Prince Sekat, Abuja


The Supreme Court has dismissed Senator Joshua Dariye’s conviction on criminal breach of trust which carries a 10 year jail sentence, reports say.

The court however upheld the second charge of criminal misappropriation of funds preferred against him which carried a 2 year jail sentence.

The Supreme Court on Friday delivered the judgment in the appeal filed by the jailed former Plateau Governor.

A five-man panel of the court, led by Justice Mary Odili, had, after hearing the appeal on December 17, 2020, fixed judgment for March 12, 2021.

Dariye is, by his appeal, praying the Supreme Court to upturn the November 16, 2018 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which convicted him and sentenced him to 10 years for diverting public funds estimated at N1.162billion while he was the Governor.

A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Stephen Adah, in its decision, upheld an earlier judgement by Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), delivered on June 12, 2018.

The trial court convicted Dariye on 15 counts relating to the offences of criminal breach of trust and criminal misappropriation, contained in the 23-count charge on which he was tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Appeal Court however faulted the trial court for convicting Dariye on counts 12 and 23, which it said the prosecution did not prove.

It also faulted the trial court for imposing the maximum sentences on both offences of criminal breach of trust and criminal misappropriation.

The Appeal Court proceeded to reduce the 14 years sentence for the offence of criminal breach of trust to 10 years, and reduced the two years sentence for criminal misappropriation to one year.

Arguing the appeal before the Supreme Court on December 17 last year, Dariye’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), asked the court to eith reverse his client’s conviction or reduce the 10-year jail term handed him by the Court of Appeal.

Agabi, after adopting his written argument, prayed the court to allow his client’s appeal and set aside Dariye’s conviction and sentence.

He argued that Dariye’s conviction was speculative and urged the court to show mercy on him.

He however added that, should the court be minded to disallow the appeal and affirm the decision of the Court of Appeal, it should reduce the sentence substantially.

*OVER 600 BENEFICIARIES OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SURVIVAL FUND COURTESY DISTINGUISHED SENATOR DIMKA RECEIVES THEIR N30,000 GRANT ACROSS THE FIVE LGAs OF PLATEAU CENTRAL*

‘What is for our people, we will truly and surely ensure that it reached them’ This the usual stand of Senator Dimka as far the representation of his constituents is concerned.

Yesterday, the beneficiaries of the Federal Government Survival Fund for artisans courtesy Sen. Dimka started receiving their 30,000 grant across Bokkos, Mangu, Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam LGAs of Plateau Central Zone. You may wish to recall that in about a month ago, the beneficiaries were verified at their respective LGAs.

While appealing to the beneficiaries to make adequate use of the grant at this hard moment, we wish to ask anyone who was verified and did not received his grant to let us know for appropriate intervention, please.

We wish to assure our constituents that the beneficiaries of the other categories of the Survival Fund would be verified soon and payment effected on time.

Distinguished Senator Dimka is determined to ensure that he lives up to the expectations of his responsibilities as Senator.

Thank you all.

*ND Shehu Kanam Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Hezekiah Dimka, Chairman Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics.*

By Prince Sekat, Jos

The Special Task force, Operation Safe Haven now has a new Commander. He is Maj. Gen. Dominic Onyemulu who was with the Armed Forces Simulation Centre.
The Top Military Officer took over from his predecessor, Maj. Gen. CC Okonkwo in a colorful event which took place at the Headquarters of the Security Outfit in Jos, the Plateau State Capital.

In his remarks, the outgoing Commander while handing over lauded the teamwork, dedication and patriotism exhibited by the Personnel of the Security Outfit which made his work easier and made the outfit achieve greater success in its effort to restore peace and combat criminality in its Joint Operation Areas.

He attributed the success recorded to the teamwork, doggedness, resilience and high sense of professionalism displayed by personnel of the outfit.

He said he is handing over to a seasoned and experienced who will consolidate on the success recorded.
He urged the personnel to accord the New Commander the needed support to succeed.

He said though the environment is complex, he is optimistic that the new Commander will perform creditably well.

He said he is ready to advice and guide when the need arises.

The New Commander in his remarks after the handing over appreciated the Staff for their cooperation to his predecessor saying having heard of their breakthroughs in combating crime and making Plateau State more peaceful, safer and secured, he look forward to the replication of same cooperation and teamwork.

He hinted that he will work closely with the personnel to achieve the mandate of the outfit.

High points of the event was the presentation of plague by the personnel of the Outfit, decoration of the outgoing and New Commanders with their new respective offices and the Quarter Guard Ceremony.

Maj. Gen. CC Okonkwo has been appointed the Group Managing Director Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guarantee.

The Joint Operation Areas of Operation Safe Haven are; the entire Plateau State, parts of Bauchi State and Southern Kaduna.

It will be recalled that the Nigerian Army redeployed 204 officers to new formations across the country in a statement made available by the Director Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Yerima on 6th March, 2021, a move it says was in a bid to reposition the Nigerian Army for optimal performance.

The statement also said the redeployment was a normal routine aimed at reinvigorating the system.

The Special Task force, Operation Safe Haven with Headquarters in Jos Plateau State now has a new Commander. He is Maj. Gen. Dominic Onyemulu who came from the Armed Forces Simulation Centre.
The Top Military Officer took over from his predecessor, Maj. Gen. CC Okonkwo in a colorful event which took place at the Headquarters of the Security Outfit in Jos, the Plateau State Capital.

In his remarks, the outgoing Commander while handing over lauded the teamwork, dedication and patriotism exhibited by the Personnel of the Security Outfit which made his work easier and made the outfit achieve greater success in its effort to restore peace and combat criminality in its Joint Operation Areas.

He attributed the success recorded to the teamwork, doggedness, resilience and high sense of professionalism displayed by personnel of the formation.

He said he is handing over to a seasoned and experienced who will consolidate on the success recorded.
He urged the personnel to accord the New Commander the needed support to succeed.

He said though the environment is complex, he is optimistic that the new Commander will perform creditably well.

He said he is ready to advice and guide when the need arises.

The New Commander in his remarks after the handing over appreciated the Staff for their cooperation to his predecessor saying having heard of their breakthroughs in combating crime and making Plateau State more peaceful, safer and secured, he look forward to the replication of same cooperation and teamwork.

He hinted that he will work closely with the personnel to achieve the mandate of the outfit.

High points of the event were the presentation of plague by the personnel of the Outfit, decoration of the outgoing and New Commanders with their new respective offices and the Quarter Guard Ceremony.

Maj. Gen. CC Okonkwo has been appointed the Group Managing Director Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guarantee.

The Joint Operation Areas of Operation Safe Haven are; the entire Plateau State, parts of Bauchi State and Southern Kaduna.

It will be recalled that the Nigerian Army redeployed 204 officers to new formations across the country in a statement made available by the Director Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Yerima on 6th March, 2021, a move it says was in a bid to reposition the Nigerian Army for optimal performance.

The statement also said the redeployment was a normal routine aimed at reinvigorating the system.

Out of the 204 officers redeployed, 120 are generals.

Out of the 120 generals, 68 are major generals while the other 52 are brigadier generals.

Others affected were 31 colonels, nine lieutenant colonels, 25 majors, 13 captains and five lieutenants.

FULL LIST OF REDEPLOYED GENERALS

• AS Maikobi – Major General
• DC Onyemulu – Major General
• HI Bature – Major General
• A Bande – Major General
• SA Yaro – Major General
• LA Adegboye – Major General
• OI Uzamere – Major General
• J Sarham- Major General
• OF Azinta – Major General
• JB Olawumi – Major General
• CO Ude – Major General
• G Oyefesobi – Major General
• BM Shafa- Major General
• NA Angbazo – Major General
• BA Akinroluyo – Major General
• HR Momoh – Major General
• KAY Isiyaku – Major General
• AT Hamman – Major General
• MO Uzoh – Major General
• AM Aliyu – Major General
• CC Okonkwo – Major General
• MA Masanawa – Major General
• JI Unuigbe – Major General
• JJ Ogonlade – Major General
• AN Dauda – Major General
• AA Jidda – Major General
• YI Shalangwa – Major General
• IN Yusuf – Major General
• JGK Myam – Major General
• SA Adebayo – Major General
• GA Umelo – Major General
• PB Fakrogha – Major General
• VO Ezugwu – Major General
• AB Omozoje – Major General
• EN Njoku – Major General
• SO Olabanji – Major Genera;
• GB Audu – Major General
• OA Akintade – Major General
• OT Akinjobi – Major General
• BA Isandu – Major General
• AM Alabi – Major General
• AA Adesope – Major General
• OW Ali – Major General
• MG Ali – Major General
• SS Araoye – Major General
• GS Abdullahi – Major General
• CG Musa – Major General
• US Mohammed – Major General
• KI Mukhtar – Major General
• KN Garba – Major General
• DH Ali-Keffi – Major General
• EV Onumajuru – Major General
• KI Yusuf – Major General
• BR Sinjen – Major General
• TA Lagbaja – Major General
• UU Bassey – Major General
• S Dahiru – Major General
• UA Yusuf – Major General
• KO Aligbe – Major General
• AK Ibrahim – Major General
• LA Fejokwu – Major General
• AB Ibrahim – Major General
• JO Ochai – Major General
• EAP Undiandeye – Major General
• OR Aiyenigba – Major General
• GU Chibuisi – Major General
  -SG Mohammed – Major General
• IM Jallo – Major General
• IA Doma – Brigadier General
• IZ Ohiaka – Brigadier General
• AIM Lapai – Brigadier General
• A Adamu – Brigadier General
• V Ebhaleme – Brigadier General
• OO Odunuga – Brigadier General
• MO Jimoh – Brigadier General
• CU Onwunle – Brigadier General
• M Danmadami – Brigadier General
• ASO Onilema – Brigadier General
• AM Bello – Brigadier General
• SB Kumapayi – Brigadier General
• E Eji – Brigadier General
• LT Omoniyi – Brigadier General
• JO Ogwuoke – Brigadier General
• BA Muhammad – Brigadier General
• AA Eyitayo – Brigadier General
• HT Wesley – Brigadier General
• AG Fagge – Brigadier General
• JD Bulus – Brigadier General
• YK Musa – Brigadier General
• AU Kuliya – Brigadier General
• DI Salihu – Brigadier General
• OA Adenuga – Brigadier General
• CF Okafor – Brigadier General
• LG Lepdung – Brigadier General
• OA Fawole – Brigadier General
• MO Ihanuaze – Brigadier General
• SA Gumel – Brigadier General
• AR Bello – Brigadier General
• M Galadima – Brigadier General
• TT Sidick – Brigadier General
• AK Onasoga – Brigadier General
• IG Lassa – Brigadier General
• AA Adereti – Brigadier General
• JE Osifo – Brigadier General
• IO Olatunji – Brigadier General
• RI Odi – Brigadier General
• OM Bello – Brigadier General
• AJ Aliyu – Brigadier General
• AG Audu – Brigadier General
• IM Abdullahi – Brigadier General
• KO Ukandu – Brigadier General
• IA Ajose – Brigadier General
• OA James – Brigadier General
• GS Mohammed – Brigadier General
• IEE Akpaumontia – Brigadier General
• I Sule – Brigadier General
• EO Aduyebo – Brigadier General
• ST Shafaru – Brigadier General
• OS Obor – Brigadier General
• OA Fadairo – Brigadier Gener

Beautiful Gate Handicapped Centre Donates Mobility Appliances to School in Jos.

11th March, 2021.

Beautiful Gate Handdicapped People Centre, Jos has donated tricycles to Sunnah Private School of JIBWIS, located at Ungwan Rimi, Jos North LGA, Plateau State.

Presenting the items to the school, Director of Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Centre, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan applauded the effort of the management and PTA of the school for their efforts, open door policy and support to people living with disabilities.

The Principal, and managent of the school appreciated the gesture of the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People centre, Jos stating this is not the first time the foundation is assisting them with mobility appliances to aid their students. Speaking, the Principal of the school stated that the school is fees free and it’s enrollenment includes students living with disabilities who over the years have been performing very well.

Chief Burki tasked the students to be studious so as to make their family and the society proud. He encouraged the students living with disabilities not to be discouraged by their condition as they can attain everything they aim for in life if they are focused and determined.

FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC SHENDAM TO BE CITED AT NYAK – FG

With the recent approval for the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic in Plateau State, the Federal Government has announced the citing of the Polytechnic in Nyak, Shendam Local Government Area.

Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education Architect Sonny Echono conveyed this to Governor Simon Bako Lalong during the continuation of the technical visit to the State in preparation to the take-off of the Polytechnic.

The Permanent Secretary said the technical team from the Ministry had undertaken a preliminary visit to various sites in Shendam Local Government and having submitted its findings, Nyak was chosen as the site for the school.

He said “I am here at the behest of the Minister of Education Mallam Adamu Adamu on what we now call the open end of our visit. This is actually the second visit in connection with this institution. Our first visit was a reconnaissance one, we didn’t contact the State Government and we did not make it public. But we did look at the various options in the location of the institution and we made recommendations. I am pleased to inform you that based on the criteria we worked out to stimulate development and foster access, Nyak in Shendam Local Government Area was approved by Mr. President. On this second visit therefore, another 10 member Technical Team is here to meet with some of the officials of the State Government on some of the policy and logistic needs of the school. They will go to the site and assess the condition to discuss further the sharing of responsibilities on what we see as the facilities that the State Government should assist to provide. We believe that on-site facilities are the responsibility of the institution while off-site facilities will require the assistance of the State Government”.

Echono said facilities such as access road to the site, power lines and water body for treatment are the immediate concerns that will be addressed in collaboration with State Government. He said already, President Buhari has approved 2 billion naira for the takeoff of the institution.

He said the visit report of the 10-man technical committee will further advise whether the Polytechnic should start on a temporary facility or on the permanent site.
He also conveyed the appreciation of the Minister of Education to Governor Lalong for championing peace and reconciliation which has made Plateau return to its pride of place as the Home of Peace and Tourism – a situation that continues to attract development and investment to the State.

Governor Lalong assured the Permanent Secretary that the people of Plateau State, Shendam Local Government as well as the host community of Nyak are all eager for the take-off of the school which will accelerate educational development, skill acquisition and job creation.
He said the Plateau State Government will do its part in providing any needed assistance for the success of the institution.

Meanwhile, the 10-member Technical Team led by Mallam Musa Mohammed Isgogo, a Director from the National Board for Technical Education and the Chief of Staff to the Plateau State Governor, Noel Donjur has concluded their visit to the approved site in Nyak.

During the visit, they inspected the vast land provided as permanent site of the Polytechnic, access roads and other facilities for power, water and security. They also inspected some Schools and hospitals currently being constructed under the Lalong Legacy projects in Nyak and Shendam before paying visits to traditional rulers including the Long Gamai of Shendam, Miskoom Martin Shaldas III who expressed excitement and appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Simon Lalong for finally wiping their tears with the establishment of a Federal Tertiary institution in the Southern Zone of the State.
 
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press to the Governor of Plateau State.
11th March 2021.

THE TRINITY ACHIEVERS IN PLATEAU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY:

Research has proven that,this three men
indeed are making the constituents proud. The first is Honourable Saleh Shehu Yipmong(SSY) (Deputy Speaker, PLHA). HON. Yipmong is a visionary leader who has proven himself worthy of the trust bestowed on him evident in his value oriented projects. Few among them for lack of space and time include:

1. Empowering the youths and the less privileged through donation of grinding machines, vulcanizing machines, sewing machines, clippers, water pumps and cash transfer to market women.
2. The visionary Hon. Yipmong concerned with constityents bad road network, and social infrastructures. To this end, he has graded over 70km roads cutting accross over eight (8) areas namely:
   I. Kyamsangi to Bagyar road
   ii. Tuttung -Kafel road in kunkyam linking Namaran ward.
   iii. Shukura clinic -General hospital Dengi
   iv. Unguwan marafa primary school-New grave yard.
   v. Unguwan Tafida in Dengi.
   vi. Unguwan Bunwur to grave yard at Unguwan Bunwur in Dengi ward.
   vii. Police station -grave yard
   viii. Area Inspectorate Office-Unguwan Marafa
3. Working simultaneously with grading roads, embarked upon the construction of four double cell culverts linking Tuttung and Kafel and two other culverts in Kyamsangi Bagyar road totalling six not mentioning the numerous culverts constructed during the 8th Assembly.
4. The Deputy Speaker sunk 23 boreholes across the constituency to cushion the water hardship the people.
5. He equipped Yipmong PHC clinic with drugs, clinical tools which is in full operation.
6. As a leader that believes in continuity, he renovated structures built by past leaders/administrations:
   I. Renovation of Primary School at zango
   ii. Renovation of Kagyal PHC
   iii. Completed the roofing of kunkyam copers/teachers lodge.
7. Electricity supply is key to his blueprint. He purchased three modern transformers and 100 electric poles for extension of electricity within Dengi town.
8. He gave medical outreach to over 152 patients with various degrees of surgery as well as free drugs.
9. He equally distributed palliative during the lockdown to cushion the effect of the global corona pandemic.
10. HON. Yipmong empowered many youths, elders with motorcycles.
11. He also built the palace of the Yipmong village head.
12. Hon. Yipmong equipped Gwamlar and Kwamiya PHC clinics with drugs.
13. There are more to come once, especially when we support the vision beyond Plateau State House of Assembly.
    Yes, Hon, Yipmong has been rated high as a youth friendly legislator with open door policy, who is committed to bringing dividends of democracy to the common man. He has sponsored many bills on the floor of the house. Through Honourable Yipmong, we feel, taste and understand democracy in practice. Here we come to represent Plateau Central Senatorial zone in the Red Chamber.

Worthy of mention in the Trinity of Achievers is Honourable Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, Member Representing Mikang Constituency in Plateau State House of Assembly and Majority Leader.
Truly speaking, in men of outstanding achievement, like Hon. Naanlong, leadership is simplified. Within imaginable timeline, he has served humanity positively through worthwhile projects listed below :

1. He embarked upon road construction at Piapung-Nbet.
2. Constructed E-Library at Tunkus.
3. Distributed three trucks of fertilizer to Mikang farmers free to complement their efforts in Agriculture.
4. Organized internal townhall meeting at GSS Piapung as part of his periodic constituency feedback mechanism.
5. Hon. Naanlong offered Scholarship of 15000 each to 890 Mikang students.
6. Concerned with cost of treatment in the hospital, he settled bills of patients at General Hospital, Tunkus.
7. Construction of Zamwai-Pangkui road in Tehl District
8. He gave 10,000 each to 500 women as a start off fund for business.
9. Drilled 6 boreholes for the constituents.
10. Hon. Naanlong graciously paid and registered Free JAMB for all secondary school students that have graduated.
    With these testaments dear people, we are safe to say that Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil is a tripartite achiever who deserves another chance.

Taking the route from Kanam to Mikang through Kanke, we are happy to make public the achievements of another worthy eagle in the Trinity of Achievers in the person of Hon. Wallok Philip Goma-House Committee Chair on Finance in the Plateau State House of Assembly in the 9th Assembly.
Hon. Wallok from the literal meaning of his name is a “comforter in times of challenges”. Today he says, trust me with the responsibility and I fix your worries. His desire to turn the fortunes of the constituents, He has so far influenced the following projects:

1. Prior to Assembly representation, Hon. Wallok organized town hall meeting with stakeholders to share his vision for the constituency.
2. While at plenary, he moved a motion tasking the Plateau State Government to complete the Kanke Cottage Hospital, Kwal.
3. He completed the counterpart funding for Garram Development Association through CSDP for community development.
4. He assisted Ngas Development Association (NDA) during the unvailing of her skills acquisition training for Ngas Youths in Pankshin.
5. Construction of structure at the Dawaki market.
6. Renovation of two classroom blocks at LEA Primary School, Belbu.
7. He influenced the fixing of Gyangyang bridge
8. Hon. Wallok constructed two (2) ,motorized boreholes in Amper.
9. The tireless member gave cash donations to widows in Kanke.
10. Hon. Wallok Goma sponsored the training of over 300 women on Household products during skills acquisition programme in Kanke.
11. Courtesy the impactful Hon. Wallok, all the districts in Kanke got COVID-19 preventive items.
12. He sponsored a youth in Kanke for ITF 6 months training.
13. He is constructing two classroom blocks at Goktok.
14. Also, construction bridge at Golkung village in Shiwer.
15. Payment of scholarships to secondary school students in four (4) different schools within Amper zone etc.
    Time and space are the enemies of detail description, if not more would have been mentioned.

On this note, it is appropriate to celebrate the three great achievers in Plateau State House of Assembly in the 9th Assembly. Soldier on gentle and visionary legislators.

From Jatau Kroos, Chairman concern Plateau central indigenes (COPCI) and a grassroot researcher.

IN A LANDMARK DEVELOPMENT, PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS NDDC BUILDING 25 YEARS AFTER

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday commissioned the headquarters building of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), 25 years after the groundbreaking ceremony, commending the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, for steadfastness in ending many years of renting by the commission, and the attendant profligacy.

The President, who virtually commissioned the building from the Council Chamber of the State House, said the land was acquired by the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) in 1996, and was abandoned after series of design amendments.

“In 2015, as part of our Administration’s cardinal objectives to kill corruption, some critical reforms were embarked upon, part of which was a holistic reform of the NDDC for greater service delivery for the people of the region.

“To achieve this, I reassigned the supervision of the NDDC to the Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Affairs for administrative efficiency. Second, was the appointment of Forensic Auditors to review the operations of the Commission from inception to 2019 and to ensure that the appropriations made to the NDDC are commensurate with what is on the ground,’’ he said.

While commending the minister for ensuring the historic completion of the building, President Buhari urged the management to commit the amounts used for renting to more rewarding benefits.

“I, therefore, use this opportunity to commend the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for providing the required leadership that saw to the completion of this edifice.

“Today, we are handing over to the people of Niger Delta, a befitting Head Office Complex for present and future use. Consequently, huge yearly rentals would now be saved and deployed to other areas of needs in the region.

“I commend the management and staff of the NDDC for staying the course and keying into the Reform Agenda of our Administration. I am particularly pleased to note the cordial relationship between the NDDC and the National Assembly and hope that this relationship will be strengthened further for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta region,’’ the President added.

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, thanked the President for the completion of the building, promising that the nine governors under the NDDC would continue to support his bold steps in development.

In his remarks, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs noted that the completion of the NDDC building signals the President’s commitment to the development of the oil producing region, and ending of activities of corrupt public officials, who also negated the connection of the offices to national grid over many years in order to seek rent on fueling of generators.

“You will be remembered by this gesture, and generations will never forget you,’’ the minister said.

Sen. Akpabio urged leaders, traditional rulers and youths in the region to support President Buhari’s administration so that it would complete most of the abandoned projects by previous administrations, which include the Second Niger Bridge, warning that the persistent fights and petitions among leaders must be shelved for development.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 11, 2021

By Prince Sekat, Jos

It was an evening of encomiums as Media Practitioners in Plateau State interacted with Maj. Gen. C. C. Okonkwo who has been redeployed for the last time as the Commander Operation Safe Haven with Headquarters in Jos the Plateau State Capital.

In their separate remarks, the Journalists and Bloggers described the outgoing Commander OPSH as a Media Friendly top Military Officer whose humility, uncommon integrity, fear of God, patriotism and doggedness will be greatly missed.

They said if it was within their powers, they would had want him stay longer to continue the good works he is doing.

Maj. Gen. Okonkwo was applauded for carrying the media along and aiding to curtail insecurity by always promptly attending to vital intelligence information.

They lauded his efforts in restoring peace, clamping and making numerous arrest of criminal elements in the State. They lauded him for the relative peace being enjoyed within the Operation Safe Haven Joint Operation Areas comprising of Plateau State, part of Bauchi State and Southern Kaduna.

Maj. Gen. Okonkwo was commended for reducing crime rate, for the healthy Civil-Military relationship which has made the public have more confidence in the security outfit.

They wished him the very best in his new appointment and prayed God to empower him for the task ahead.


The encomiums came during the farewell media parley which was attended by top Officers of the Security outfit and Media Professionals in honour of the outgoing Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. C. C. Okonkwo at the Headquarters of the Security Outfit in Jos, Plateau State.

Earlier in his speech, the outgoing Commander appreciated the media for the support accorded the security outfit in its core mandate of restoring peace to the troubled Operation Safe Haven Joint Operation Areas as well combating crime.

He assured the citizens that his successor is a competent Military General who he said will provide exceptional leadership.
He urged the media to accord his successor the needed supports to succeed.

He said with true sacrifices and genuine patriotism, a New Nigeria is on the Horizon.

Maj. Gen. Okonkwo is deployed to head the Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guarantee as Group Managing Director and is being replaced by Maj. Gen. D. C. Onyemulu.

FEDERAL POLY SHENDAM TO TAKE-OFF SOON- PERM SEC, FED. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has assured that the Plateau State Government will do all that is necessary to ensure the smooth take off of the newly approved Federal Polytechnic Shendam.

Governor Lalong stated this when he recieved the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Architect Sonny Echono who paid him a courtesy visit.

Lalong said the State was ready to participate in the take-off and growth of the Polytechnic by providing the needed support.

He again appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for giving approval for the Polytechnic and two other Universities in Plateau State, saying this is a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to educating Nigerians.

Architect Sonny Echono in his remarks told the Governor that a technical team is already in the State to inspect the site for the Polytechnic which will kickstart the take off of the school soon.

He assured that the Minister of Education Mallam Adamu Adamu and his management team will ensure that all the newly approved institutions including Federal Polytechnic Shendam take off smoothly.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary who is also the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects also led members of the body on a courtesy visit to Governor Lalong where he solicited for the support and collaboration of the Government towards addressing the challenges of building collapse in the country.

He said the Institute is also working on enforcing professionalism, training skilled workers in the construction industry and auditing public buildings across the country to enhance integrity.

Governor Lalong assured that Plateau State will support the Nigerian Institute of Architects in all its activities particularly in improving development of urban infrastructure and buildings.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
10th March 2021.