By Blessing Odega
The lawmakers of the Plateau State House of Assembly have commenced a three-day strategic retreat to enhance their legislative capacity.
The Speaker, Mr Naanlong Gapyil, said at the opening of the retreat on Tuesday in Jos that it would also enhance collaboration and strengthen governance.
Gapyil explained that the retreat, which was for lawmakers and principal staff of the house, was also to deepen their understanding of legislative processes.
According to him, the retreat provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the workings of the legislature with specific emphasis on the mandate and powers of the house.
“The retreat would also enable the lawmakers and other participants to reflect on the governor’s vision and development priorities.
“It will aid us to identify mechanisms and legislative actions required to help the government achieve its set goals.
“The lawmakers would also examine the broader governance architecture and explore the role of other stakeholders in ensuring effective service delivery to citizens.
“The retreat also serves as a platform for legislators to bond, share experiences, and build effective networks.
“At the end of the three-day retreat, the lawmakers would have developed a shared vision aimed at improving governance outcomes and ensuring the well-being of all citizens,” he added.
He urged his fellow lawmakers to pay rapt attention during the retreat, as various resource persons would further enlighten them on their duties and mandate.
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, who virtually declared the retreat open, commended the lawmakers for the initiative, which showed the readiness of the house to prepare itself for the task ahead.
Mutfwang thanked the house for the cooperation he had enjoyed for the collective progress of the state.
The governor assured the house of the government’s continuous support and urged participants to pay rapt attention during the retreat.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the retreat is entitled “Improving Service Delivery Through Effective and Complementary Legislative Interventions”. (NAN)