By Prince Sekat, Jos

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated his Principal Private Secretary Barr. Cletus Kangkum on his 70th birthday.

Governor Lalong in a goodwill message said Barr. Cletus Kangkum has lived a life full of humility, hardwork, honesty and diligence as well as impacted so many people.

He said the celebrant is an accomplished administrator who performs his duties without fear or favour while mentoring the younger generation on the ethics, essence and rudiments of public service.

The Governor said such experience and quality service is what Kangkum has been carrying out since he joined the Rescue Administration in his present capacity and efficiently ensured that the office of the State Chief Executive functions seamlessly.

He also commended his devotion to God and contributions to the Church and the gospel, which he said has helped him raise children that are contributing meaningfully to society.

While wishing him many more years of good health, God’s protection and peace, Lalong urged him to continue to sustain his reputation as a reliable, honest and diligent man whose passion for justice, equity and fairness remains sacrosanct.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
31st December 2022.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has signed into law the 2023 Appropriation Bill of 149.9 Billion naira passed by the State House of Assembly.

While signing the budget into law in the presence of the Speaker House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda and Chief Judge David Mann, the Governor commended the State House of Assembly for giving due attention to the budget and passing it in record time in line with the provisions of SFTAS.

He said as the last budget of the Rescue Administration, the Government will do its best to implement the budget and smoothly bow out by handing over a virile economy to the next administration.

Lalong said the synergy between the three Arms of Government will continue as it has yielded positive results which are evident in the smooth running of Government and implementation of critical projects and programmes.

The Commissioner for Budget and Planning Dan Hirkop said the House of Assembly had raised the earlier budget of 139.3 Billion naira to 149.9 Billion having considered other issues such as injection of more staff into the workforce as well as transition to the next administration among others.

He said approved 2023 budget consists of recurrent expenditure of N84.153 Billion and capital component of N65.594 Billion.

Meanwhile the State Executive Council has approved the transmission of Draft Bill for the creation of the Plateau State Senior Secondary School Education Board to take charge of all secondary education matters.
Briefing newsmen after the Executive Council Meeting, the Commissioner for Secondary Education Mrs. Elizabeth Wapmuk said the creation of the Board will make management of secondary schools in the State more efficient and productive as funding, recruitment and human resource management will be better handled.

Commissioner for Information and Communication Dan Manjang said the council also the Council has recieved a request by the United Nations for the establishment of the Peace University in Plateau State. He said the Government is working with the UN to fine tune details of the venture.

He also disclosed that the modalities for the creation of Development Areas is still ongoing while the Council has advised traditional institutions which are yet to fill vacant stools to do so as soon as possible.

Manjang also announced the approval for the Debt Management Strategy of the State as well as recieved reports from two sub councils.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
29th December 2022.