PLATEAU STATE EMBARKS ON SPORTS REVIVAL AS GOVERNOR MUTFWANG RECEIVES NEW TECHNICAL ADVISER FOR PLATEAU UNITED
By Gyang Bere
In a renewed drive to reposition the youth and sports sector for human capital development and economic sustainability, Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism in sports administration, as Plateau United Football Club unveiled a new technical direction aimed at restoring the club’s competitive edge.
Governor Mutfwang made this known on Thursday, January 9, 2026, at the Old Government House, Jos, during the formal presentation of the newly appointed Technical Adviser of Plateau United Football Club.
The Governor noted that football is a performance-driven and highly competitive global industry, stressing that timely and strategic decisions are critical to success. He explained that the approval for the mid-season restructuring of Plateau United followed wide consultations and careful consideration of concerns raised by supporters, whom he described as indispensable stakeholders in the club’s growth and success.
According to him, the goal of the restructuring is not merely to stabilise the team but to reposition it to excel and reclaim its pride of place among the leading clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Governor Mutfwang expressed strong confidence in the newly appointed Technical Adviser, Coach Olubenga Ogunbote, describing him as a seasoned and experienced professional with prior familiarity with Jos and Plateau State. He assured the technical crew of the full backing of the state government, emphasising that the club’s turnaround would be anchored on teamwork, discipline, professionalism, and a shared commitment to excellence.
The Governor further reiterated his administration’s readiness to support initiatives that promote accountability and best practices in sports administration, expressing optimism that the new technical leadership, working alongside government, club veterans, and supporters would usher in a new era of success for Plateau United Football Club.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Arc. Samuel N. Jatau, formally presented the technical team to the Governor, stating that the entire process leading to the appointment was transparent and in line with established procedures.
The Acting Chairman of Plateau United Football Club, Alhaji Alhassan Yakmut, commended Governor Mutfwang for his transparent, responsible, and people-centred style of leadership, noting that Plateau State continues to rank highly on national transparency indices. He explained that the appointment of a Technical Adviser followed internationally recognised football management practices, particularly in situations requiring team restructuring.
Alhaji Yakmut disclosed that all due processes were meticulously observed and supervised by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the State. He formally presented Coach Ogunbote to the Governor and symbolically handed over the club’s jersey, describing the gesture as a signal that Plateau United’s journey back to the top five positions in the NPFL had commenced in earnest.
He further revealed that the process was witnessed and validated by respected figures in Nigerian football, including Ndebituus Beroan, whom he described as a living legend and a founding player, coach, and administrator of the club. According to him, the presence of such veterans reinforces the credibility and integrity of the new technical direction.
The Acting Chairman added that the restructuring process enjoys the support of key government and sports stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Director of Sports, Professor Ezra Gunen, the Sporting Director of Plateau United, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Gideon Atu, and other senior officials.
Alhaji Yakmut also confirmed that the club is working closely with the One United Supporters Club and other stakeholders to foster unity and a sense of collective ownership, noting that the chairman of the supporters’ club was part of the presentation delegation.
In his response, the newly unveiled Technical Adviser, Coach Olubenga Ogunbote, assured of his total commitment to repositioning Plateau United, stating that the focus would be on rebuilding confidence, strengthening team cohesion, and enhancing performance.
“We are going to integrate a few quality players, but it will not be wholesale recruitment because synergy is crucial in a team. The most important thing is to help the players rediscover themselves and restore their belief and hope,” he said.
Dr Gyang Bere is the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Plateau State Governor
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