PRESS STATESMENT

NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURN SHEIKH AHMED LEMU

The Northern Governors Forum has joined in sympathizing with the family of Late Sheikh Ahmed Lemu who died at the age of 91.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the demise of the renowned Minna-based Islamic Scholar is a great loss to the nation.

Lalong described late Sheikh Ahmed Lemu as a renowned Islamic Scholar, intellectual, Author and Educationist who impacted the nation in many ways and mentored various persons that are making huge impact in the country.

He said the deceased apart from serving as the first Grand Khadi of Niger State, also made his mark as a moderate who fostered religious tolerance, cooperation and peaceful coexistence among people of diverse backgrounds.
His mediation efforts according to the Northern Governors Forum also assisted in reconciliation and peace building particularly when he was appointed as the Chairman of a Presidential Committee on Post-Election Violence in 2011.

His deep involvement in Islamic humanitarian activities as well as advocacy for the rights of women was also praised because he contributed to the improvement recorded in carrying more women along in the development of Nigeria, particularly the northern region.

While praying God to forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest, Lalong said the nation will miss his good works and selfless service.

He also prayed God to comfort the family and also ensure that his legacies are carried on.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs
to the Governor of Plateau State.
25th December 2020.

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG SIGNS 2021 BUDGET/ANTI-KIDNAPPING, LAND GRABBING & CULTISM BILL

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong on Thursday night signed into law the 2021 Appropriation Bill of N147.53 billion naira passed by the State House of Assembly.
This consists of N90.19 billion as recurrent and N57.34 billion as capital expenditures.

The Governor while signing the bill into law said the 2021 budget will focus on areas that will stimulate economic growth and recovery particularly as the year begins under a second wave of COVID-19 which has affected the economy adversely.

He said “With the successful passage of the 2021 budget within record time, we shall now settle down to implement the budget vigorously. As we face the second wave of COVID-19, we shall continue to appeal to our people to observe all protocols so that we do not have any reason to lock down again and further hurt the economy”.

Lalong said the Government will in the 2021 fiscal year support businesses that will hopefully grow and in turn pay taxes especially now that the State has signed into law the new tax law for development.

The Governor also signed into law the anti-kidnapping, anti-land grabbing, cultism and other anti-violence related matters bill also passed by the House of Assembly.

He said the law is long overdue because of the increase in kidnapping, land grabbing and other violent crimes within the State.

The Governor said “as a responsible Government, we cannot fold our arms to see people being terrorized by criminals who are clearly out to cause mayhem. This new law will deal with anyone caught in the act and I urge security agencies to be on their toes and ensure that culprits are apprehended and made to face the law”.

He called communities to rise up to the challenge by identifying and fishing criminals within their domains and passing relevant information to security agencies to act.

The law provides death sentence for those convicted for kidnapping while those found guilty for cultism shall be jailed for a minimum of 7 years. Others involved in meteng out violence on anyone risk spending up to 10 years in jail upon conviction.

While wishing the citizens of the State a merry Christmas, the Governor again appealed for adherence to COVID-19 protocols saying his experience in the past one week confirms the reality of the pandemic.

He recognised the patriotism, sactifice and diligence of front line medical personnel who continue to risk their lives in fighting the pandemic, asking them not to be deterred in saving lives.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the
Executive Governor
24th September 2020.

As part of his effort to celebrate with the people and identify with the needy, the Member representing Jos South Constituency in Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Fom Dalyop Gwottson has distributed Chicken to over 1,500 widows, less privileged, aged, people within and outside his Constituency.

In his brief remarks, the Member appreciated God for providing what he is distributing to the people and thanked the people for receiving the token from him as gift for the Christmas celebration.

He said the gesture was to the people irrespective of their political, tribal and ethnic affiliations.

He said he has been carrying out same gesture for over a decade. He said times are hard and their is need to share with others what one has in empathy and love.
He called on the people to be more security conscious and adhere to all Coronavirus Health Protocols.

He said as a representative of the people, he will continue to provide quality and people-oriented leadership.

Those who spoke at the occasion appreciated the Lawmaker for the laudable humanitarian gesture and for identifying with all categories of people in the society with the gift.

Beneficiaries of the gesture described the Lawmaker as “God sent”, a philanthropist and a credible representative who understands the plights of the people.
They prayed for open doors to him and God’s protection.

It will be recalled that the Member on Wednesday 22nd December, 2020 distributed empowerment items to over 800 Constituents, mostly Women and Youths to improve their living condition and enhance their economic status.

Editor-in-chief

Tension is brewing in Langtang North and Langtang South Local government areas of Plateau State over the purported burial arrangement of the Ponzhi Tarok Late Gen. Domkat  Bali, by the Military without recognising  Langtang North and Langtang South LGC’s joint traditional council.

The former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bali died  recently and  it was alleged that the military has taken over the burial arrangements without involving the custodians of the culture of Tarok people , upon which the people still see him (Bali) as their traditional ruler, (Ponzhi Tarok) and have insisted on giving him his final traditional burial rites.

Recalled that the Ngwang Ishi O’Tarok (NIO) the Socio-economic and Cultural Development Organization of Tarok Nation in a press statement issued in Jos  vowed  that the late Ponzhi Tarok HRM Gen. Domkat Bali rtd must be accorded full traditional burial rites as a First class Chief and President Langtang Joint Traditional Council as affirmed by the Federal Court of Appeal Jos Division

Addressing newsmen on behalf of the Taroh Nation at the palace of the Ponzhi Taroh, the chairman of Langtang North Dr. Joshua Ubandoma Laven and his counterpart from Langtang South LGC Nimchak Rims said anarchy is looming should the military go  ahead with the burial arrangements without respecting the culture and tradition of Taroh people.

According to them, the  burial arrangement should have been an exercise which should includes the Military, Langtang North and Langtang South LGC, join Traditional council, the state government, the family of the deceased and critical stakeholders in Taroh land .

Ubandoma further said the chief priests of Taroh’s Land who are not suppose to come out anyhow came out in their numbers from the hill and marched straight to the palace of the Ponzhi Taroh to register their displeasure over an attempt to subvert the custom and Tradition of the Taroh  people.

According to the duo, there  are not saying that Gen. Bali should be given a full Military honour but however they too should be allowed to perform their own Traditional rites then, the  Military can take over, because he was a first class Chief that can not be buried like that without their own cultural and traditional input as Taroh custom demand.

Our correspondent report that the Chief Priests were seen gnashing their teeth, some  who spoke to newsmen at the palace of the Ponzhi Taroh in Langtang North LGC vowed to resist with their blood the attempt by the  military to tarnish  their age long cherished tradition and custom of the people.

Ubandoma appeal to the state and federal government to as a matter of urgency intervene  to avert the looming danger, as the people have also resolved that their culture will not be jettisoned in the cause of the burial. 

Speaking in the same vein, the Acting Ponzhi Tarok, who is also the Ponzhi Zinni HRH Nimnan Langnim sad Taroh’s land is facing a sad experience in the history of their land adding that the land is mourning following the demise of Gen. Bali . 

According to him, events preceded the funeral rites of this Icon did not go down well with the people as it seriously violated the custom and tradition of the Taroh’s Nation.

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG URGES LOVE, UNITY AT CHRISTMAS

As Christians celebrate Christmas to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says this year’s event calls for the demonstration of love, compassion and sacrifice which are key attributes of Jesus Christ.

Governor Lalong in a message said this year’s Christmas celebration comes at a time that appears difficult and challenging, but because of the love and mercies of God, there is no reason to despair and be despondent.

He said, “the world and indeed Plateau State has gone through tremendous challenges occasioned by the Corona virus pandemic which has significantly altered human interaction and impacted negatively on the economy. This has resulted in hardship to both Governments and citizens. Nevertheless, we have collectively demonstrated resilience and hope. This should continue especially as we mark the birth of Jesus Christ who primarily came to give hope to mankind”.

The Governor therefore urged the Christian faithful to not only be hopeful, but also use the period of Christmas to show love to one anothet as well as work for a more united, peaceful and tolerant society.

He said his administration will continue to give the needed leadership that will fast-track economic recovery and stimulate empowerment of youths, women and the entire citizenry.

While wishing the citizens a merry Christmas, Lalong again appealed to them to be careful and observe all COVID-19 protocols so as to curtail the impact of the pandemic which is on the rise due to the second wave.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
24th December 2020.

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG TESTS NEGATIVE TO COVID-19

One week after Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong tested positive to Corona virus, the Governor is now free of the disease after his latest test returned negative.

The Governor’s negative status was communicated to him on Wednesday night.

Lalong who has been on isolation since 17th December 2020 appreciated God for healing him of the virus and also thanked the people of Plateau State, his friends and associates all over the country for praying for him.

He again called on the citizens of Plateau State to take the pandemic very seriously by observing all protocols for prevention of infection and transmission.

On stigmatisation, the Governor said “having contacted the virus and undergone treatment myself, I wish to reiterate that COVID-19 is not a death sentence as early detection helps to address it and reduce chances of death. We should not stigmatise against anyone who tests positive or is suspected of having the disease. Rather, such people should serve as motivation for others to voluntarily test in order to improve the safety of all”.

Only yesterday, the Governor convened a stakholders meeting presided over by the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu where far reaching decisions were reached on combating the virus during the the yuletide and beyond.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the
Governor of Plateau State.
24th December 2020.

*POSTPONEMENT NOTICE*

The National Executive Committee of Ngas Youth Movement headed by Comr. Nensok Luka Gonet regrets to notify Ngas Youths worldwide of the postponement of the highly anticipated maiden edition of “Kit khi Yii Festival” scheduled to hold on Thursday the 31st of December, 2020 at Nefur Arena Pankshin. This postponement is made in obedience to the directive given by the Presidential Task force on Covid19 backed by Plateau State Government, banning of all cultural festivals and other events; and the order on physical and social distancing due to another daring phase of the deadly Corona Virus.

Despite the enthusiasm, excitement and level of expectations that has been drawn to the event, we regret to announce that as a law abiding youth movement with our desire to partner with the government to fight the pandemic, Khit khi Yii Festival 2020 stands postponed.

We urge members to thankfully reflect and observe “Khit khi yii” in appreciation to God for his protection over our lives and our nation.

We wish to appreciate the Chief Organiser of the event, our own Com. Wumana Bako, our Acting National Director of Socials who despite the very short notice, was able to hit the ground running to put an event together. We also commend the sub-committees for being up and doing. And to ngas nation who within this short moment made tremendous financial contributions towards the anticipated Festival. We hope to channel the resources you contributed to the next Khit khi yii festival.

Lastly, as we all work together to build Ngasland, let’s obey laid down directives by government to avoid contracting Covid -19.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year


*Andrew Amos Gogwim (JP)*
National Publicity Secretary

PLATEAU STATE APC CHAIRMAN, LETEP DABANG TESTS POSITIVE TO COVID-19.

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State,Hon Letep Dabang has tested positive to the corona virus.

Disclosing his status Letep Dabang said the results of the test he underwent a couple of days back returned yesterday and it is positive.

Though at an asymptomatic stage,the APC Chairman has already gone into self isolation while treatment has also commenced on him in line with all COVID-19 protocols.

A close family source said though the party Chairman looks healthy,there is the need to pray for his speedy recovery even as samples of his family members have also been carried and results expected.

Reports reaching this outfit has it that the gallant men of the Special Task Force code name ‘Operation Safe Haven’ have neutralized armed Fulani men suspected to be armed robbers who have been terrorizing mangu for a while.


This is coming hours after the Department of State Services raised alarm over security concerns especially around rural communities in Riyom, Barkin-Ladi and Mangu LGAs.


They were reported to be robbing opposite the NYSC Camp in Mangu when information got to the sector Commander In Mangu, he mobilized his men to the area in a private vehicle. They engaged the robbers in a shot out as a result, 3 of the robbers were neutralized. Some weapons were recovered, while the corpses are said to be with the Police



Details shortly…

Jos South Legislator, Hon. Fom Gwottson Distributes Empowerment Items to Over 800 Constituents

In his bid to ensure the people are economically empowered and financially stable, the Member representing Jos South Constituency at the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Fom Gwottson Dalyop “Banga by Nature” has distributed empowerment Items to his Constituents, mostly Women & Youths.

While handing over the empowerment tools which included Sewing Machines, Water Pumps, Dryers, Generators, Pumps for Artisan Miners, Grinding Machines and cash to 800 beneficiaries, Hon. Fom Gwottson hinted that the gesture is one of the empowerment projects for his people.
The Lawmaker described empowerment as panacea to poverty and will continue to do his best to ensure his people are empowered in order to to financially stable and economically sound.

He said the gesture was to create serial entrepreneurs that would create employment opportunities for his constituents and provide them with reliable streams of incomes.
He said the empowerment project is part of his campaign promises to better the lives of his Constituents.

“We looked at the times and how revenues of families are falling, the earning powers of families diminishing and the capacity of the families to make ends meet is in the decline, so we thought it wise to empower them” he said.

The Legislator said he is committed to providing quality and credible representation and attracting people-oriented projects to his Constituency.
Hon. Gwottson posited that he will continue to do his best in fighting poverty through sound and beneficial empowerment programmes.

Those who spoke at the event and the officials of the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA) commended the Lawmaker for the laudable empowerment initiative and for identifying with the less privileged and providing them with items that will sustain them financially.
They described the Lawmaker as a Performer and a true Representative of the people.
They charged the Beneficiaries not to sell the materials given them but put them to effective use to improve their present living condition.

One of the Beneficiaries, Miss Mary Dung a Tailor from Gyel District, Jos South LGA who could not hide her joy commended the Lawmaker for considering the less privileged and putting smiles on their faces with the empowerment. She said this is the first time she is benefiting from such kind gesture and prayed God to open greater door to the Legislator so he can reach out to more people.