS BAKO SHURKUK HANDOVER OVER SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, TAKEOVER OFFICE AS COMMISSIONER MINISTRY FOR WORKS* 28th August, 2026 The former Commissioner for the Plateau State Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk, has officially handed over the affairs of the ministry to Hon. Mohammed Salisu Nyalum, while simultaneously Takeover as the new Commissioner for the Plateau State Ministry of Works, following the recent cabinet reshuffle by His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang. During the handover ceremony at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Shurkuk reflected on the transformation recorded during his tenure. He noted that before he assumed office, many people regarded the ministry as one that had been neglected. However, through deliberate policies, strategic partnerships, and innovative programmes, the ministry regained relevance in driving technological advancement and youth empowerment in Plateau State. He expressed appreciation to Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his visionary leadership and commitment to positioning Plateau State as a hub for innovation, science, and technology. According to him, the Governor's support created an enabling environment for young innovators to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the state's development. Dr. Shurkuk urged the incoming Commissioner, Hon. Mohammed Salisu Nyalum , to sustain and build upon the achievements of the ministry, particularly the Plateau State Science, Technology and Innovation Festival (PLASSTIFEST), which has become a flagship programme for discovering and promoting local talents. He revealed that several participants from the PLASSTIFEST are currently representing Plateau State in Abuja with their innovative projects, demonstrating the impact of the initiative. He also commended the management and staff of the ministry for their dedication and teamwork throughout his time and appealed to them to extend the same cooperation and support to the new Commissioner to enable him succeed. Taking over at the Ministry of Works, Dr. Shurkuk reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the vision of the Mutfwang administration by ensuring continuity in infrastructure development across the state. He pledged to sustain ongoing projects, expand critical infrastructure where necessary, and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach both urban and rural communities through quality road construction and other public works. In his remarks during the handover, the outgoing Commissioner for Works, Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven, congratulated Dr. Cletus Shurkuk on his new role and emphasized that significant foundations had already been laid within the ministry. He reminded the new Commissioner that government is a continuum and urged him to ensure the completion of all ongoing projects while initiating new ones that will positively impact the lives of Plateau citizens. Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven also called on the management and staff of the Ministry of Works to work harmoniously with Dr. Shurkuk, stressing that teamwork, dedication, and professionalism remain essential to delivering the developmental agenda of Governor Caleb Mutfwang's administration.