GOVERNOR LALONG GREETS AMBASSADOR JAMES GOTUWAN DIMKA @75

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has felicitated with Ambassador James Gotuwan Dimka on the occasion of his 75th birthday.

Governor Lalong while congratulating the veteran Journalist, Diplomat and Politician said Ambassador Dimka represents one of the best minds on the Plateau and a visionary personality that has contributed enormously to the development of the State and nation at large.

He said Dimka rose through the ranks to become one of the finest journalists in Plateau State and Nigeria and served with excellence, professionalism, diligence and responsibility.

While serving in his later years, Dimka played a key role in the growth of the telecommunications industry and contributed to the expansion of the sector particularly at the grassroots level.

Governor Lalong also acknowledged his contributions to the political development of Plateau State and Nigeria where he served as Chairman, Pankshin LGA among other roles he played within the political circle in the State and national levels.

On his assignment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Liberia, Lalong praised Dimka for discharging his duties diligently and representing the interests of Nigeria with a high sense of responsibility and passion. This he has added to his credentials as a reliable and patriotic citizen.

Governor Lalong is also appreciative of the role that Ambassador Dimka has continued to play within the Elders Council in Plateau State towards consolidating on peace, security and development.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
2nd September 2022.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CELEBRATE SENATOR KASHIM SHETTIMA @ 56

The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated its former Chairman and Governor of Borno State Senator Kashim Shettima as he marks his 56th birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said Senator Shettima is a patriotic Nigerian and a man of honour who has used every opportunity to serve his people with utmost responsibility.

Lalong said the story Shettima’s life from his career in banking, academia and politics is replete with honesty, dexterity, diligence, resilience and commitment to serve and unite people irrespective of tribe, religion and political differences.

He recalled how Kashim Shettima worked assiduously to deal with the insurgency in the North East during his term as Governor of Borno State where he also did his best to deliver impactful projects despite the distractions of Boko Haram.

Governor Lalong also reflected on the leadership of Senator Kashim Shettima as Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum where he gave sound leadership that galvanised Governors and other stakeholders within the region towards addressing illiteracy, poverty, diseases and other challenges.

These attributes he said continued to dominate the interventions of Shettima at the Red Chambers of the National Assembly where he displayed tremendous zeal towards passing laws that will strengthen institutions to deliver quality services to Nigerians.

While wishing him many more years of God’s blessings, good health and divine protection, Lalong urged Senator Shettima to remain loyal, humble and focused on building a greater Nigeria even as he has been chosen to be the running mate of the APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum.
2nd September 2022.

By Golok Nanmwa,Jos

A group operating under the aegis of Plateau Liberal Minds Grassroots Forum, on Thursday drummed support for the Second term aspiration of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC for the Pankshin Kanke Kanam Federal Constitueny race saying he has brought about unprecedented progress in the zone .

The state’s Chairman of the group, Mr Gongon Longji who spoke with newsmen during their monthly meeting held in Kanke local government council of the state called on the people of PKK to support Hon Gagdi so as to continue his good works.

He described Hon Gagdi’s strides as unprecedented, saying he had surpassed expectations in the area of welfare of the people and in the socio-economic development in the zone .

According to him, Gagdi who is the Chairman house committee on Navy has performed excellently, and such a performer deserves a second term in office.

“The projects initiated and provided to the People of PKK by Gagdi are exemplary, laudable, commendable, exceptional and praiseworthy, and every part of PKK is now being carried along at the same time with the same pace.
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“Gagdi’s goods works in PKK should continue and we are calling on the People of PKK to support him at the polls .

“We as a group urge his constituents to put aside tribal and religious sentiments, look at his competence and capacity and vote him back to the green chambers.”

“Gagdi is a goal -getter; he has done so well in human capital development, he is closing existing gaps in infrastructure deficit through various completed and ongoing projects that he initiated in his constituency.

”He has turned around the fortunes of his constituents through job creation and youths and women empowerment; he has been tested and trusted.

“I call on his constituents to support him, come out and massively vote for him because the people of Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam need to continue enjoying this dividends of democracy through Gagdi,” the group added.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN(OPSH), Major General Ibrahim Ali has warned troops against involvement in criminal activities which could further endanger the country. The GOC made this known today 1 September 2022 during the graduation ceremony of participants of EXERCISE SHINING STAR II at Headquarters 3 Division Small Arms Range Miango- Bassa, Plateau state.

Major General Ali revealed that the scourge of insecurity in the country and the world at large was responsible for consistent training and retraining of NA personnel to enable them secure the lives and property of law abiding citizens. He posited that the Post-Basic Training was organised with the overall aim of achieving effective performance of troops adding that the live of a soldier is hinged on training and retraining.

General Ali noted that the training would enable personnel of the Nigerian Army to respond swiftly and professionally to security threats in the discharge of their constitutional duties. He urged the graduating personnel to make good use of the military skills learned for betterment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and service to the nation.

In his welcome remarks, the Division Training Officer (DTO) 3 Division NA, Brigadier General Suleiman Adamu said EXERCISE SHINING STAR II which is a Post-Basic Training Cadre for selected young soldiers has further equipped personnel to face current security challenges confronting the country.

Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff Administration, Lieutenant Colonel SI Shaibu, the Division Training Officer said the training was aimed at improving troops combat skills in weapon handling and proficiency, field training, communication, map reading, ethics, use of GPS, offline maps, and regimentation in line with the standard practice of the Nigerian Army.

He thanked the General Officer Commanding for his visionary leadership, and adequate logistics support to the School.

Highlight of the event were the shooting competition, presentation of certificates to the graduands and group photograph.

You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium. Thank you for your usual cooperation.

ISHAKU TAKWA
Major
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 3 Division

GOVERNOR LALONG WANTS ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF GOLF HARNESSED

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako wants Nigeria to exploit the economic potentials of golf as a sport that can help the country earn foreign exchange as well as improve tourism, leisure and business.

Lalong said this at the First Nigeria Golf Federation Summit for Captains of Golf Clubs holding in Abuja. He said those who are into the game of golf can testify of its unique opportunities for recreation, health and well-being, Socialisation and networking among others which are of huge benefits.

He said “Plateau State being the host of the first golf club in Nigeria, Rayfield 1913 among others, understands the powerful role that golf plays in the economy of a State and the country at large. That is why under my under my administration, golf has played a very significant role in boosting our tourism and leisure activities. This year, we had the honour of having former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon commission the redesigned and improved Rayfield Golf course which has now been transformed from a brown to a green. We have equally continued to work on the Lamingo Golf course and also supporting the development of other Golf courses such as the Rhino, NIPSS among others”.

He charged the Technical Session to look into the growth of the game particularly in recruiting more members and reaching out to young targets that will not only understand the game, but also embrace it and utilise the opportunities it provides.

“I wish to also appeal to the Nigerian Golf Federation to also improve on the hosting of Competitions across the country and also harnessing the participation of Nigerian golfers in international competitions. This is necessary because the game of golf in Nigeria must move from being a leisure sport to a money making exercise as obtained abroad. This calls for synergy between the Government, private sector and the golfing community in Nigeria towards making sure that the game is put on the front burner of sporting activities in Nigeria. I am sure this Technical Session will do justice to such yearning and chart a way forward” he said.

Minister of Sports Sunday Dare assured that the Federal Government will continue to work at improving sporting activities including golf which he said was a unique sport with global recognition, fortune and fame.

While urging the Summit to come up with various strategies on how to demystify the sport and let people know that it is not an exclusive sport of the elite, the Minister promised more funding for golf infrastructure, competitions, and talent discovery as well as export in the future budgets of the Ministry.

President Nigeria Golf Federation Otunba Segun Runsewe thanked Governor Lalong for his commitment to the game of golf and his exemplary sponsorship of the game and development of infrastructure in Plateau State. He said Lalong is a model of golf promotion who has developed a golf course within the Plateau Government House which enables Government officials an opportunity to refresh while delivering service to the people.

He said the sport has not only gained ground in the State but also created job and income opportunities for the players and citizens in general.

Otunba also assured that the outcome of the summit will be used to further deepen the development of the sport across the country, leading to hosting of the Nigerian Open which stopped many years ago.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
1st September 2022.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has flagged off the Nigerian Army Inter Divisions Combat Company Orienteering Competition. The event was held on Tuesday 30 August 2022 at Godwin Ally Cantonment Ogoja, Cross River State.

The COAS who was represented by Major General Joseph Omali reiterated the importance of training in the fight against insurgency and terrorism noting that competition will also enhance the leadership development of junior commanders.

Gen Yahaya urged the participants to strive hard in order to bring out the best in the championship assuring them that efforts and preparations for the competition will translate to relative ease in conduct of operations.

He commended the 82 Division in selecting Ogoja for the championship adding the terrain provides all features needed for training of this nature.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army Major General Umar Musa in his welcome address acknowledged the emphasis the Nigerian Army under the current leadership of COAS placed on training. He expressed his confindence that the competition would be adventurous and entertaining.

The five days competition draw participants from six Divisions across the Nigerian Army and Army Headquarters garrison. They would undergo fitness test, ten and thirty kilometers run with heavy loads among others.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

The Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) Major General Anthony Omozoje has commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC)3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali for undertaking several projects that has improved the outlook of Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos. Maj Gen Omozoje made the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit on the GOC in the cantonment.

General Omozoje said, he was in Jos to deliver a lecture to participants of Senior Executive Course 44 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru on behalf of the
Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya.

While inspecting other ongoing projects in the Cantonment, the Chief of Policy and Plans expressed satisfaction with the laudable initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of troops and their dependents. He commended the GOC and his officers for the strides.

He said in spite of many challenges, the NA is making tremendous efforts to improve the capacity of troops to discharge their duties professionally.

In his remarks, the GOC and Commander OPSH, Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali described the visit as a morale booster to the officers and soldiers of the Division. He noted that the projects at the Cantonment were successfully executed with the tremendous support received from the COAS, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya. He assured General Omozoje that the facilities would be maintained.

During the visit, Maj Gen Omozoje inspected the remodelled Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Main Entrance Gate, Quarter Guard, solar powered street lights and the ongoing construction of Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) 3 Division Chapter Secretariat. General Omozoje also inspected the ongoing renovation of soldiers accommodation as well as the ongoing construction of the 3 Division Gymnasium Center and the Swimming Pool.

You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium. Thank you for your usual cooperation

*ISHAKU TAKWA*
Major
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CELEBRATE BISHOP KUKAH @ 70

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with prominent clergyman and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah on his 70th birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message described Bishop Kukah as a man of God who has remained devoted to his calling as a servant in the Lord’s vineyard and the society at large.

Lalong said Bishop Kukah has distinguished himself as a selfless, courageous, honest and kind clergyman who has always been driven by the passion to speak against injustice, oppression and other actions that negate principles of God and his love to humanity.

He said the Northern Governors acknowledge his sincere contributions to the efforts in addressing Nigeria’s challenges in education, justice administration, poverty eradication, peaceful coexistence, youth empowerment, and national unity through his consistent advocacy at various fora.

The Governor specifically commended the role Bishop Kukah has played in advancing Nigeria’s democracy and promoting credible, violence-free and acceptable elections as Convener of the National Peace Committee headed by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as steering national discourse and engagement through his foundation, The Kukah Centre.

Lalong said the passion and determination of Bishop Kukah to reach out to the youths and speak to them about their role as future leaders of the country has inspired many of them to look beyond the current challenges and work towards building a better nation.

While wishing him many more years of God’s blessings, good health and protection, Lalong said the Northern Governors and Nigeria at large shall continue to benefit from his wealth of knowledge, experience and wise counsel, urging him never to relent in speaking truth to power whenever the situation arises.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
31st August 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG, APC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE & APC GOVERNORS MEET FORMER PRESIDENT JONATHAN & STATE ASSEMBLY SPEAKERS

As consultations continue ahead of the campaigns for the 2023 General elections, APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his running mate Kashim Shettima and the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Tuesday 30th August 2022 met with former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at his residence in Maitama.

The meeting which held behind closed door was attended by some Governors of the APC who accompanied the Presidential Candidate and his team.

The details of the meeting were not disclosed.

Earlier, the Candidate, his running mate, the Director General Simon Bako Lalong and other progressive Governors had met at the Tinubu Campaign Headquarters where they held strategic discussions behind closed doors.

Thereafter, they met with APC Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to also startegise on efforts at galvanising the energy of the party across the country for the success of the party.

Governor Lalong had also joined the Progressive Governors to visit President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House where they also paid a visit to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
30th August 2022.

RT HON YUSUF ADAMU GAGDI: BORN OF A WOMAN, WILL ALWAYS PAY RESPECT TO WOMEN; THEY HAVE SUPPORTED THE COURSE OF THE STRUGGLE IN PKK

If you ever had time and or the opportunity to have listened to Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi describe either his late father, Mallam Adamu Yusuf Gagdi and his surviving mother, you will understand the importance he attaches to both.

Over the years, his reverence for age wherever he goes has no second; he has given without faking. Therefore, knowing his background, he does not give less to those he comes in contact with.

On Saturday, August 27, 2022, after a glorious outing with the National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS), where he was given an award as the LEGISLATOR OF THE DECADE; he visited some mothers and sisters on invitation at their meeting venue at Zarmaganda.

During the visit, they gave him a pat on the back for his outstanding performance as the representative of the people of PKK since 2019.

The group, PKK Concerned Women for Rt Hon Gagdi headed by Mrs. Gloria Wuyep had complimented him on his achievements and contributions to democracy; but particularly in uplifting the lives of the people of the Federal Constituency.

Listening to him during the visit, you could hear him applauding the virtues of his mother, Mama Hauwa Adamu Gagdi, who, in the early days of his life, would bake kosai (bean cake) for sale to compliment the efforts of his father.

During the interaction with the women, he is reminded as always of the struggles women have made and added in value to various endeavours. Of particular note, he is not unmindful of the sacrifices women have continued to play in helping to shape his interventions in the Federal Constituency.

Repeatedly, he has paid tribute to men, women and the youth for their continued display of energy in deepening democracy and strengthening him to redefine representation in the constituency.

For Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, it is an area he will not sleep until people and communities in the constituency are transformed in ways not seen before his ascendancy. More of such unprecedented transformation, he has sworn, are in the pipeline, if they Vote Gagdi Again come 2023.

We have always trusted God to make it happen

GAGDI STRATEGIC MEDIA TEAM

August 30, 222