THE DEMISE Of THE UJAH OF ANAGUTA A GREAT LOSS : Nde Victor David Dimka fsi
Nde Victor David Dimka fsi commensurates with the great Anaguta people and the Governor of Plateau State over the painful demise of His Royal Highness the Ujah of Anaguta ,Ujah Jauro Magaji who died on March 21,2021.
He described the demise of the Royal father as not only a big loss to the Anaguta people but to Plateau State at large, coming at a time when his fatherly advise and role is much needed. According to him, the Royal father has continued to strengthen the bond of unity since his coronation as the Ujah of Anaguta on 15/10/2018 and has been father to all. He will be greatly missed.
Nde Victor David Dimka fsi in heartfelt and sober reflections conveys his personal condolences to the Governor of Plateau State Rt.Hon.Simon Bako Lalong, the State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, the entire Anaguta nation and the good people of Plateau State at this moment of grief.
He prays to God almighty to grant the Royal father a peaceful rest. May God comfort the family, Anaguta and the entire people of Plateau State.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has institutionalised ICT local content in Plateau state with approval for the establishment of the Office for Plateau State Content Development (OPCD) to be domiciled within the Plateau State Information & Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA).
The OPCD will, for now, operate as a desk office inside the state’s IT development and regulatory agency. The new office will operate as a programme of the PICTDA. Part of the mandate of the OPCD is to implement the statutory guidelines requiring all government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to seek clearance from the PICTDA in respect of all ICT procurements and installations.
“Governor Lalong has continued to provide visionary leadership and notably in ICT, Plateau state is being prepared to be an active player in the digital economy with up-front policies aimed at building local capacity and patronage for indigenous talents, said Director General of PICTDA, Daser David in Jos, Plateau administrative capital.
National ICT local content implementation since 2013
At national level, ICT local content implementation effectively commenced in December, 3 2013 following the creation of the Office of National Content (ONC) designed to operate as a programme of the National Information Technology and Development Agency (NITDA).
Inspired by the successes of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) within the oil and gas industry, ONC was modelled to work closely with the NCDMB with the overall objective to promote indigenous ICT entrepreneurship and ensure government patronage for local ICT companies.
OPCD to show preference for indigenous companies
Also by design, the OPCD is targeting to “promote indigenous content by ensuring that preference is given to indigenous companies where capacity or the product or service exists before attempting to source outside.
“A focus on indigenous or local content to achieve the development of local skills, technology transfer, use of local manpower in manufacturing and service provision. A move towards ICT development as enshrined in the mandate of PICTDA.
“The registration of all ICT companies in Plateau and the domestication of the guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with a focus on revenue generation for Plateau State.”
Since 2013, the NITDA has aggressively pursued the implementation of the local content guidelines to achieve a target of 50% local content in the industry. With the creation of the OPCD, Plateau state is similarly seeking to impose local content requirements on companies operating in the sector.
Like a mustard seed that fell on a fertile land and sprouted to produce fruits, the life story of young Victor David Dimka was certainly akin to the biblical parable of the sower. The sequential rise to the top of this young man is a herculean task to sieve as he is determined to push all through.
Born a week after Nigeria’s Independence on October 7, 1960 to parents whose life was fully exposed to the advent of the Christian faith in Plateau Central; Victor’s journey in life started like a ray of sunlight that peeks over the cloudy horizon, penetrating the gray skyline with breathtaking colors.
It is not out of place to say that the aura that greeted his birth was the clue behind the outcome of the name given to him by his parents, Baba David Dimka and Matwok Elizabeth David Dimka, of blessed memory. And that star has shone ever brilliantly, just like his name. The first son that was conceived in the wake of the historic victory of his father at the Federal House of Representatives elections of 12th December 1959 has truly lived up to his billing and name.
As the saying goes, the best and highest rating of any outstanding pilot is never in how well he takes off, but how perfect he landed. But in the case of Victor David Dimka, both the take-off and landing were perfectly executed to the glory of God as he rose through thick and thin to become Comptroller of Customs in Nigeria.
Although his father distinguished himself in political leadership as an Honourable member of the Federal Parliament, Lagos in 1959 and reelected in 1964, and later was one of the ‘Fifty wise men’ that drafted the 1979 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this young man refused to settle for this bed of roses. Instead, he courageously chose the path of struggle and hard work like any other child from day one to be what he is today.
Victor, the multiple award winner is a chip off the old block and this manifested right from his early days at Tuwan Primary School in Kabwir district of Kanke LGA in Plateau State. He was an outstanding pupil and athlete all through his school days. For his secondary school education, he started at Yakubu Gowon College Sharam, in Kanke LGA of Plateau State, but later transferred to Government Secondary School Pankshin, where he passed out with flying colours in 1979. Victor was admitted to study Political Science at the University of Jos, graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor’s Degree and proceeded for the mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC) where he served as a prolific Feature Writer with the Nigeria Herald Newspaper, Ilorin, in Kwara State.
Later while working, Victor in between his busy schedules, squeezed time to study and obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Lagos in 1999, and a second Master’s Degree in Diplomacy and Strategic Studies from the same University in 2014.
Victor did not rest on his oars as he expressed an undying desire for a uniform job and attempted to enroll into the Nigeria Army, but luck was not on his side. Undeterred by that development, he later got enlisted in his beloved career, the Nigeria Customs Service after three years of patient waiting.
After the mandatory training at the Customs Training School, in Ikeja, he was commissioned as an Assistant Superintendent of Customs and posted to the notorious Idiroko Border under Ogun State Command. Serving from 1988 to 1993, he became nationally famous for his dogged fight against the smuggling of contraband goods and for his outstanding gallantry. He received many commendations from the service for his outstanding performance. He had within a short time become the nemesis of smugglers and other cross-border criminals.
Having distinguished himself, he was posted to Seme Border Command, where he again fought gallantly against Trans Border Crimes. With a reputation as ‘No Nonsense Officer and Gentleman’, he was later posted to Tin Can Island Command where he served from 1996 to 1999.
He also served in the Enforcement and Drug Unit from 1999-2000 and at Lilypond Area Command From 2001 to 2003. At Lilypond, he served as the Command’s Public Relations Officer, officer in charge of Clean Report of Findings (CRI)and later Personal Assistant to the Area Controller.
From 2003 to 2010, Victor Dimka, served in various capacities starting with the Enforcement and Drugs Unit in Abuja, Federal Operations Lagos, Tariff and Trade Unit Abuja, and the Officer in charge of Valuation, at Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Fano Bonded Terminal, Apapa and Airport Commands.
This distinguished career path, saw Victor David Dimka serving his country with pride at the Federal Operations Units, Zone ‘A’ first as a Deputy Controller, Operations and in December 2010 to 2011 as the Acting Comptroller. He later left for Institute for Security Studies Bwari, Abuja and bagged the Fellowship of the Security Institute (fsi).
Amongst numerous courses he attended while in service were, Course on Instructions on Custom and Excise, 1998; World Trade Organization Valuation Agreement, 2004; National Course on Investigation, 2004 and Valuation Training, 2009 all at Customs Training College Ikeja. Others include Land Border Interdiction Course-International Law Enforcement Academy, Gabrone, Botswana. World Customs Organization training courses included: Leadership and Management Development. 2016; Budgeting & Financial Management- at the American University of Sharjah UAE (School of Business Administration) 2014; Introduction to Computer, Microsoft office &SharePoint: Techno Brain West Blue-2014 and Modern Customs Management Techniques 2012 in that order.
For his excellent performance while in service, the gallant officer received numerous awards both at home and diaspora. These include Africa Merit Gold Award (African Moment Magazine), Anti-Smuggling CZAR (Crime Watch), Area Inspirational Leadership Award for Immense Contribution to Youth and National Development 2011, and Exemplary Leadership on Security (Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria) accordingly.
In addition, he received the Award of Excellence (Global Business Eagle), Best Turn Around Area Controller by Transport Development Group, Commander 9 Brigade Nigeria Army (Brig-General S.W.Muazu Award of Excellence), Controller General of Customs Commendations for improved Anti-Smuggle Operations, June 2011, Crime Reporters Association Of Nigeria; Exemplary Leadership In Security Award, Fellow of the Security Institute (fsi).2012, Fellow the Institute of Chartered Economic of Nigeria, Fellow Certified Institute of Shipping, Fellow the Institute of Criminology and Penology, Fellow Nigeria Institute of Management, Paul Harris Fellow, Gold Award by first Eminent Group Board of Trustees, Membership, International Association of Chiefs of Police, USA and National Association of Criminologists & Security Practitioners of Nigeria (Boarder Security Award).
Victor who is warm hearted has always been a champion of ploughing his hard earned resources in projects that will impact positively on the lives of the downtrodden and the upliftment of the economy of his community. Kanke Resort stands as a testimony of his believe in the rural economy of Plateau State. He provided brand new buses to his alma mater and the National Association of Ngas Students. Similarly he built conducive accommodation facilities for students opposite FCE Pankshin. An avid lover of sports development, he assisted long distance athletes with training facilities, feeding and transportation to sporting venues. He assisted Kabwir and Garram Communities in the development of a secondary school and town Hall respectively. He was a major contributor in the construction of the NDA Secretariat at Pankshin. He drilled and rehabilitated boreholes in several communities.
There are many who are gainfully employed in many MDAs as a result of his intervention. Many are the beneficiaries of his assistance in defraying medical bills and the payment of school fees. He has employed many in his farms especially those situated at Bwari Abuja and Sarkin Kudu in Taraba State. Indeed, the footprints of his philanthropist are all over the length and breadth of Nigeria.
Victor David Dimka (DVD) is happily married to Mrs Maureen Victor Dimka nee Sugh, and blessed with two children-Mrs. Jiritmwa Tapgun and Master Timothy Victor Dimka.
Like a mustard seed that fell on a fertile land and sprouted to produce fruits, the life story of young Victor David Dimka was certainly akin to the biblical parable of the sower. The sequential rise to the top of this young man is a herculean task to sieve as he is determined to push all through.
Born a week after Nigeria’s Independence on October 7, 1960 to parents whose life was fully exposed to the advent of the Christian faith in Plateau Central; Victor’s journey in life started like a ray of sunlight that peeks over the cloudy horizon, penetrating the gray skyline with breathtaking colors.
It is not out of place to say that the aura that greeted his birth was the clue behind the outcome of the name given to him by his parents, Baba David Dimka and Matwok Elizabeth David Dimka, of blessed memory. And that star has shone ever brilliantly, just like his name. The first son that was conceived in the wake of the historic victory of his father at the Federal House of Representatives elections of 12th December 1959 has truly lived up to his billing and name.
As the saying goes, the best and highest rating of any outstanding pilot is never in how well he takes off, but how perfect he landed. But in the case of Victor David Dimka, both the take-off and landing were perfectly executed to the glory of God as he rose through thick and thin to become Comptroller of Customs in Nigeria.
Although his father distinguished himself in political leadership as an Honourable member of the Federal Parliament, Lagos in 1959 and reelected in 1964, and later was one of the ‘Fifty wise men’ that drafted the 1979 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this young man refused to settle for this bed of roses. Instead, he courageously chose the path of struggle and hard work like any other child from day one to be what he is today.
Victor, the multiple award winner is a chip off the old block and this manifested right from his early days at Tuwan Primary School in Kabwir district of Kanke LGA in Plateau State. He was an outstanding pupil and athlete all through his school days. For his secondary school education, he started at Yakubu Gowon College Sharam, in Kanke LGA of Plateau State, but later transferred to Government Secondary School Pankshin, where he passed out with flying colours in 1979. Victor was admitted to study Political Science at the University of Jos, graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor’s Degree and proceeded for the mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC) where he served as a prolific Feature Writer with the Nigeria Herald Newspaper, Ilorin, in Kwara State.
Later while working, Victor in between his busy schedules, squeezed time to study and obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Lagos in 1999, and a second Master’s Degree in Diplomacy and Strategic Studies from the same University in 2014.
Victor did not rest on his oars as he expressed an undying desire for a uniform job and attempted to enroll into the Nigeria Army, but luck was not on his side. Undeterred by that development, he later got enlisted in his beloved career, the Nigeria Customs Service after three years of patient waiting.
After the mandatory training at the Customs Training School, in Ikeja, he was commissioned as an Assistant Superintendent of Customs and posted to the notorious Idiroko Border under Ogun State Command. Serving from 1988 to 1993, he became nationally famous for his dogged fight against the smuggling of contraband goods and for his outstanding gallantry. He received many commendations from the service for his outstanding performance. He had within a short time become the nemesis of smugglers and other cross-border criminals.
Having distinguished himself, he was posted to Seme Border Command, where he again fought gallantly against Trans Border Crimes. With a reputation as ‘No Nonsense Officer and Gentleman’, he was later posted to Tin Can Island Command where he served from 1996 to 1999.
He also served in the Enforcement and Drug Unit from 1999-2000 and at Lilypond Area Command From 2001 to 2003. At Lilypond, he served as the Command’s Public Relations Officer, officer in charge of Clean Report of Findings (CRI)and later Personal Assistant to the Area Controller.
From 2003 to 2010, Victor Dimka, served in various capacities starting with the Enforcement and Drugs Unit in Abuja, Federal Operations Lagos, Tariff and Trade Unit Abuja, and the Officer in charge of Valuation, at Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Fano Bonded Terminal, Apapa and Airport Commands.
This distinguished career path, saw Victor David Dimka serving his country with pride at the Federal Operations Units, Zone ‘A’ first as a Deputy Controller, Operations and in December 2010 to 2011 as the Acting Comptroller. He later left for Institute for Security Studies Bwari, Abuja and bagged the Fellowship of the Security Institute (fsi).
Amongst numerous courses he attended while in service were, Course on Instructions on Custom and Excise, 1998; World Trade Organization Valuation Agreement, 2004; National Course on Investigation, 2004 and Valuation Training, 2009 all at Customs Training College Ikeja. Others include Land Border Interdiction Course-International Law Enforcement Academy, Gabrone, Botswana. World Customs Organization training courses included: Leadership and Management Development. 2016; Budgeting & Financial Management- at the American University of Sharjah UAE (School of Business Administration) 2014; Introduction to Computer, Microsoft office &SharePoint: Techno Brain West Blue-2014 and Modern Customs Management Techniques 2012 in that order.
For his excellent performance while in service, the gallant officer received numerous awards both at home and diaspora. These include Africa Merit Gold Award (African Moment Magazine), Anti-Smuggling CZAR (Crime Watch), Area Inspirational Leadership Award for Immense Contribution to Youth and National Development 2011, and Exemplary Leadership on Security (Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria) accordingly.
In addition, he received the Award of Excellence (Global Business Eagle), Best Turn Around Area Controller by Transport Development Group, Commander 9 Brigade Nigeria Army (Brig-General S.W.Muazu Award of Excellence), Controller General of Customs Commendations for improved Anti-Smuggle Operations, June 2011, Crime Reporters Association Of Nigeria; Exemplary Leadership In Security Award, Fellow of the Security Institute (fsi).2012, Fellow the Institute of Chartered Economic of Nigeria, Fellow Certified Institute of Shipping, Fellow the Institute of Criminology and Penology, Fellow Nigeria Institute of Management, Paul Harris Fellow, Gold Award by first Eminent Group Board of Trustees, Membership, International Association of Chiefs of Police, USA and National Association of Criminologists & Security Practitioners of Nigeria (Boarder Security Award).
Victor who is warm hearted has always been a champion of ploughing his hard earned resources in projects that will impact positively on the lives of the downtrodden and the upliftment of the economy of his community. Kanke Resort stands as a testimony of his believe in the rural economy of Plateau State. He provided brand new buses to his alma mater and the National Association of Ngas Students. Similarly he built conducive accommodation facilities for students opposite FCE Pankshin. An avid lover of sports development, he assisted long distance athletes with training facilities, feeding and transportation to sporting venues. He assisted Kabwir and Garram Communities in the development of a secondary school and town Hall respectively. He was a major contributor in the construction of the NDA Secretariat at Pankshin. He drilled and rehabilitated boreholes in several communities.
There are many who are gainfully employed in many MDAs as a result of his intervention. Many are the beneficiaries of his assistance in defraying medical bills and the payment of school fees. He has employed many in his farms especially those situated at Bwari Abuja and Sarkin Kudu in Taraba State. Indeed, the footprints of his philanthropist are all over the length and breadth of Nigeria.
Victor David Dimka (DVD) is happily married to Mrs Maureen Victor Dimka nee Sugh, and blessed with two children-Mrs. Jiritmwa Tapgun and Master Timothy Victor Dimka.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU AT 69
The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated APC National Leader and former Governor of Lagos State Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on the occasion of his 69th birthday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong in a congratulatory message described Senator Tinubu as an accomplished politician and seasoned administrator whose strides in the nation’s socio-political landscape have remained outstanding.
Lalong said Asiwaju stands tall as a politician, statesman and patriot who exemplifies vision, dexterity and versatility in the course of nation building and national dialogue.
According to Governor Lalong, Asiwaju is a bridge builder who has continued to work for the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria, as well consistently offered wise counsel towards addressing national issues.
While wishing him many more years of peace, God’s divine protection and good health, the Northern Governors encouraged him to remain firm in his resolve to contribute to a greater Nigeria.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum. 29th March 2021.
GOVERNOR LALONG SWEARS IN NEW HEAD OF SERVICE/PERM SECS; WARNS AGAINST POLITICISING CIVIL SERVICE
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sworn in the new head of the State Civil Service Engr. Sunday Chong Hyat and 14 new Permanent Secretaries with a warning for them to guard against politicising the service.
Governor Lalong said the appointments which were made purely on merit, became necessary to fill existing vacancies created by the retirement of the Head of Service Mr. Izam Azi, mni and some Permanent Secretaries.
He urged them to consider their appointments as a great privilege to contribute their quota towards building a greater Plateau State by showing excellence and patriotism.
He said “Your appointments are not opportunities to engage in self-aggrandizement, self-enrichment and pursuance of parochial interests. Rather, these responsibilities demand that you take your commitments to the next level by exhibiting high sense of duty and patriotism. I expect you to be above board in your conduct in order to assert yourselves and earn the confidence of those under you. You must play strategic roles as mentors and leaders and be able to punish indolence and reward excellence and loyalty. Do not celebrate nor promote mediocrity, laziness and non-performance”.
Lalong also warned them against promoting the matters of ethnicity and politics in the civil service saying “I will also be watching you closely to ensure that you do not only supervise those under you, but will not hesitate to sanction any of you who fails to deliver his or her duties as expected. Let me warn you against promoting ethnicity, religion or politicising the civil service. Such actions will not be tolerated as the civil service is a professional calling which must remain so”.
To further strengthen professionalism in the civil service, the Governor directed that henceforth, appointments to the position of Permanent Secretary shall be based on professional aptitude tests and examinations that are ICT-based. This will also cascade down to other levels as we move governance towards e-platforms that will improve efficiency, productivity and value.
Lalong used the occasion to reassure Plateau State civil servants of the commitment of his administration to continue to prioritise their welfare and well-being. He challenged the new Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries to work hard and promote better industrial harmony between the Government and its employees, saying he has directed that a Permanent Secretary be designated to handle labour matters in the office of the Head of Service.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, the new Head Service Engr. Sunday Hyat appreciated the Governor for the previlege offered them and assured that they will put in their best to serve the administration and the people of the State.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 29th March 2021.
SPEECH BY H.E. RT. HON. SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG AT THE SWEARING-IN OF THE NEW HEAD OF SERVICE AND PERMANENT SECRETARIES HELD AT THE NEW GOVERNMENT HOUSE, LITTLE RAYFIELD JOS ON 29TH MARCH 2021. Protocols
It is another great day in the life of our State as we witness the opening of new chapters for the top echelon of the State Civil Service. As we swear into office the new Head of Service and 14 Permanent Secretaries, we are reminded that the task of building a better Plateau continues with zeal and vigour.
Let me therefore congratulate the new Head of Service Engr. Sunday Chong Hyat and the 14 Permanent Secretaries for this well-deserved elevation. Indeed you have been serving the State diligently and consistently over the years which has earned you these appointments. I also use this opportunity to congratulate the immediate past Head of Service Mr. Izam Azi, mni, for his meritorious service to the State and retiring without any blemish. I wish him a peaceful retirement.
For the appointees, you should be grateful for the grace of God in your lives and His benevolence that has kept you throughout the years. You may not have started your careers targeting for these appointments, but your steadfastness and sacrifices have enabled you to be recognized and be given this rare privilege. Like the Bible says in Proverbs 22:29 (Amplified Version), “When you see that a man is diligent in his work, he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before obscure men.”
The point being made here is the fact that your appointments were based on merit and the track record of performance. This does not suggest that your colleagues who were not privileged to be so appointed are not giving their best or are less qualified.
Again, the Bible in Ecclesiastes 9:11 tells us that “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all”. Just keep doing your best to serve the State and your time will also come to be elevated and celebrated.
It is for this reason that those of you appointed must consider your appointments as a great privilege to contribute your quota towards building a greater Plateau State. Indeed you should consider this elevation as a burden that you have to discharge with excellence and patriotism.
Your appointments are not opportunities to engage in self-aggrandizement, self-enrichment and pursuance of parochial interests. Rather, these responsibilities demand that you take your commitments to the next level by exhibiting high sense of duty and patriotism.
By this appointment, you are now the cream of the civil service and the custodians of its rich history and traditions. You are to set the examples for those under you to follow. As such, you need to uphold the civil service rules that guide policy formulation, implementation, and strategies as well as the conduct of government employees.
Having been in the system with this administration for the past 6 years, you must have been acquainted with the vision of the Rescue Administration and its 3-point policy framework which has been driving the progress of our State. Our administration has broadly been pursuing the restoration of peace, security and good governance; developing abandoned and new infrastructure; as well as charting a path for sustainable economic rebirth.
As we consolidate on the progress we have attained in the past six years, the administration expects you to galvanise the entire workforce and ensure that we complete the implementation of our programs and projects. Let me emphasize that the civil service is the driver of all government policies. You must therefore be on your toes in translating policies to action.
Apart from demonstrating absolute loyalty to the Government and the State, you must put in your best to see to the actualization of the 5-year strategic plan which is currently being implemented. Those of you who have not studied that document should get acquainted with it immediately.
I expect you to be above board in your conduct in order to assert yourselves and earn the confidence of those under you. You must play strategic roles as mentors and leaders and be able to punish indolence and reward excellence and loyalty. Do not celebrate nor promote mediocrity, laziness and non-performance.
I will also be watching you closely to ensure that you do not only supervise those under you, but will not hesitate to sanction any of you who fails to deliver his or her duties as expected. Let me warn you against promoting ethnicity, religion or politicising the civil service. Such actions will not be tolerated as the civil service is a professional calling which must remain so.
To further strengthen professionalism in the civil service, I have directed that henceforth, appointments to the position of Permanent Secretary shall be based on professional aptitude tests and examinations that are ICT-based. This will also cascade down to other levels as we move governance towards e-platforms that will improve efficiency, productivity and value.
I therefore urge all civil servants to take advantage of the opportunities provided by Government for training in ICT. In addition, I expect that civil servants will engage in self-development by enrolling in trainings to equip themselves with the latest knowledge in technology for easy application.
You should also shun all acts of corruption and compromise that further stifle the system and deny our people the dividends of democracy. Ensure that you work in line with the efforts of the Rescue Administration to manage public resources with transparency and accountability. We are doing everything possible to reduce the cost of governance and generate more revenue internally.
Like I submitted last Saturday while delivering the 11th Arewa House Lecture in Kaduna on Reducing the Cost of Governance, we must embrace prudence and adopt cost-cutting measures to save more funds that will be deployed in meeting the needs of our citizens. With commencement of the implementation of the new Revenue Law, we are confident that the income of the State will improve very soon to help us do more things for the people.
Until we reach that threshold, I admonish the appointees to be ready to make the necessary sacrifice because of the current economic realities that have been made worse by COVID-19.
Let me use this opportunity to reassure Plateau State civil servants of the commitment of my administration to continue to prioritise their welfare and well-being. Just like we have been consistent in the payment of salaries and other entitlements including the new minimum wage, we shall ensure that our workers are trained and retrained for better efficiency.
Having established the Plateau State Health Insurance Scheme, we are making arrangements to commence the Contributory Pension Scheme which will bring to an end the agony associated with payment of pension and gratuities of retirees. While we await the take-off of the scheme, the Government is currently in talks with financial institutions to facilitate the clearance of accumulated pension, gratuities and death benefits of retirees. All these are meant to alleviate the sufferings of our civil servants in service and retirement.
I challenge the new Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries to work hard and promote better industrial harmony between the Government and its employees. To this end, I have directed that a Permanent Secretary be designated to handle labour matters in the office of the Head of Service. Government believes that this will provide the desired focus and attention to labour matters and engender industrial harmony.
Finally, I call on our citizens, friends, relatives, school mates, professional colleagues and others to kindly pray and support these appointees. Do not add to their pressures or push them towards doing things that are unethical and capable of tarnishing their careers. They are not here to share money or award contracts. They are here to serve the people and finish their careers on a high note.
Once more I congratulate the appointees and wish you well. God bless Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong Executive Governor of Plateau State. 29th March 2021.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has on Friday, March 26, 2021, arraigned Cecilia Osipitan and her company, PJO Ventures Limited before Justice I.E Ekwo of the federal High Court Abuja on a nine count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and conversion of funds to the tune of six billion Naira.
The alleged funds were said to be part of the money earmarked for payment of outstanding insurance premiums and claims of deceased and incapacitated staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
The defendant, allegedly received and converted the funds to personal use, between 2014 and 2016.
One of the charges against the defendants reads: “That you, Cecilia Osipitan being Managing Director of PJO Ventures Limited on or about the 18th day of December, 2014, , in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, took possession of the sum of N6, 000, 000, 000. 00 (Six billion Naira) only paid into PJO Ventures Limited’s Skye Bank Account No. 1771645235 from Bestworth Insurance Brokers Limited’s Skye Bank Account No. 1771645118, being funds earmarked for payment of outstanding Insurance premiums and claims of deceased and incapacitated staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) which sum you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit Criminal Breach of Trust and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15 (2)(d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition as (Amended) Act, 2012 and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same Act.”
Upon the “not guilty” plea entered by defendant, the prosecuting counsel prayed the court to fix a date for trial.
However, Justice Ekwo granted bail to the defendant in the sum 200, 000, 000. 00 (Two Hundred Million) Naira with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a responsible citizen and owner of landed property which document shall be deposited with the Registry of the Court, after verification.
The defendant is also to deposit her international passport with the Court Registry and shall not travel out of the country without the approval of the Court.
Thereafter, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter till May 24, 25 and 26, 2021 for trial.
One person has been reported shot and hacked to death in the evening hours of Sunday 28th March at Gada Biu community in Jos the Plateau state. Reporting the incident to newsmen, residents say around the hours of 7 to 8 pm, they heard gunshots and noticed a group of persons chasing after the deceased. The chase was said to have started from the Gada Biu park Jos, after which the victim was then was shot. The perpetrators went on to use stones to smash the victim’s head to ensure that their act was carried to the fullest. The victim yet to be fully identified was said to be popularly known as ‘Animo’, a nickname for persons of Langtang descent. The police were said to have later arrived at the scene afterwards and made away with the body of the victim. You will recall that in a similar incident, a close-by community of Jenta Adamu, had no fewer than five people have been killed in February with the same reports of clashes by rival cult groups.
GAGDI REPRESENTED BY CHAMZY BAKO GRACES LUTUK DAY AND DONATED 100K
Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi was ably represented by his aide Mr Chamzy Bako in Lutuk, a neighbouring community with Gugur but under Gazum District In Langtang North LGA.
The event which was the coronation of Engr. Hosea Wukwa as Ngwang gwang Lutuk, that is Garkuwan Lutuk (Shield) for his community service to the people. The district head appreciated him for the many MDGs projects he has lobbied to the community 8 years back, he said after this long while, they dimmed it fit to honour him for such efforts that ever since, they have not witnessed any govt project of any sort.
Rt Hon Gagdi who was the Chief Launcher spoke through Chamzy, appreciated the community for finding him worthy to share in their moments of joy despite not being from their federal constituency. He congratulated Hon Hosea on his Coronation and encouraged him to continue to live up to the expectations of the people of Lutuk, he charged the people of Lutuk to be peace loving and to be ambassadors of charity.
The RT Hon then donated the sum of 100k for the completion of the community’s 3 classroom blocks, Comr CHAMZY having been moved with the level of work also donated the sum of 5k to support his principal’s donation towards the community project.
The deputy Chairman of Kanke LGA, Hon Luka Venji who was also present at the event came in double capacity, he represented Hon Emma Lar, the Executive Chairman of KANKE LGA and also Nde Victor Dimka. He donated the sum of 50k as the support from Nde Victor Dimka while Prince Rotdunna Sekat who represented the Father of the day, Lt Col. SG Fwangje rtd donated the sum of 20k. Pastor Iliya Jibi donated 2 bags of cement, Barr Mweldi also made his contribution to see to the Success of the project.
Engr Hosea Wukwa promised to always be there for the people saying he is highly humbled and grateful for the recognition…
Freelance Reporters 