The newly sworn-in Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Comrade Prince Miaphen, has pledged to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor, Hon. Musa Ashoms, while promoting unity and youth development across Plateau State.
Miaphen stated this on Wednesday while formally assuming office at the State Secretariat in Jos, Plateau State. He pledged to support and implement the policies and programmes of the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, particularly those aimed at improving the welfare and development of young people in the state.
The new Commissioner said the Mutfwang administration had prioritised youth welfare and development, stressing that he would work with stakeholders and seek the support of young people to achieve the government’s objectives.
He said his administration would operate an open-door policy and welcome constructive criticism, adding that he would be “blunt and direct” in discharging his responsibilities.
According to him, “I will be blunt and direct because I have criticised others in the past.”
Miaphen also pledged to renovate the three existing youth centres across the state and engage young people through dialogue during his proposed familiarisation tour. He said the initiative would help promote unity and foster development in Plateau State.
On sports development, the Commissioner said his administration would restructure sporting activities in the state to improve performance and produce better results at both national and international competitions.
The outgoing Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Ashoms, who has been redeployed to another ministry, said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the state and commended the people he worked with for their humility and dedication.
Ashoms thanked athletes, sports administrators and other stakeholders for their contributions to the development of sports during his tenure.
He disclosed that 96 medals were won in various sporting competitions during his tenure, while 15 slots were secured for members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, to cover international sporting tournaments.
He further stated that 500 youths were trained in various skills-acquisition programmes, while six widows were employed by the ministry on compassionate grounds.
Ashoms urged his successor to surpass the achievements recorded under his administration, describing Miaphen as a result-oriented individual capable of delivering on his mandate.
During goodwill messages, representatives of the Plateau State Youth Council and the Sports Council commended Ashoms for his contributions to the ministry and urged the new Commissioner to introduce fresh ideas that would further advance youth and sports development in the state.
The stakeholders also appealed to Miaphen to accommodate and work with all sectors of the youth population while promoting inclusiveness and unity.
Ashoms was first redeployed to the Ministry of Environment and was subsequently moved to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Meanwhile, a clergyman, Pastor Daniel Maskeke, offered prayers for the newly appointed Commissioner and pledged to support him spiritually and financially to achieve set goals.
