The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has launched the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) on the Plateau, an initiative of the Cocin Community Development Program (CCDP) aimed at empowering rural communities and fostering economic independence.
The launch took place at Lamonde Hotel in Jos and was presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Policy and General Service Office of the SGS, Timothy Gayi, who represented the governor.
In his address, Gayi reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to financial inclusion and sustainable development, describing the VSLA as a major tool for transforming the lives of women, youth, and low-income households.
“The program is designed to encourage a culture of regular savings and provide beneficiaries with access to microloans, which are vital for building household resilience and stimulating local economies,” he said.
He further assured that the government would continue to monitor the program’s success and provide training in financial literacy, business skills, and cooperative development to ensure long-term impact.
Government officials, including the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, the Director General of PLASMIDA, the ALGON Chairman, and the Commissioner of Agriculture, expressed strong support for the initiative.
Hon. Adams Bulus Lekshak, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, thanked all stakeholders involved in the formal launch and emphasized the importance of fostering savings and investment opportunities in rural communities.
CCDP Coordinator, Mr. Josiah Mahwash, explained that the CCDP is the development arm of COCIN, established in 1997, with a mission to create peaceful, empowered, and sustainable communities free from poverty. Its key program areas include community mobilization, livelihood and poverty reduction, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and partnerships with organizations such as Oxfam.
He noted that the VSLA has already developed a strong saving culture among beneficiaries, many of whom are using their savings for business and livelihood improvements.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives from the Commissioner of Agriculture’s office, the DG of PLASMIDA, and the ALGON Chairman.
The event also featured testimonies from beneficiaries, including one who shared her journey from being a primary school teacher to becoming a successful farmer and livestock owner, crediting her achievements to disciplined savings through the VSLA.
The highlight of the event was the official launch of the VSLA by Governor Mutfwang, signaling the start of a program that is expected to significantly boost economic empowerment and financial security across rural Plateau communities.