REP. SIMON MWADKWON, PH.D DONATES N2 MILLION TO BEWDA & BYM, LAUDS THEIR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS/CONTRIBUTIONS
The Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency Plateau State, Rep. Simon Mwadkwon, Ph.D on Saturday 6th June, 2020 paid surprise visit to the leadership of the Berom Women Development Association (BEWDA) and Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM).
The essence of the visit was to interface with them and to have firsthand information about their activities.
In all the places visited, Dr. Simon Mwadkwon lauded the giant strides being down by the leaderships of the two groups. He commended their landmark achievements and contributions to the unity, prosperity and growth of the Berom Nation.
The Federal Lawmaker said Human Capital Development remains critical and priority to him.
“We are committed to building the capacity of the people and transforming the Federal Constituency through people-oriented projects and legislation”
“The first motion i raised in the 9th National Assembly was the humanitarian plights of the people which drew the attention of the Speaker to write to the relevant authorities for necessary intervention.” He said.
He lauded the efforts of BEWDA towards education and skills acquisition which he said is strategic to human development. Dr. Mwadkwon lauded their efforts aimed at promoting, projecting, protecting and sustaining the Berom culture and tradition urging them to continue on that path to ensure the culture doesn’t go into extinction.
The Legislator donated N1 million each to the two organisations and promised to do more when the need arises.
In her remark, BEWDA President Ngo Florence Jambol who was in company of other Executive Members lauded the visit of the Federal Lawmaker and commended his impressive legislative engagement describing him as a true and worthy Ambassador of the people. She said Women are peacemakers and as Mothers they are confronted with numerous challenges especially the resettlement of the displaced in the Federal Constituency and others. She said they want the humanitarian intervention accorded certain States such as Zamfara, Borno, Yobe etc to be extended to Plateau State which has suffered great violent crisis with many persons killed & displaced. She posited that women and children are facing serious humanitarian challenges which need to be addressed to give them sense of belonging.
BYM-A President, Arc. Gabriel Sunday commended the Federal Lawmaker for being a voice to the people and prioritizing youth development. He appreciated the Legislator for being supportive to the youths and called on him to continue with that gesture. He also lauded the humanitarian interventions of the Legislator to the people.
The Federal Lawmaker and his entourage were taken round the proposed 1000 capacity Auditorium being built by the BYM President and other Executives calling on the Federal Lawmaker to assist where necessary.
They assured him of prayers and support all the time to enable him excel and perform creditably well. The leadership who could not hide their joy lauded the donation of the Member and said it will go a long way to assisting them.
In the entourage of the Federal Lawmaker were his Senior Legislative Aide Jackson Daniel Dashwei, his Chief of Staff, Pharm. John Chun, Media Aide, Kim Victor and other Members of his Directorate.
Cmr. Friday Bako Director, Media & Publicity to Rep. Simon Mwadkwon, Ph.D
PLATEAU HOLDS SERVICE TO MARK DEMOCRACY DAY AND 5TH YEAR OF GOVERNOR LALONG’S TENURE.
It was a solemn but reflective moment for Christians in Plateau State as they held a church service to mark the 2020 Democracy Day and also commemorate the 5th year in office for the Rescue Administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong. The service which was held at the Government House Chapel, Rayfield Jos under COVID-19 guidelines, was attended by Governor Simon Lalong, his wife Regina, as well as Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, his wife and other top Government officials. Governor Lalong in a remark, gave thanks to God for the opportunity to serve the people of Plateau State at this period of time and in the last five years where so much was done to stabilise the State and restore it to the the path of unity and progress. He said “Let me use this opportunity to appreciate God for giving me and my Deputy, Prof. Sonni Tyoden the privilege to serve the people of Plateau State in the last five years. At the same time, we thank the people of the State for giving us their mandate during the 2015 and 2019 elections. We recognize that they had many choices among the many aspirants and candidates, but settled for our ticket and the APC. We cannot take this for granted as we are humbled by this responsibility bestowed upon us to work for the peace, progress and development of Plateau State”. Lalong who promised to give the details of what his administration has been able to achieve during the address he will be making in the coming days to mark the 2020 democracy day, however said he remains determined to do his best in providing purposeful leadership that inspires confidence; supports peaceful coexistence; delivers basic services and infrastructure to the people; as well as leave behind lasting legacies for generations yet to come. Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Rev. Fr. David Ajang challenged those in power to do all within their capacity to serve the people with integrity, justice and empathy particularly at this time when the world is contending with the Corona Virus. He commended Governor Lalong and his team for touching the lives of the people of the State in the last five years despite many challenges. Chief Judge of the State Justice Gyang Dakwak said Nigerians must continue to work for the strenthing of democratic tenets that are founded on the rule of law, justice, accountability and good governance. Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Plateau State Rev. Dr. Soja Bewarang in a goodwill message acknowledged the restoration of peace and confidence in the State due to proactive steps taken by the government of Simon Lalong and also called for more attention to first generation schools in the State which need rehabilitation. APC Chairman Letep Dabang in a remark said the Governor has remained focussed in implementing the vision of the party by carrying everyone along in the State and embarking on projects that are people oriented.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 7th June 2020.
GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES NEW PLATEAU CAN LEADERSHIP: TASKS THEM ON UNITY AND PEACE.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the newly elected Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State Chapter Rev. Fr. Polycarb Lubo and other members of the Executive Council following their election on Saturday 6th June 2020. In a congratulatory message, the Governor said the peaceful election where the new leadership emerged demonstrates the unity and oneness within the Church on the Plateau which should be sustained by the new CAN Executive. He said “You should see your election as another affirmation of your calling in the Lord’s vineyard as you serve not only those of the Christian faith, but the society at large. You should always remember that the society today is in need of love, healing, truth and justice which our Lord Jesus Christ admonished us to offer especially at times like this. Use your new offices to propagate these and other tenets of Christianity”. Lalong also advised the new CAN leadership to work towards closing the gaps among different denominations and reaching out to people of other faiths so as to build understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. He assured them that his administration will remain receptive to their counsel at any time, as well as count on their prayers for God’s guidance in the business of governance. Lalong also thanked the outgoing CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Soja Bewarang and members of his EXCO for their support and prayers towards the success of the Rescue Administration.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 7th May 2020.
HON MANJI B.D.GONTORI CONGRATULATE REV.FR.POLYCARP LUBO,THE NEWLY ELECTED CAN CHAIRMAN,PLATEAU STATE.
Hon Manji Gontori rejoices with Rev.Fr Polycarp Lubo who emerged the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN)chairman plateau state chapter. In a congratulatory message,Hon Gontori said”on behalf of my family and Gontori movement 2023,I heartily congratulate you, our father Rev.Fr Lubo over your election as the new CAN chairman plateau state chapter.God has chosen you at such a time like this for the fulfillment of his purpose. I am confident that your wealth of experience even as the secretary of this largest Christian body on the plateau will be brought to bear as you pilot church on the plateau to its destination”
Gontori equally pray for God’s grace and wisdom over His servant to carry out this great task of leadership as required by God.
Once again,congratulation sir from all of us@GMT(Gontori Media Team) and Gontori movement 2023.
Like Hon Gagdi always do say; “My Life is a Story!”.
Indeed his life is full of stories. Stories of struggles and battles against suppressive forces, A story of hardwork resilience and commitment, a story of dedication and fight for humanity. He has been called all sorts of names… From a 419er to a ritualist to a criminal. He has been addressed with all sorts of maligning names, but he is never deterred. Constantly overcoming hurdles and bouncing back even harder and stronger is Gagdi’s Long Walk To Victory.
It is normal for a son of a poor man to face such challenges if he is pushing to breakthrough from the shackles and grip of the societal belief that; once you are born poor, you should die poor. If Gagdi was a son of an elite, everything that nature has placed his way would have been seen “normal and deserving”. But sadly, if you are born in penury, the society automatically expects you to die poor as situations will continue to be pushing you down, not wanting you to come close to the circle. It will be expected that, since you are a son of peasant farmer from a village, then you must not/ should not have access to contracts and other life opportunities… Completely forgetting the grace and blessings of God!
That’s the struggle of Rt. Hon Gagdi… From a very humble background trying to breakthrough and always getting a push down by the elites. Using all forms of blackmails and misinformation all to pull him down.
At the very beginning, when Gagdi was a student at FCE Pankshin, he contested for the position of the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Kanam Students Association (KANSA). His opponent is from Dengi town while he is from a village outside of Dengi. Thus, the opponent seems to have an upper hand. But, the tide of the contest changed on the manifestation night as Gagdi was at his oratorical best. His brilliance and energy swayed support to him and that was how the position of the President and PRO became the most keenly contested. Though he lost the election, but that was when he announced his presence in the political circles of Kanam and to the youths of Dengi. Everyone start to talk of Babayo! Young, vibrant, brilliant and a committed person.
Rt. Hon Gagdi felt that he will be more of use to the people as a politician than a career civil servant and that was how he took the risk and voluntarily resigned from the services of the state Government after less than five years in service, just to contest for an election in 2011.
It was a very big risk for a young person of less than 30 years to resign from a sure source of income and venture into an unclear path… Politics. Considering equally that, he doesn’t even have money to finance his campaign.
But, that’s what Hon Gagdi personified… Courage and self belief.
Rt. Hon Gagdi contested for the state house of Assembly to represent Kantana constituency on the platform of PDP. Where he lost narrowly through controversial circumstances to the candidate of the Labour Party.
It was a very tough contest that took the local political established order by surprise. At the beginning, he was considered as one of those small boys, but at the end it took the combination of irregularities and blackmails to defeat him. One of such blackmails is dragging his personal and family life into politics, where the opponents kept on questioning his Islamic faith because his wife is a Christian. It was an unfortunate weaponisation of religion just to achieve a political goal.
Immediately after losing the House of Assembly election in 2011, Gagdi started his campaign against 2015.
He spent 4 solid years working towards becoming a member state house of Assembly. At the build up to the election, again, more than 85% of the stakeholders and bigwigs of Kanam politics were against his aspiration. Since he knows that there is an elite conspiracy against him, he moved down to the people and established a strong bond. He campaigned from polling unit to polling unit multitudes of time. His primary election was conducted three times, but he won on all occasions though were all cancelled. The elites in PDP then, tried to make former Gov Jang to interfere in order to deny Gagdi ticket, but at last Baba Jang understood that it was Mr Gagdi that have the grassroot and the delegates and that was how his primary election was moved and conducted in Jos. Alas he won the primaries again and eventually won the general election. He happened to be the only PDP candidate that won elections under the platform of the party in kanam. Gagdi survived the APC tsunami of 2015 in kanam. The people said, they voted for Babayo not PDP.
In between his loosing election in 2011 and winning in 2015, he became the state financial secretary of PDP and a board member Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority where he influenced some youths on the Plateau to be employed at the parastatal. That’s his trademark, anywhere he is opportuned to be, he will ensure his people get permanent employments.
Rt. Hon Gagdi became the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly upon the inauguration of the house where again some members felt uncomfortable with his pushy and dedicative postures. His outspokenness was mistaken on a ground for domination. He was unceremoniously impeached which they later realized that, that’s his nature and it wasn’t the office that confer such on him.
Gagdi decamped from the PDP to the APC because that’s what the electorate wants him to do. They kept on reminding him that it was him as a person they voted for in 2015 not the party, threatening not to extend such favor again in 2019 if he doesn’t change his party. He understood the body language and switched his membership from PDP to APC, and true to the words of the people, the PDP did not clinch a single seat in kanam in 2019.
Gagdi performed admirably well as a state legislature, the highlight which is, paying SSCE registration fee for ALL his constituents in all government schools. Again as a member of the state assembly, he influenced job opportunities for his constituents at Plateau State Board of Internal Revenue, Plateau State University, College of Education Gindiri, TSC, State civil service, Nigerian police, civil defense and the Nigerian army. Even those outside his kantana constituency then benefitted from his benevolence.
That led to the call by the people for him to represent them at the National Assembly, saying the reward for a good job is more job!
The political intrigues for the contest of the House of Representative seat for Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam federal constituency also take the same pattern the political struggles of Gagdi used to be. Blackmails, projection of primordial sentiments by opponents and the pull him down conspiracy of the elites.
But he persistently kept on talking and meeting the people at different levels. Letting them know of his plans and vision for the constituency. While some were using all forms of divisive antics, he was always on the go touring the 36 wards of Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam.
From Lallen Giwa to Garram… Lankan to Gyangyang, Kunkyam to Kangshu! Always On The Move.
During the primary election, the majority of the delegates bought into his vision for the constituency and he overwhelming won with more than 700 votes out of 1000+. The sounds that kept echoing at the Pankshin Youth Center During the Primary Elections were Gagdi, Gagdi, Gagdi, Gagdi, Gagdi, Gagdi, Gagdi the words that ushered in a paradigm into the patterns of campaigning in the four corners of PKK as has never been witnessed.
Despite the consistent promotion of sentiment instead of ideas during the campaign, the majority of the people of PKK also got convinced that Gagdi has what it takes to turn around the fortunes of the constituency with people centered representation. Hence the reposition of their confidence in him.
All his two victories; as an elected state assembly member and the national assembly, was exhaustively challenged at the election petition tribunals. And the reaffirmation of his victory by the judiciary was an attestation of the free mandate given by the majority of the people of PKK… That strengthened his belief not to betray the trust of his constituents.
And true to their belief, in the one year that he is the representative of the people, he has set a foundation for a remarkable and comprehensive quintessential representation with the people at the core center of benefiting from it.
The milestone achieved so far and the journey ahead will be discussed in the next bulletin.
This is Gagdi’s Long Walk To Victory.
GAGDI MEDIA TEAM
**series of bulletins to mark the one year anniversary of Hon Yusuf Gagdi at the National Assembly.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Hon. Tamwakat Weli, on behalf of her ministry, has congratulated Rev Fr Polycarp Lubo of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria who was elected as the new Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria Plateau state Chapter
Lubo who initially served as Secretary of CAN in the state, succeeded Rev. Dr. Soja Bewarang. He emerged a winner in a keenly contested election, winning his rival, Rev Dr Steven Dangana of the CPFN/PFN with 43 to 36 votes.
In a message, made available to newsmen, she encouraged him to keep the zeal he had exhibited over the years in various assignment he handled, especially his support in the tourism sector where he has contributed immensely. She assured him of the ministry continuous support as he assumes the new responsibility.
Her message reads,
We salute and congratulate a gifted, vibrant, dogged, humble, and faithful servant of the Lord, *Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo* on your election to the exalted position of the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State Chapter.
Over the years you’ve being a friend of the Ministry, a lover of people’s culture, with an eye for the advancement of the tourism sector through your active participation in the Jos Carnival.
We are trusting that the zeal and verve you’ve exhibited over the years will be replicated in this new office.
We identify with you as you assume this exalted office in Christendom on the Plateau, and we are confident that with your wealth of experience you will surely succeed.
May the Good Lord be your guide as you pilot the affairs of the office. Once more accept our hearty congratulations.
She pleaded with the Christian community to give him the maximum support needed to succeed and to pray fervently for him, for wisdom from God.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau Chapter, has elected new officials who would steer its affairs for the next three years. The election held on Saturday in Jos, had Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos emerging as Chairman. Lubo, who took over from Rev. Dr. Soja Bewarang, had served as the State Secretary of the association in the state. In a keenly contested election Lubo scored 43 votes to defeat his opponent, Rev Dr Steven Dangana of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) who secured 36 votes. Other officials elected are Bishop Stanley Fube, Secretary, Senior Apostle Maximian Ewurum, Assistant Secretary, and Rev Dr Laje of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) emerged Treasurer. Speaking to Journalists shortly after taking oath of office, Lubo, the newly elected chiarman, promised to stand for the course of Christians in the state. He added that one of his cardinal agenda would be to unite all Christians in the state. “I am praying to God to give me the wisdom and strength to stand for the right of Christians “We shall work hard to unite all Christians irrespectives of our denominations in Plateau,” he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the election was conducted by Rev. Dr Israel Akanji, the Chiarman of CAN in the North Central
Professor Mrs Nora Ladi Daduut has reemphasized her commitment to serve the people of Plateau Southern Zone in the forth coming by-election to replace the Late Senator Ignatius Longjan in the upper chamber of the Nigerian National Assembly.
In a brief interview with our correspondent in Jos the Plateau State Capital, Prof Nora Daduut assured that the Plateau south women will surly have a voice in the coming by-election for the vacant senate sit.
She said vying for the senatorial sit was not self seeking or just an advocacy for gender inclusion but born out of her desire to serve her immediate community, assuring that she will work in creating Legislative Principles that will affect the lives of the people positively and execute several programs and projects to impact the people of Plateau south and the state in general.
Professor Nora Ladi Dadut is a well-rounded educationalist, a Professor of French in the University of Jos. She hails from Qua’pan Local Government Area in the Southern Senatorial District of the State. She has been Principal and Education Director for years with her educational career starting in 1961 in R.C.M School Kwalla when she willingly followed her older siblings to school. She is a member of the Lady Knight of St. John’s Int’l and the second Supreme Vice-President in the whole world. Married to Mr. John Dadut and blessed with four children, Jonathan Dadut, a Civil Engineer in Canada, Jumai Apata, a Medical Doctor in Morgan University, Maryland, Noah Nanet Dadut, A pilot and a Check Pilot in Florida and Judith Dadut, a Lecturer with the University of Jos.
While holding those civil service positions, Professor Ladi Daduut set up a nongovernmental organization, “Society for Community Concerns” in 2004 to help communities utilize their local potentials for self-development. The nongovernmental organization in Plateau State has executed several programs including water and sanitation hygiene, adult education and among others, agricultural training through community mobilization and participation, a globally recommended model for sustainable development.
It is often said that the quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves. Prof Daduut can be best described as a woman with pure record considering that she is grounded in community development and humanitarian services, her vast experience as a civil servant and by working in the academia, meaning she is well rounded in service with no record of mismanagement.
A Rejoinder: 4th June, 2020 Re: ATBUTH rejects pregnant women
Our attention has been drawn to two online media reports by two otherwise respected media outfits, the Guardian and the Vanguard of 2nd June 2020, that our Hospital is “rejecting patients particularly pregnant women”.
In the reports, it was said that our patients complained that our doctors were asking them to go back home without attending to them.
Also, the reports quoted the Public Relations Officer Aminu Yusuf as saying that the Management has halted services to out patients who are on appointments to meet with their doctors. He was also quoted to have said that the management had asked the doctors not to attend to the pregnant women until their pregnancies are eight months.
This is totally false. Let’s put the record straight, the Hospital has been responsive and active in taking its responsibilities of ensuring that health of its clients/ patients are given utmost priority at all times, even amidst this covid19 pandemic. In fact perhaps because of closure of most referral hospitals in Bauchi State, we see more pregnant women now than before the outbreak of the covid19 pandemic. Our records show that our delivery rate has increased by up to 40% within the period of the pandemic from January to May, 2020. For example in May we had a total delivery of 342 women and CS of 98 mothers. This is against our average delivery rate of 250 per month before the pandemic. It is also on record, apart from this Hospital, most tertiary healthcare outfits have suspended most of their services. We remain one, if not the only government owned tertiary healthcare in Bauchi State that has never suspended services to the public, since the outbreak of this global scourge.
There is no way our Public Relations Officer would have given such wrong and rather ridiculous information to the press. He must have been misquoted in the report to say the least.. The management has not and will not suspend its services to our patients as a tertiary Hospital.
The management of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) assures the general public of its vision and mission of providing quality health care services, as we always do since our establishment in January, 2010. We therefore ask the publishers of the two media outfits to retract this erroneous report which is a total misrepresentation of the actual position of things here and to duly apologize in order to maintain the cordial relationship between us and their reporters in Bauchi State.
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF DEMOCRACY DAY AND COMMEMORATION OF GOVERNOR SIMON BAKO LALONG’S FIVE YEARS IN OFFICE.
On the 29th May, 2015, the Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, was sworn in as Executive Governor of Plateau State. Just like a flash, the count down has been five years. It is in this light therefore, that a programme of events has been lined up to commemorate this as follows:
Friday 5th June, 2020, Controlled Special Muslim Prayers at the Jo’s Central Mosque.
Saturday 6th June, 2020, Special Golf kitty at the Lamingo Golf Club, Jos.
Sunday 7th June, 2020, Controlled Christian Prayers at the Government House Chapel, Jo’s.
Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th June, 2020, Radio and Television Programmes on Government policies and Programmes.
Tuesday 9th June, 2020, Inspection and Commissioning of Projects in Southern Zone.
Wednesday 10th June, 2020, Inspection and Commissioning of Projects in Central Zone.
Thursday 11th June, 2020, Inspection and Commissioning of Projects in Northern Zone.
Friday 12th June, 2020, State Broadcast and conversation with His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, via WEBINAR, an online engagement/discussion and interaction with speakers both at home and in the diaspora.
ALWAYS THINK PLATEAU AND ACT PLATEAU.
Dan Manjang, Hon. Commissioner, Information and Communication, Plateau State. 5/6/2020.
Freelance Reporters 