Appreciating Dr Haggai Gutap DG PLASMIDA's contributions to Plateau economic rebirth on his Birthday.
August 28,2020
Dr. Haggai Gutap, DG, PLASMIDA
Perhaps, one key achievement of the present Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong is the creation of the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA). The appointment Dr. Haggai Haruna Gutap to head the agency, however, is perhaps the best decision byvtge Governor in executing his business roadmap for the State.
Gutap holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Economics and is completing research for the award of a Doctorate in Development Economics at the Nigeria Defense Academy, Kaduna.
He is a reputed development expert with core competence and experience in Microfinance, value chain, rural and Enterprise Development, Economic and Investment analyses.
Gutap is an accredited trainer by the Centre for Management Development (CMD), International Labour Organization, ITC/ILO, Lusaka Zambia, Central Bank of Nigeria/Anteneo Manila University of Philippines, and Small Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
He is equally an Agricultural value chain and SME finance expert certified by the School of African Microfinance, a certified Economist from the Chartered Institute of Economists and a student Member, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers of Nigeria.
A team leader for implementing Climate Change Adaptation and Agricultural Business Support Programme (IFAD/CASP) Katsina state and the North East Zonal Coordinating Consultant to Nigeria Incentive Based for Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), the revered economist was until recently, consultant to the Central Bank of Nigeria, World Bank, African Development Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), German International Cooperation (GIZ) sponsored projects here in Nigeria.
He was also the lead consultant responsible for the establishment of the first Farmers Microfinance Bank in Nigeria (Fadama Farmers Microfinance Bank Ltd.) in Jos, Plateau State under the World Bank sponsored project Fadama III.
As Director General of Plateau's only local enterprise development agency, and likely the first in Nigeria which currently exists as the only state affiliate of SMEDAN, Gutap has trained and financed thousands of entrepreneurs who are currently mopping the State of unemployed youths. Three of these SMEs in 2018, 2019 and 2020 won National Awards under the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Clinic programme of the Federal Government.
Jerry Mallo, best MSMSE 2018
Zang Bot, best Science and Technology Innovation, 2019
Mafeng Woodcraft, Best Furniture Designs 2020
Gutap turns a year older on August 27, and is clearly poised to expand his expertist, networks and opportunities for the good of the State. On his birthday, Gutap was on duty, and hardly had time for a sip in-between assignments. Few weeks earlier, he lost a close relation, but before rushing to receive already trouping sympathizers at home, Gutap insistently went to work and ensured he cleared pending work files. Little wonder then, he has maintained the weight he came into office with in 2017.
With this hardwork and dedication to duty, Plateau can only expect far more strides before 2023 when his principal would round off hos tenure.