THE NIGHT STORY, ACCORDING TO HON. DR. BERE GYANG

Street lights may appear ordinary, but their impact on public safety, urban life, and economic activity is far from ordinary. Across Jos city centre and other parts of Plateau State, the ongoing installation of street lights under the administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang is increasingly being seen not just as an urban renewal effort, but as a deliberate strategy to curb crime and enhance security.

This perspective was validated after an appearance by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Hon. Dr. Bere Gyang, on the live X (formerly Twitter) programme Power Check organised by The Time is Now.

During the session, Bere outlined the rationale behind several of the government’s urban interventions, including the widespread installation of street lighting across key parts of the city.

"Well-lit strets are widely acknowledged as a deterrent to criminal activity. Darkness often provides cover for robbery, vandalism, and other crimes, while illumination removes that advantage and increases visibility for residents, motorists, and security operatives. By improving night-hour visibility, the government is not only beautifying the city but also strengthening public safety and restoring citizens’ confidence to move freely once it turns dark.

Beyond security, the street lighting project supports broader urban renewal goals. According to Dr. Gyang Bere, the initiative complements ongoing projects such as extensive road construction within the city centre, the Tin City Metro initiative, rehabilitation of urban and rural road networks, improvements in healthcare delivery, and the development of the JMDB Market, among others.

He further explained how his office has maintained active engagement with the public to communicate government policies while also receiving feedback that helps to refine programmes and initiatives of the government where necessary.

Hon. Dr. Bere Gyang also highlighted the benefits of Governor Mutfwang’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting expected progress on major infrastructure such as the Akwanga–Jos–Gombe Road, alongside programmes like the Livestock Initiative and the Agro Rangers Initiative, which are projected to deliver long-term benefits to the people of Plateau.

Through such initiatives, the Plateau State Government continues to show that effective governance is not only about large projects, but also about thoughtful initiatives that quietly protect lives and property every day and night.