The Hausa community leader in Nkan village popularly called Gindin Akwati in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Engr.Abdullahi Mohammed Nabanki has expressed shock,disbelief & disappointment over a fund raising invitation card trending on social media which referred to him as Emir.
In a strongly worded statement Nabanki described the invitation card from Professional Hunters Assoc.of Nigeria Gindi Akwati branch as not only misleading & malicious but a calculated attempt to malign & tarnish his reputation.
He vowed to use all it takes to address the mis representation which is aimed at creating mistrust and disrepute among the peace loving people of Gashish District.
Engr.Nabanki assured the Gashish traditional council and the good & hospitable people of Gashish and Barkin Ladi of his undiluted loyalty & co operation in other to consolidate the peace that is being attained.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says the State has put behind its dark days that were characterised by violence and destruction and is now coasting to prosperity, unity and peaceful coexistence as a result of the decisive actions taken by his administration to provide a platform for the citizens to drive the peace and reconciliation process.
The Governor who spoke at the inter denominational Church Service to commemorate the 2023 Plateau Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation held at the St. Monica’s Catholic Church Rantya Jos said the people have broken down the barriers to peaceful coexistence by engaging one another and uniting against crises merchants.
He said the commemoration of the Plateau Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation was instituted as part of the Plateau State Roadmap to Peace in order to restore, strengthen and deepen the peace and security of the State which was previously truncated before he came into office.
“The Day of Forgiveness which was unveiled and launched by Mr. President in 2018 has since then been implemented by the Plateau Peace Building Agency which we established as the first in the country with the sole responsibility of coordinating and implementing all our efforts towards removing toxic narratives, crisis merchandizing, violence and tackling root causes of disharmony and intolerance. As a Government, we have been very conscious of the fact that the process of restoring peace and confidence among the people cannot succeed without forgiveness and reconciliation. Gladly, we have succeeded in bringing people who were considered foes at one time or another to dialogue, engage, and confront their fears and anxieties in an atmosphere of love, rather than suspicion and accusations”.
The Governor explained that the Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation which coincides with the date Plateau State was created, is not meant to trivialize or gloss over the trauma, pain and agony that many people experienced on account of the various crises that took lives and properties in the State. Rather, it is to appeal to their conscience and take people to the path of forgiving the past and looking ahead to the future that will be devoid of such ugly experiences.
He urged the leadership of the Church to continue to advocate for peace and tolerance which will help build a better society where people can freely exercise their freedoms including the right to worship.
Lalong said as a sign of his administration’s appreciation for the role that the Church in particular and faith-based organisations in general have continued to play in the development of Plateau State, he recently approved the return of 32 missionary schools to their original owners.
He used the opportunity to clarify the insinuation being made by some people that some villages have been taken over by herdsmen in the State and that the Government has not done anything about it.
He debunked the report and said that there is no report on his table that any village has been taken over. He said the Government took proactive steps to prevent such from happening by passing and signing into law the Anti-Land Grabbing law in 2020.
“By this law, anyone whose land has been forcefully taken is expected to write to me, his traditional ruler, Local Government Chairman, elected representative or even approach the court directly for redress. So far, no one or any community has done so. Rather, some people sit here in their homes and elsewhere to engage in politics and blackmail. I want the world know that what we have been doing is to return displaced persons who fled their homes due to attacks back to their ancestral lands. For example, the site for the construction of a Police Mobile Barracks in Kakuruk, Gashish District Barkin Local Government has been handed over to the contractor who will start work immediately to provide security for the people to return to their lands. Another village, Jong Community in Ropp District of Barkin Ladi was returned to their abode last two months ago. Similarly, Shonong Community in Bachit District of Riyom Local Government has also been returned to their homes”.
Governor Lalong said anyone who has such complaint should write to the Government or go to court to protest such infraction if it happens promising that he will not spare anyone who tries to lay claim on any inch of Plateau State that does not belong to him.
In his homily, Catholic Archbishop of Jos Most Rev. Ishaya Audu commended the Governor for instituting the Day of Forgiveness which he said reminds the citizens of the roles that they all played in one way or the other during events of the past which gives them the opportunity to make amends and ensure that it does not happen again.
Citing scriptures from Matt 18: 29, James 2:13 and Matt 6:14, he said Christians are the Salt of the Earth and expected to pull down all barriers for peaceful coexistence, tolerance, good neighbourliness and mutual respect.
He said Plateau remains a great State that attracts people from all over the world and has now began to witness the influx of people that seek opportunities for business, leisure and residence.
Prayers were offered for God’s blessings upon Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State. 5th February 2023.
GOVERNOR LALONG CONDOLES FAMILY OF LATE PLATEAU MILAD, AIR COMMODORE DAN SULEIMAN
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has paid a condolence visit to the family of Late Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, former Military Administrator of Plateau State who died at the age of 80.
Lalong who was accompanied by Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Idris Wase visited the residence of the deceased in Abuja where he described the former Military Administrator as a man of character and principle.
He said Late Dan Suleiman was a patriotic and committed Nigerian who apart from serving the nation diligently in the Airforce, committed himself to the return to democratic rule particularly with his participation in NADECO.
The Governor said he enjoyed cordial relationship with the former Military Administrator who gave him valuable counsel particularly at difficult times.
While commiserating with the family, the Governor urged them to take solace in the fact that their father fought for justice and unity of Nigeria, leaving behind a legacy that will endure.
Son of the deceased Jim Suleiman thanked the Governor for the visit and said they were consoled by the good testimony of their father who was loving, caring and supportive.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 2nd February 2023.
APC Vice Presidential Candidate Senator Kashim Shettima and Director General of the APC Campaign Council/Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong were in Gudi, Nasarawa State, the country home of the State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule on Sunday to commiserate with him over the loss of his son Alhaji Hassan AA Sule who recently died at the age of 36.
Senator Kashim Shettima and Governor Lalong conveyed the condolences of the APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman of the Campaign Council Presidential Muhammadu Buhari as well as the entire leadership of the PCC.
They described the demise of the Governor’s son as a huge loss to Nasarawa State and Nigeria considering his passion to serve humanity.
While consoling the Governor and his family, they prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.
Governor Lalong later presented an official letter of condolence on behalf of the Government and people of Plateau State which was received by the Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and DG APC Presidential Campaign Council. 29th January 2023.
The Northern Governors Forum has sent condolences to their colleague, Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule over the death if his son Alhaji Hassan A.A. Sule who died at the age of 36.
In a message of commiseration, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong described the demise of the Governor’s son as very painful and sad.
He said the departure of the young man at his youthful age is most unfortunate because he has a lot to offer to the society.
While urging the Governor and his family to accept the development as the will of God, Lalong said the Northern Governors are with him at this moment of grief and sorrow.
He prayed God to console them and grant the deceased eternal rest.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum. 27th January 2023.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has reiterated that the decision of his administration to hand over all missionary schools to their original owners is in realisation of the need to partner with faith-based organisations for greater educational development of the State.
The Governor said this when he received the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria Arch Bishop Anthonio Phillipazi who paid him a courtesy visit at the new Government House Little Rayfield Jos.
The Governor who appreciated the Papal Nuncio for the visit said he has continued to enjoy the support and prayers of the Church in the discharge of his duties as Governor of Plateau State, Chairman Northern Governors Forum and currently the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
He acknowledged the role that the Catholic Church has played in the educational sector of Nigeria and in Plateau State saying such foundation gave many people including him the opportunity to serve the nation with passion, integrity and honesty.
Lalong told the Nuncio that very soon, the State would mark the day of forgiveness where continuous prayers and advocacy for reconciliation, forgiveness, tolerance and fighting crime would be highlighted. He disclosed that the State will invite the Papal Nuncio to join in the celebration.
The Papal Nuncio thanked the Governor for sparing time to receive him and his team explaining that he was in Jos to Commission a new building in St. Augustine Major Seminary Jos.
He said the Church is growing fast particularly in the North disclosing that the new Diocese of Wukari will be inaugurated in April with the new Bishop installed. He said this growth is possible when there is collaboration and unity in the body of Christ.
The Governor later hosted the Papal Nuncio and his team to dinner.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 23rd January 2023.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has warned civil servants to avoid being used by politicians to sabotage Government programmes and projects particularly as political activities heighten in the country. Governor Lalong spoke while swearing in 10 new Permanent Secretaries recently approved for the State Civil Society at the Victoria Gowon Hall, new Government House Little Rayfield Jos. He congratulated them for being appointed to the pinnacle of the civil service having gone through the requisite exams and vetting, and found to be suitable for appointment into these exalted offices. He said it was the reward for their years of hardwork, dedication and commitment to the progress of Plateau State and Nigeria. He said “May I sound a note of warning to the appointees that we shall not tolerate indiscipline, indolence, disloyalty and flagrant abuse of office. Any of you found to be involved in any act of sabotage will be shown the way out and subjected to all disciplinary procedures. This warning is important because we are in the peak of politicking where the temptation for disloyalty is high. Rather than get enmeshed in politics, you should concentrate on implementing Government projects, programmes and policies that will enable us deliver our mandate to the people. That way, you will be writing your name in gold within the annals of achievements of the Rescue Administration as well as setting up yourselves for greater service to the State and nation in the future”. He asked the new Permanent Secretaries to consider this elevation as a huge challenge to show the stuff they are made of, and also demonstrate that indeed they earned the promotion. “This is not the time to think you have arrived and become lethargic, arrogant and power drunk. The civil service is a well-structured bureaucracy that follows a long tradition of rules regulations and guidelines. At this point, you do not need to be schooled on the terms and conditions of the service. However, I must remind you that you are expected to work within the schedule of the service to avoid getting into trouble or putting the system in jeopardy” he said. Lalong challenged the appointees to put in extra effort to justify this elevation and also set a good example for the staff that they are expected to guide and direct, saying they must uphold the virtues of probity, accountability, honesty, fairness and justice. Responding on behalf of the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, Gongden Micah Sunday appreciated the Governor for appointing them and pledged that they will put in their best to assist the administration consolidate the due process, prudent management of resources, building systems and transparency which have been the hallmark of the Rescue Administration. Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to Executive Governor, Plateau State. 24th January 2023.
Plateau State Governor Simon has consoled with the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu over the death of his mother Kaka Rose Akare Atu who died at the age of 103.
In a message, Governor Lalong described the late Kaka Rose Atu as a woman of substance who dedicated her life to the service of her family, immediate community and humanity at large.
He said the deceased was a community leader whose passion for mentoring and nurturing the younger generation went beyond her immediate family to her community and society at large.
Lalong said the result of her sacrifices, hardwork and resilience is evident in her children who have turned out to be useful to the society serving in different capacities and making impact.
While commiserating with the Secretary to the Government and other members of the family, the Governor urged them to take solace in the fact that their mother lived to a ripe age of 103 and continued to serve God till her last moments.
He advised them to ensure that her legacies of love, sacrifice, patience, love for God and hardwork are sustained in their conduct and passed to the next generation.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 25th January 2023.
A new Commander, Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim has assumed command of the Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) Headquartered in Jos, Plateau State.
He took over office from Major General Ibrahim Ali, who was recently posted to Theatre Command North-East Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) as Theatre Commander.
Speaking during the handing and taking over ceremony held at Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN today 20 January 2023, the outgoing commander, Major General Ali assured that men and officers of the command have expressed readiness to cooperate with the incoming commander in achieving the aims and objectives of OPSH, especially in sustaining its kinetic and non-kinetic approaches toward achieving lasting peace.
The outgoing commander lauded personnel of OPSH for their cooperation, steadfastness and dedication throughout his tour of duty of the command. He charged them to continually demonstrate high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties as stakeholders in the corridor of peace.
In his remarks, the incoming commander, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim said achievements recorded by the outgoing commander would be sustained and improved on.
Major General Ibrahim urged men, officers and relevant stakeholders in the corridor of peace to unite against crimes within the Joint Operation Area of the command. He charged personnel on the need to remain disciplined and continually preach peace for the advancement of the society.
The Incoming commander also reiterated the commitment of the command, in delivering on its mandate of maintaining peace through organizing social intervention programs for host communities and use of non-kinectic approach in dispute resolution.
The high points of the event were signing of the handing and taking over notes by the Outgoing and Incoming Commanders, decoration of the Incoming Commander with command insignia and group photograph.
You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium. Thank you for the usual cooperation.
*OYA JAMES* Captain Media Information Officer OPSH
Impressed by his achievements, contributions and support to his alma mater, members of Shendam Old Students Association (SOSA) has thrown their weight behind Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong for his election to the Senate to represent Plateau South Senatorial District.
The members who made their stand known at the 5th National Convention and Award Presentation held at the school in Shendam said the Governor has made the school proud by his personal achievements and success in politics which has resulted in rapid development of the school.
Chairman of SOSA Comrade Emmanuel Dashe said the Governor has proven that with hardwork, determination and God’s grace, anyone can rise from humble beginnings to any height.
He said as an ambassador of GSS Shendam, the Governor has not only given a good account of himself but put the school’s name in good light through his performance as Governor of Plateau State, Chairman Northern Governors Forum and Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council. He said they are fully behind him and are sure that he will take Plateau State to prominence in national politics.
In a keynote address, Guest Speaker at the Convention and a member of first set of the school (SOSA 1978) Prof. Garba Sharubutu said SOSA members have come a long way and must appreciate God for raising them from a humble beginnings to greatness.
Prof. Sharubutu who is the Executive Secretary Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria said the school is privileged to have produced many eminent personalities including the Governor, Professors, Vice Chancellor, Permanent Secretaries, Speakers, Senior Security Officers among others.
He praised Governor Lalong for being a shining star of the school and carrying along his school mates in various ways, saying the endorsement for the Governor’s Senatorial bid as well as his Principal Asiwaju was in order because he needs to continue his great work at the Federal level where he already has wide contact and commanded influence based on his performance.
Commissoner for Secondary Education Mrs. Elizabeth Wapmuk said SOSA has been united, energised and refocused by the Governor whose passion for education has seen the sector being transformed rapidly.
Wapmuk appreciated SOSA for supporting the school with infrastructure, facilities and even teachers.
Principal of the school Mrs. Susan Dandam said the old students have made the school proud by constantly completing the efforts of the State Government.
Dandam praised the Governor for changing the face of the school through development of infrastructure, manpower and the facilitation of other donor support such as the World Bank assisted AGILE project.
In his speech, Governor Lalong recalled with nostalgia his days at GSS Shendam where he said the teachers did their best to instill discipline and also give then quality education.
He commended the pioneer leaders of SOSA for laying the solid foundation upon which the school alumni is standing on. According to him, the school has done a lot to raise people that represented Plateau and Nigeria in various endeavours who need to be recognised and celebrated.
Lalong said the principles of love, tolerance, unity and peace which were taught in the school have continued to guide his conduct as a politician whose passion is for bringing people together irrespective of religion, ethnicity and other differences.
He told them that as DG of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Chairman Northern Governors Forum, he knows the benefits of national politics and being in the mainstream which benefits more people than being in opposition and always complaining of marginalization.
He thanked SOSA for supporting him over the years and also affirming their willingness to vote for him for Senate as well as for Tinubu/Shettima ticket.
The Governor presented an 18 seater bus for the school on behalf of his class of set 82. He also visited the student hostels.
He also recieved an award for exemplary service and achievement in transforming the State.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 20th January 2023.
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