Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, and the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, has commissioned a Mediation Centre and Magistrate Court in Ngototgut Community, Shendam Local Government Area of the state.
Mutfwang commended Justice Dongban-Mensem for the visionary initiative, describing the project as a significant contribution to justice delivery and community development.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening public institutions, expanding access to justice, and accelerating grassroots development across Plateau State.
The landmark facility, donated by the President of the Court of Appeal, forms part of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria and the celebration of her 69th birthday.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, governor Mutfwang described Justice Dongban-Mensem as one of Plateau State’s most accomplished and distinguished daughters, whose exemplary service to the nation and unwavering commitment to community development continue to inspire generations.
The governor recalled how he supported her emergence as the substantive President of the Court of Appeal in 2020, noting that her eventual appointment represented a triumph of merit, integrity, competence, and justice.
“Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has made the Plateau State proud. Beyond her sterling judicial career, she has consistently demonstrated an uncommon commitment to the development of her community and the upliftment of our people.
Today, we celebrate not just a judicial icon but a worthy ambassador of Plateau State,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
Governor Mutfwang observed that the establishment of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre would significantly improve access to justice by providing a faster, more affordable, and less adversarial mechanism for resolving disputes, particularly in rural communities.
He noted that the facility would not only deepen justice delivery but also promote peacebuilding and social cohesion through amicable dispute resolution.
The governor further emphasized that the presence of the Mediation Centre and Magistrate Court would stimulate additional development within Ngototgut and its surrounding communities, creating opportunities for growth and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
Highlighting ongoing government interventions in Shendam local government area,
Governor Mutfwang disclosed that his administration remains committed to completing inherited road infrastructure projects and revitalizing critical economic assets within the locality.
“We are committed to upgrading our rural communities despite limited resources. The presence of this facility will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for additional development in this community and across the Shendam Local government area.
We will continue to mobilize contractors to ensure the completion of ongoing road projects, and we are also exploring ways to revamp the famous fishing facility in this area to boost local economic activities,” he said.
The governor also called for stronger collaboration between Plateau State and its distinguished sons and daughters occupying strategic national positions, stressing the need to leverage such opportunities to attract more federal projects and developmental initiatives to the state.
While congratulating Justice Dongban-Mensem on the dual milestones of the Court of Appeal’s golden jubilee and her 69th birthday, Governor Mutfwang prayed for God’s continued grace, wisdom, strength, and good health upon her life and service to the nation.
Earlier, the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, explained that the Mediation Centre was conceived to decentralize the administration of justice and bring alternative dispute resolution mechanisms closer to the grassroots.
She stated that, “Mediation offers disputing parties a quicker, more cost-effective, and less confrontational avenue for resolving conflicts while preserving relationships and promoting social harmony.”
Justice Dongban-Mensem further emphasized that the facility would reduce prolonged litigation, ease the burden on courts, and deepen access to justice for citizens in rural communities.
In separate goodwill messages, former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Senator Simon Bako Lalong; Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daniel Nanlong; and the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Hon. Justice David Mann, commended Justice Dongban-Mensem for her enduring contributions to judicial reform, community development, and nation-building.
They described the project as a transformative intervention that would strengthen justice delivery, foster peace, and accelerate development in Shendam and neighbouring communities.
The commissioning ceremony attracted judicial officers, traditional rulers, political leaders, legal practitioners, community stakeholders, and residents who gathered to celebrate a landmark project expected to leave a lasting legacy in Plateau State’s justice sector.
