Helen Mutfwang

I am honored to be at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, continuing the important global conversation on advancing the rights, empowerment, and wellbeing of women and girls.

I encouraged youths in Plateau State to remain strong and hopeful despite the challenges confronting our dear state, and not to allow traumatic experiences define their future.

At the conclusion of the three-day trauma healing and capacity-building workshop for youths and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), held at the Leadership and Citizenship Centre, Lamingo, Jos, I expressed my joy at the visible transformation in the lives of the participants.

It was deeply fulfilling to see how the workshop helped in restoring hope by addressing emotional wounds while also equipping the youths with practical skills that will support economic stability and strengthen their capacity for community leadership.

Listening to the testimonies from participants was particularly touching. Many of them shared how impactful and enlightening the sessions were, and how the programme helped them understand trauma, confront it, and begin the journey toward healing. Their words reassured me that this initiative is truly making a difference.

The workshop featured several memorable activities, including a hiking exercise, presentation of certificates, and the disbursement of monetary support to all participants to encourage them as they take the next steps in rebuilding their lives.

I remain committed to supporting programmes that bring healing, hope, and empowerment to our youths and communities across Plateau State.

Day Two of the Trauma Healing and Capacity-Building Workshop.

As I observed the sessions, I was deeply moved by the courage shown by participants who chose to open their hearts and share their experiences.

The interactive group discussions formed a vital part of the healing process. Through these conversations, participants were able to unburden themselves, connect with others who have faced similar pain, and begin the gradual journey toward emotional restoration. Seeing them find strength in one another reminded me why this initiative is so important to me.

With the support of trained facilitators, psychosocial guidance and practical coping strategies were provided to help participants understand their experiences, manage their emotions, and rebuild their confidence. My hope is that every participant leaves this workshop stronger, more hopeful, and reassured that they are not alone.

As the wife of the Governor of Plateau State, I remain committed to creating safe spaces where healing, support, and empowerment can take place, especially for those who have endured trauma.

As a mother to every child and youth in our dear state, I, Her Excellency, Barr. Helen Mutfwang, had the honour of declaring open a three-day Trauma Healing and Youth Life Skills Training for 250 internally displaced youths drawn from communities in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Riyom areas that have endured heartbreaking attacks in recent times.

This transformative programme, which is a core part of my pet project, is being carried out in partnership with UNICEF, and is currently holding at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Lamingo, in Jos North.

For me, this training represents more than a programme, it is a crucial step in our collective efforts to rebuild, restore, and re-empower the resilient young people who have faced unimaginable hardship over the years.

Through this initiative, we are equipping participants with vital life skills such as effective communication, confidence-building, decision-making, leadership, community participation, sanitation and hygiene practices, as well as essential knowledge on preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

My deepest desire is that these young ones emerge from this training strengthened, hopeful, and better equipped to rebuild their lives and their communities.

Plateau State First Lady, Barr. Helen Mutfwang has reaffirmed her commitment to tackling digital gender-based violence (DGBV), saying the state government will continue strengthening efforts to protect women and girls from online abuse.
She made the remarks in Jos during the flag-off of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, themed: “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”

Barr. Helen described the annual campaign as “a period that raises awareness and galvanizes action to end violence against women and girls.”
The First Lady assured that she will continue advocating for stronger policies that protect women’s rights.“Digital violence is real — no excuse for online abuse,” she stated.

The event had in attendance various women's groups, stakeholders, and students from schools across the state.

The first Lady and Wife of the Executive Governor of Plateau State Barr. Helen Mutfwang has commiserated with families of victims of the Saint Academy building collapse, where some students lost their lives and many sustained various degrees of injury.

Mrs Mutfwang visited the survivors at the Plateau Specialist Hospital Jos, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Bingham University Teacher Hospital and Our Lady of Apostle, in company of the Commissioner of Women Affairs Mrs Caroline Dafur, Special Adviser on Gender and Equal Opportunity Rights Commission Mrs Olivia Dazyem, and Wives of the Transition Committee Chairmen amongst other government officials.

The first Lady expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident and encouraged the victims to stay strong in the face of the devastating experience

The first Lady also payed condolence visit to families of Mallam Suleiman Sale at Sabon Layi and Tizhe Tagwai at Utan who lost their children in the building collapse, and prayed for God's comfort for the families.

Special prayers were offered to the victims and a token was given to them by the first Lady.

PLATEAU STATE STANDS STRONG AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

The International Day of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was a resounding success in Plateau State.

Citizens, particularly our youth, were empowered to choose a life of purpose over the destructive path of drugs. Let's embrace a brighter future together!

The Time Is Now Administration is taking action. We're committed to:
- Strengthening drug prevention and education programs
- Expanding access to treatment and rehab services
- Disrupting drug trafficking networks with strong law enforcement

Parents and caregivers, you're crucial! Educate and guide your children about the dangers of drug abuse. Together, let's build a Drug Free Plateau for a better tomorrow.

Today, I celebrate the incredible achievements, resilience, and strength of women everywhere. May we continue to empower, support, and uplift each other as we strive for equality and justice. Here’s to all the remarkable women making a difference in the world – today and every day.