A BILL SPONSORED TO UPGRADE FCE PANKSHIN INTO FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION PANKSHIN PASSES THROUGH SECOND READING TODAY AND RT. HON YUSUF ADAMU GAGDI LEADS THE DEBATE.

DETAILS OF THE PRESENTATION BY GAGDI:

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, PANKSHIN

Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, permit me to lead the debate on the general principles of A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University of Education, Pankshin. You would recall that this Bill was read for the first time in this hallowed Chamber.

My respected Colleagues, this is a very straight forward piece of legislation that seeks to repeal paragraph (k) of the first schedule to the Federal Colleges of Education Act Cap F8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Enact the Federal University of Education, Pankshin to provide for the promotion and development of teacher education in Nigeria
My respected Colleagues, for the attainment of its objectives as specified in section 1 (5), the University has powers to:

(a) offer courses of instruction, training and research in education and allied areas for the production of quality and skilled teachers required to teach at lower, middle and higher levels of education in Nigeria in particular and the world at large;

(b) establish such colleges, campuses, institutes, schools, departments and other teaching and research units within the University as may be deemed necessary or desirable subject to the approval of National Universities Commission;

(c) institute professorships, readerships, associate professorships, lectureships, and other posts and offices and to make appointments to those post and offices;

(d) institute and award fellowships, scholarships, exhibitions, bursaries, medals, prizes and other titles, distinctions, awards and forms of assistance;

(e) provide for the discipline and welfare of members of the University;

(f) hold examinations and grant degrees, diplomas, certificates and other distinctions to













persons who have pursued a course of study approved by the University and have satisfied such other requirements as the University may lay down;

(g) grant honorary degrees, fellowships or academic titles;

(h) demand and receive from any student or any other person attending the University for the purposes of instruction, such fees as the University may determine subject to the overall directives of the Minister;

(i) subject to section 20, acquire, hold, grant, charge or otherwise deal with or dispose of movable and immovable property wherever it is situate;

(j) accept gifts, legacies and donations, but without obligation to accept the same for a particular purpose unless it approves the terms and conditions attached;

(k) enter into contracts, establish trusts, act as trustee, solely or jointly with any other person, and employ or act through agents;

(l) erect, provide, equip and maintain libraries, laboratories, workshops, lecture halls, halls of residence, refectories, sports grounds, playing fields and other buildings or things necessary, suitable or convenient for any of the objects of the University;

(m) hold public lectures and to undertake printing, publishing and book selling;

(n) subject to any limitation or condition imposed by the Statute, to invest money appertaining to the University by way of endowment, not being immediately required for current expenditure in any investment or security or in the purchase or improvement of land, with power, from time to time, to vary such investments and deposit any money for the time being not invested with any bank in a deposit or current account;

(o) borrow, whether on interest or not and if need be upon the security of any or all of the property, movable or immovable, of the University, such money as the Council may find necessary or expedient to borrow or to guarantee any loan, advances or credit facilities;

(p) make gifts for any charitable purpose;








(q) do anything which it is authorised or required by this Act or any Statute to do; and

(r) do all such acts or things, whether or not incidental to these powers, as may advance the objects of the University.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act and of the Statutes and without prejudice to section 7 (2), the powers conferred on the University under subsection (1) is exercisable on behalf of the University by the Council, Senate or in any other manner which may be authorised by the Statute.

The power of the University to establish additional campuses and colleges within the University shall be exercised in accordance with the Statute.

My respected Colleagues may recall that the 9th House of Representatives passed a similar Bill that repealed paragraph (i) of the first schedule to the Federal Colleges of Education Act and Enact the Adeyemi University of Education in line with the Government policy on Education
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, my respected Colleagues, In view of the efforts currently being made by the Federal Government of Nigeria to diversify the Nigerian economy, the need to encourage teachers education cannot be overemphasized, hence the much needed move to upgrade the Federal College of Education Pankshin to a full University status (Federal University of Education, Pankshin) in line with the Federal Government policy on education. I therefore urge my respected colleagues to support that the bill be read for the second time and referred to the relevant committee for further legislative action.

PRESS STATEMENT

NORTHERN GOVERNORS REJOICE WITH GOVERNOR EL-RUFAI @ 61.

The Northern Governors Forum has fellicitated with Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad elrufai on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message described Governor El-rufai as resourceful, patriotic and passionate leader who is committed to the development of not only Kaduna State, the Northern Region, but Nigeria as a whole.

Lalong said the Governor has remained consistent in his advocacy and action for a paradigm shift to adopting practical approach to sustainable and people- oriented change. This he said could be seen from the many assignments he has handled at various times including his present stewardship of Kaduna State.

Governor Lalong described Mallam Elrufai’s contributions to the Northern Governors Forum as impactful as he has also played a significant role in the implementation of various programmes of the forum aimed at improving the lives of the people of the region.

While wishing him many more years of God’s guidance and divine protection, the Northern Governors Forum Chairman also commended Governor Elrufai for providing the right environment for the Forum to operate seamlessly at its Headquarters located in Kaduna.

Lalong assured the Governor that the Northern Governors Forum will continue to benefit from his reservoir of knowledge and experience in finding solutions to the many challenges of the region and the nation at large.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
16th February 2021.

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa as substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

Adesina said the appointment is subjected to the confirmation of the Senate.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Senate to confirm Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa as substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

“In a letter to President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, the President said he was acting in accordance with Paragraph 2(3) of Part1, CAP E1 of EFCC Act 2004.

“Bawa, 40, is a trained EFCC investigator with vast experience in the investigation and prosecution of Advance Fee Fraud cases, official corruption, bank fraud, money laundering, and other economic crimes.

“He has undergone several specialized trainings in different parts of the world, and was one of the pioneer EFCC Cadet Officers in 2005. Bawa holds a B.Sc degree in Economics, and Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy.”

The Kogi Women Network for Democratic Change and Good Governance (KWNDCGG) has condemned the perpetrators of the attack on the persons and image of the former Vice Chancellor Federal University Lokoj Professor Angela Freeman Miri as a collective attack on womenfolk which should be resisted. Some staff of the instituion had on last week Friday pasted mock obituary poster of the former Vice Chancellor in the campus as they marched carrying placard to mark the end of the vice chancellor’s tenure. In a press release signed by the National Coordinator of the Association Hajia Ramatu Muhammed and made available to Journalists in Lokoja on Monday berated the few individuals within the university community who came out shamelessly and childishly to embarrass the entire university community with their ill-motivated protest. The group lamented that those in the Ivory tower that should be cultured abandoned decency, decorum and civilized way of life and embark on shameful, disgraceful and degrading protest carried out last Saturday. This is as the Association has called on the law enforcement agencies to wade into the matter to unravel those behind the despicable act. The National Coordinator insisted that the few individuals have been behind all sorts of wicked publications mounted in the last three and half years to cause serious disaffection in the institution especially between the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Angela Freeman Miri and the rest of the staff. According to her, it should be noted that these few individuals had been the evil brain behind various skirmishes between the university community and the host communities in the past. ” They lied about and raised false alarms as well as sowed the seed of discord everywhere in order to create tension and chaos in the university. Prof. Miri, on several occasions was accused of financial recklessness, corruption, nepotism and embezzlement which they could not substantiate. ” They never had the audacity and the facts to prosecute her in a law court or any of the anti-corruption bodies. What did she embezzle? No funds came to her account. Most of the projects executed are TETfund funded projects which she worked hard to attract to the University and the contractors were not recruited by her. The work done are there for all to see. “These enemies of progress did everything within their power and imagination to pull her down, but God did not allow them to have their selfish way. The only thing they felt they could do was to place an obituary of the woman who is hale and hearty. Everyone that had input in the obituary saga has no fear of God as they wanted her dead, Haba! This is wicked of them and they have belittled themselves and made the university a laughing stock of the Nigerian society. ” They have done what ordinary illiterates wouldn’t have done. What a shame, and in Yoruba parlance, if people announce anyone dead when in actual sense he or she is alive, it simply means he or she will live long and in fact outlive his or her detractors. For Prof. Miri, it is a sign of long life for her.” She opined. Hajia Muhammed alleged that the reasons for her being treated like a leper was because she refused to share money as they were used to in the past and because she is just too thorough with her work adding that her feminism was used to derogate and launched all sorts of unprintable wars against her. The National Coordinator said just as the former VC stood against the marginalisation of women, her Association will continue the fight until the dignity and rights of women are respected. She lamented at Some individuals who were seen in the viral video was nothing more than a demonstration of hatred for women folks, which is condemnable adding that the hate speech promoted by section of the FUL community is being frown at by her group. In her words ” The president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari should continue to recognise women as we stand for equity, justice and fairness in discharge of our duties. Kudos must be given to Governor Yahaya Bello for giving women prominent positions in the state in the area of appointments and empowerment. Students and over ninety percent of the staff will agree with this Association that Prof. Angela Miri did her very best for the institution in term of judicious funding of teaching, research, physical development and staff welfare within the limited resources made available to her by the government. “In her five years tenure in the university, Prof. Miri received over 35 awards and commendation letters within and outside the university in recognitions of her outstanding contributions towards the physical, academic and moral developments of the Federal University Lokoja. “Most of these awards were given to her at the tail end of her tenure in office; then, why this sudden rascality from a tiny group that has resorted to using thugs and criminals to protest on their behalf” she wondered. However, the Association said her consolation for Prof. Angela Freeman Miri is that she has done her very best for the university community, with several developmental strides to her credit , stressing that her reputation as a former commissioner for Health, and later Education in Plateau State, Chairperson of the Governing Council of Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, and member of some State Tertiary Institutions’ Visitation Panels could not be wished away. While welcoming new vice-chancellor Prof. Olayemi Durotimi Akinwumi to the university, counsel him to be wary of some people who have constituted themselves into a clog in the wheels of progress of the university. End.

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG DIRECTS SECURITY AGENCIES TO HALT KILLINGS IN BASSA VILLAGES.

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has frowned at recurring killings in some villages of Bassa Local Government Council, asking security agencies to do everything possible to put a stop to the situation.

Governor Lalong while reacting to the recent killing of 4 persons following attacks on some villages in Kwall District of the Local Government, said the development was worrisome and intolerable.

The Governor who had directed the Peace Building Agency to visit the area and get to the root of the killings, said the situation must be brought under control immediately to prevent further degeneration.

He said “I want all those involved in these crimes to be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law. While this is going on, the machinery for dialogue, reconciliation and confidence building should be vigorously pursued by the Peace Building Agency with the support of the newly constituted Inter-faith Council. We will not tolerate any act that takes us back to the dark days of violence and destruction.”

While commiserating with the families of those killed, the Governor said all citizens must be security conscious and avoid any conduct that will jeopardize peaceful coexistence of the area and the State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
15th February 2021

WITH THINGS HAPPENING, IS THE WORLD OUT OF GOD’S CONTROL ?
The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen. Isaiah 14:24
All through the ages the rulers of this world have thought they were in control and did not have to answer to anyone. How wrong they were and still are!
The great king Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way that God was in control. When he began to brag about his power, his might and all he had done, God took away his mental capacity and he became as an animal living in the fields. After his mind returned to him, he declared in humility that God is in control and he puts the one he chooses to rule over the kingdoms of the earth. It is still true today. There is no forever leader or anyone.
 While you and I may not be kings, presidents or rulers over nations, we are still under the control of the Almighty God. He has sworn; “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.”
We can either choose to submit to his will in Jesus Christ or we will answer for refusing to do so. Certainly he gives us free choice in our decisions but he can use our wrong decisions to carry out his will and to show his glory as he did on Pharaoh in the days of Moses.
 For a life of joy and peace, we need to submit to his will and live for him. Our lives are much easier, simpler and less dramatic when we serve him and allow him to live in us. Godliness leads to contentment because we have inner peace with God, with ourselves and with most people around us. People enjoy being with those who are loving, kind, compassionate and patient, especially in our homes.
 My prayer this week; “O Lord God, I am thankful that you have provided a new life in Jesus Christ. Thank you for showing me how to live in a way to get along with others. Help me to always do and say that which will honor you and bring glory to your name. Use me to help others materially, emotionally and especially spiritually. I want to be the best I can be and I need your help to achieve it. I want to do my best to teach your word faithfully and I need your constant help in this also. Give me wisdom to understand and courage to live the right example. I pray in Jesus name.”
May you pray same and more in line with your felt need.
Have a blessed week
Rev Dr. Soja Bewarang
Chairman COCIN BoT

By Prince Sekat, Jos

Gunmen in the early hours of Monday invaded two villages in Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State and killed four youths.

National President of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA) Mr Robbert Ashi, who confirmed the incident, said three young persons were ambushed by suspected herdsmen and killed between Jebbu Bassa and Rikwechongu village on Sunday evening.

Another person, he said, was killed at Zirshe village on Monday morning and some houses burnt, including food barns.

According to him: “Yesterday night I was informed of attacks by suspected herdsmen who ambushed and killed three of our youth returning back from Jebbu Bassa to Rikwechongu village close to the School of Accountancy.

“While at the early hours of this morning (Monday) the herdsmen also attacked Zirshe village and killed one person, burnt several houses including food barns where the villagers had kept their recently harvested produce. This action is condemnable coming at the time our people are preaching peace in the land,” he said.

Ashi described the attacks as unfortunate and called on the security agencies to arrest the attackers whom he said are suspected herdsmen

Senator Istifanus Gyang said he is saddened and grieved by the attacks on Rikwechongu and Zirshe villages of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa LGC.

His Special Assistant Media and Protocol, Musa Ashoms, said the Senator noted with concern and dismay that while all effort is focussed on rebuilding peace and reconciling people of Plateau North, there were still persons whose preoccupation is violence and bloodletting.

Gyang urged government and the security agencies to secure and protect law abiding citizens and communities of Plateau North and bring the culprits to justice.

RT HON GAGDI IN A CONSTITUENCY OUTREACH: CONSTRUCTION OF SIX DISTRICTS PALACES AND OFFICES COMMENCE, BABBAN LAMBA-SHARAM ROAD PROJECT TO CONTINUE.

The member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam federal constituency and chairman house committee on Navy Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (Danmalikin Kanam) in keeping to his tradition of always being around with the electorates was yesterday Saturday 13th February, 2021 at Pankshin LGA.

The Honourable member held meetings with the traditional institution, youths, women, pressure groups and different trade unions and associations where he gave account of his stewardship as a member representing them at the green chamber.

At Ner, Gagdi met and interfaced with the traditional leaders from Pankshin District, briefed them on what he was able to do for the constituency in less than two years and the numerous plans he already set in motion for the constituency.

He brought to them the goodness news of the construction of a befitting district head palace and office at Ner for the pankshin district which contractors had already mobilised to site two days ago and have 60 days to complete the project.

The construction of the Pankshin District Palace and office is one among the six other palaces that work has commenced already in the last two days across Pankshin, Kanke and kanam as part of the constituency project of the honourable member. Six districts are considered for the first phase this year while the remaining districts will be captured in the second phase.

While interfacing with different groups and associations at Vel Sunset Hotel in Pankshin. Hon Gagdi gave them a lay down of what he was able to achieved within the short period of his stewardship which includes the building of classroom blocks and offices at Kor, Belning ward Pankshin LGA, classroom blocks, office and furnishing at Dungung, Kanke LGA, an examination hall at KADA special academy Dengi, Kanam LGA, traditional leaders palaces, filling of potholes to make the road safer for driving from Kabwir to Dengi, kanam LGA, many phases of intervention during the lockdown due to Covid 19, provision of millions of naira worth of food support to his constituents during Sallah and Christmas festivities, provision of non interest loan to businesses as a form of support against the dwindling economy due to the corona pandemic and many other laudable interventions and projects.

He explained to his teaming constituents the reason behind the challenge faced by some individuals out of the 284 people he was able to secure employment for. Their inability to report to their places of work at Federal University Wukari and Lafia was them not being captured by IPPIS due to the Universities exhausting their budgeted personell cost and the frantic efforts he is making to see the problem being rectified and to even scout, lobby and secure more job opportunities to his constituents. He also give a brief note on his upcoming empowerment program where 400 motorcycles, 400 sewing machines, 400 grinding machines and 40 406 peugeot cars will be distributed. With 20 individuals per polling units with small businesses getting a cash support of between ten to twenty thousand naira only.

The program is coming soon with the speaker house of representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila coming to Pankshin to chair the event.

In a demonstration of genuine love to PKK, he said instead of pushing for a new road project to be sited somewhere he rather choose that funds be allocated in the budget for the continuation of the Babban Lamba-Sharam road and assured the constituents that, as soon as capital releases for 2021 budget are made, contractors will be back to site to complete the project.

It was a wonderful and very engaging parley where different respondents commended the giant strides and the people centered representation of Rt Hon Yusuf Gagdi.

The member take out time to go round Pankshin daily market to meet old time friends and associates, where he engaged some in the game of draft.

GAGDI MEDIA TEAM
FEBRUARY 13, 2021.

Jatmak Solomon, Jos

Prince Rotdunna Sekat, a former Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong KSGG has revalidated his membership with All Progressives Congress (APC) in his polling unit 001 Kor, Belning Ward Headquarters of Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Prince Rotdunna Sekat, a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Rt. Honorable Yusuf Adamu Gagdi on Media and Publicity and also a son of the soil arrived the polling unit around 9.30am, holds a brief meeting with the leadership of the party at the unit, and in his usual character, throws jokes, and the elderly and the youths laughs their sorrows out, he was granted an express right of way to register amidst cheers from his supporters.
Prince Sekat said; I have fulfilled my civic responsibility as a stakeholder of APC in my unit, Ward, Pankshin North, Pankshin LGA and Plateau State as a whole, he advise them to hold onto APC as it’s the only party that has Nigerians at heart.
A large number of APC members who were on ground includes the Ward Women leader, Unit Chairman and many others, Prince Sekat thereafter visited his father, The Ngolong Kor, Belning Ward Headquarters at the Palace and spend some time before departure.

Prince Sekat, Jos

Retired Comptroller of Customs, Victor Dimka, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau, describing APC as the party to beat.

Dimka registered with the party at Kabwir Pada Ward of Kanke Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

The retired comptroller, who served in different formations including Comptroller, Seme Border Command, said he decided to join the APC after careful research into the activities of political parties in the country.
“The process into any political party is the registration into the party and today is my first step and first day in the APC.

“I have checked, studied the different manifestos and made researches into the activities of all the political parties existing in the country today.

“I realised that even the blind can see and even the deaf can hear that APC is the party to beat.

“APC has brought dividends of democracy to many Nigerians including Plateau people and I made up my mind to join the like minds making such possible and that is why I am here today,” he said.

The former comptroller of forwarding Operation Unit (FOU) Zone C of Customs, said that after his personal research of political parties, he also consulted widely.

He stated that his intention as a man of the people was to contribute to the growth of his community, Kanke local government area, Plateau and Nigeria.

On his next line of action, the retired comptroller who is a fellow of National Security Institute said he was still consulting.

“I am still consulting, what I know is that a journey of 1000 miles begins with a step and this is the step that I have just taken,” he said.

He commended Gov. Simon Lalong and members of the State House of Assembly for their efforts in the provision of dividends of democracy to Plateau people.

Dimka said that governance was a continuum and that Lalong had played his part well, particularly in the execution of his legacy projects spread across the state.

He described the APC membership registration and revalidation as a worthy exercise that would help the party to get the data of its members.

He urged the people of the area and the state to come out in large numbers to register with the APC as there might be no second chance.

Kabwir Pada Ward APC Chairman, Mr Philip Jelek, said the APC was excited to have somebody of Victor Dimka’s pedigree in its fold.

Jelek said the arrival of Dimka would no doubt strengthen in APC in Kabwir Pada Ward, Kanke local government, Plateau and Nigeria.

According to him, the party is expecting more new members because of its outstanding performance over the years and its willingness to accommodate everyone.

He said that the registration/revalidation exercise was going on smoothly in the area.