Democracy Day: Rep. Simon Mwadkwon, Ph.D Charge Nigerians to Remain Optimistic For a Brighter Future, Lauds Their Contributions to Nation Building

As Nigerians celebrate the Nation’s 21 years of uninterrupted democracy, the Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency Plateau State, Rep. Simon Mwadkwon Ph.D has admonished all Nigerians to remain optimistic and positive for a better, stronger and greater future.

Rep. Mwadkwon lauded what he termed the unflinching loyalty, commitment and immense contributions of Nigerians to Nation building. Dr. Mwadkwon said the sacrifices of Nigerians remain critical and urged them not to relent in contributing their quota to national unity, peace, cohesion, prosperity, growth and development.

“Since our return to democracy in 1999, our democracy & electoral system have been characterized by cases of vote-buying, ballot snatching, and stuffing, disenfranchisement, child voting, voting by proxy and other electoral malpractices trail elections in the country which have adversely affected the integrity of the electoral processes and getting credible leadership in many cases” the Federal Lawmaker posited.

Dr. Mwadkwon called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sign into law the long awaited Electoral Act which was amended by the National Assembly before the 2019 General Elections and awaiting his assent. He said when signed into law, the amended electoral Act will bring sanity, integrity and confidence in the electoral system and democracy at large.

Dr. Mwadkwon urged Nigerians to have faith in the Country and work for its prosperity.

“In the face of the present global COVID-19 Pandemic which has presented public health threat, I urged all Nigerians to stay safe and adhere strictly to health protocols and government directives aimed at curtailing the scourge” he said.

He charged those in leadership positions to make welfare of the citizens their priority and provide credible leadership at all times.

The Federal Legislator said as a Representative of the people, he will continue to provide credible representation through effective legislation that will impact not only Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, Plateau State but Nigeria at large.

While calling on the people to always pray and support their leaders to succeed, Rep. Mwadkwon urged them to hold their leaders accountable at all times and critique constructively when the need arises saying that is the beauty of democracy.

He prayed for a hitch free celebration across the Nation.

Cmr. Friday Bako
Director, Media & Publicity to Rep. Mwadkwon, Ph.D

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CAN PRESIDENT

Dear All,
COVID-19 Worship Regulations

We are discussing with the federal government on the re-opening of the churches nationwide. We know the danger of COVID-19 is not over yet but we are thinking that if we engage this method of congregational cry unto God over the pandemic, God would hear our prayers.
The government from our discussions wants us to draw up suggested guidelines for worship in keeping with COVID-19 containment requirements and submit for approval.
Below is a draft which I want you to see and possibly add to, if there is any remaining.
Quick response is important because I and the Sultan of Sokoto would hold a zoom meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation this week.
We hope that latest by the first week in June, we would be back in churches nationwide.

The suggested guidelines.

1. Churches should disinfect their premises first before they are reopened for services .
2. Churches should provide alcoholic sanitizers, temperature readers, soap and water in their Premises to be supervised by medical professionals in the Church.
3. Every worshipper must either use soap to wash their hands or apply sanitizers.
4. The temperature  of every worshipper must be taken before admission into the church and people with the high temperature should not be allowed into the church but be advised to go and see their doctors. 
   5. Every worshipper must wear facemask. 
   6. Social distancing should be observed in the sitting arrangement with one meter gap between two worshippers.
   7. One and a half hour service is enough for a start.
5. There should  be a gap of 25 or 30 minutes between one service and another where there are multiple services to avoid crowd.
6. Churches can make use of classrooms and multipurpose halls for services where available, especially in big churches in order to accommodate more worshippers at a go. TV circuit and speakers can be used for those who are not inside the main auditorium.
   10. Handshaking and hugging should be avoided before, during and after the service. 
7. Prayers should be offered to God for a speedy end of COVID-19 and quick recovery of all that are afflicted by the pandemic. Prayers should also be offered for those frontline workers for divine protection. 
   12. CAN in each state and local government should constitute a committee together with law enforcement agencies in their area to enforce full compliance. Such civilian compliance officials should be given backing by the governments to apprehend those who contravene the worship regulations and hand them over to law enforcement agents.
8. Churches observing Holy Communion service should use separate cup for each participant.

Thank you for the anticipated prompt response.

For the King,
Rev. Dr. Samson O. A. Ayokunle 
CAN President

SPEECH BY THE HON.COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT DR. HOSEA ISTIFANUS FINANGWAI ON THE OCCASION OF THE FLAG-OFF/LAUNCHING OF SALES OF SUBSIDIZED AGRIC INPUTS FOR 2020 FARMING SEASON AT MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE FERTILIZER STORE BUKURU EXPRESS WAY JOS SOUTH L.G.A ON THE 28TH MAY,2020.

PROTOCOL

Once again in the tradition and culture of the Ministry of Agriculture, I heartily welcome you all to the flag-off/launching of sales of farming inputs for the year 2020.

This is an unusual launching due to the global Corona Pandemic and so we had to curtail the number of our appreciated farmers in line with the Government guidelines in curtailing the spread of the dreaded disease.

Permit me to first appreciate His Excellency and his team of Northern governors for exempting Farmers from the general lockdown and also permits given for the movement of food and agro related goods. This has in great way reduced post-harvest losses for perishable crops and livestock product such as eggs.

As a ministry,we also appreciate the Governor for giving Agriculture priority by enlisting it as first in the Economic rebirth policy thrust. We shall also remain committed to ensure the goal of this strategic action plan is achieved.

The State payment of counterpart funding for several projects such as the Potato Value Chain Program,Rural Access and Marketing Project (RAAMP)and collaboration with research institutions have yielded commendable results. These results are seen in the adaptability trials carried out on potato ,wheat and barley.

Other efforts and progress made Worthy of mention are:

• The proactive approach to constantly improve the processes of farm inputs procurement and distribution.
• The development of a medium-term strategic plan.
• The committed effort.to revamp the ailing Agriculture Services and Training Company (ASTC).
  This is to mention but a few.

In other to ensure a safe distribution amidst the Covid-19 challenge,the ministry also will adapt a safety sales mechanism by ensuring all fertilizer stores used for the sales have running water and soap,face mask are worn by all workers and buyers of the inputs and also minimum population and observance of social distance.

The subsidized Agric inputs for 2020 farming season includes: Fertilizer UREA and NPK 20:10:10 at N6,500 and N5000 respectively.

Others include high breed seed of maize,cotton,rice and tomato, and seed dressing/Growth boosters to go with.

As our amiable Governor flags off this 2020 sales of agro inputs, I wish all our farmers a bumper harvest.

Thank you and remained blessed.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 1st YEAR IN 2ND TERM IN OFFICE

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State Chapter, congratulates Governor Simon Bako Lalong for a successful first year of his Second Term in office as Plateau State Governor.

The church commends your determination of leaving Plateau State better than you met it by executing so many projects for the betterment of the citizens.

Your efforts in restoring and consolidating peace, wiping out potholes on roads in the state, execution of your legacy projects, boosting of: agriculture, security, health and many more are worthy of commendation.

We commend your too for the all-out war your administration declared on Covid-19 pandemic, proactive steps taken to secure our borders in order to control the spread of COVID-19. CAN commends the manner how Government Palliatives and those given by patriotic Plateau citizens are being distributed.

As you enter your second year we wish to draw your attention to some dilapidating structures such as Government Colleges; Jos, Jingre, Amper and Kanam. If these structures collapse to raise them again will require billions of naira, but they can be saved by being refurbished and some can be converted to higher institution of learning.

CAN wishes you more sound health, divine wisdom and knowledge as you work hard to satisfy the mandate reposed on you by the citizens at the polls last year.

Signed:
Rev. Dr. Soja Bewarang
CAN Chairman

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT WARNS AGAINST STIGMATIZATION OF COVID 19 PATIENTS – Manjang

All human beings are equal irrespective of their social status.
There is therefore no need to stigmatize anyone who is found to have contracted the Coronavirus or any other disease for that matter.
Plateau state Commissioner of Information and Communication Dan Manjang in a statement said COVID nineteen though could be deadly is not a death sentence
Manjang explained people are recovering from COVID 19 like any other illness and should not be stigmatized.
He said the Plateau state Government takes exception to the stigmatization of COVID-19 patients and would therefore not tolerate the act.
The Information Commissioner therefore ask citizens to be pillars of support to anyone diagnosed with the disease or treated of it and embrace them as one big happy family.
Rather than stigmatize and discriminate against persons suspected or indeed infected with the virus, the Commissioner reminds the public of the consistent charge by Governor Simon Bako Lalong for more love the show of solidarity, care as well as learning from the experiences of those affected in order to cut transmission and stop the virus.

Hon. Dan Manjang
Commissioner
Ministry of Information & Communication
Plateau State.

28 May 2020.

PRESS RELEASE

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE GOVERNOR AMINU BELLO MASARI AT 70.

The Northern Governors Forum has rejoiced with Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State as he turns 70 on Friday 29th May 2020.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong in a congratulatory message described Governor Masari as an accomplished politician who has continued to serve Nigeria with all the energy, passion and zeal in him.

Governor Lalong recalls that the Katsina State Governor remains a repository of wisdom and institutional memory for the Forum, especially on matters that relate to the legislature because of his antecedents having served for many years as a legislator and rising to become Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2003-2007.

He said “We are very happy to be associated with this humane, simple, and principled gentleman who exudes dignity, humility and all-inclusiveness in his approach to all National issues. He is a uniting factor and a symbol of unity within the Northern Governors Forum and Nigeria as a whole”.

Governor Lalong asked Governor Masari to continue to use his wealth of experience and wide contacts in promoting the unity peace and progress of Nigeria and the consolidation of democracy in the country.

The Northern Governors Forum prayed that the almighty God will grant him more years of sound health, divine protection and favour as he continues to serve the people of Katsina State and Nigeria.Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR,
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the
Governor of Plateau State & Chairman,
Northern Governors Forum.
May 28, 2020.

President Muhammadu Buhari has sought the approval of the lawmakers of the House of Representatives to borrow the sum of $5.513 billion from external sources to finance the revised version of the 2020 budget.

President Buhari made the request in a letter addressed to the House and read on the floor of the lower chamber on Thursday by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila on Thursday during plenary.

According to Mr. President, the said sum is to help the Federal Government to finance the revised 2020 appropriation and support state government meet their challenges occasioned by COVID-19.

details shortly…

The Federal Government has said it would roll out the course of action for the reopening of schools in the country.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, stated this during a briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.

While congratulating children in the country on the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation urged stakeholders to begin to take steps that would aid the reopening of schools.
He said, “I wish to inform Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Education will roll out measures for the self-reopening of schools.

“The Presidential Task Force wishes to use the occasion of this celebration to congratulate our children and assure them, their parents and all stakeholders alike that all hands are on deck to reopen schools at a safe time.
“We, therefore, use this medium to urge states, local governments, proprietors and all other stakeholders to begin to take steps that will facilitate an early and safe reopening.”

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG CELEBRATES NIGERIAN CHILDREN, ASSURES THEM OF A BRIGHT FUTURE.

Plateau State Governor and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Simon Bako Lalong has celebrated Nigerian children on the occasion of the 2020 Children’s Day.

Governor Lalong in a special message described children as the hope of Nigeria who deserve all the love and care available to prepare them for the future as they grow to take over the responsibility of leadership.

He said “Though this year’s children’s day is being marked in a low key manner owing to the Corona virus pandemic, the significance of the Children’s Day cannot be lost because they remain the heartbeat of our society and hold the key to our future. We must therefore continue to invest in their education, health and psychological development so as to prepare them for the task ahead “.

He said his Rescue Administration has continued to provide a better environment for Plateau Children by improving the quality of education and healthcare, as well as protecting them against all forms of abuse.

He also explained that the Government decided to put in place online, radio and television lessons to help children keep up with learning despite the closure of schools because of COVID-19.

Lalong also used the occasion to assure Nigerians that the decision to remove all Amajiri children from the streets and return them to their parents is borne out of the need to safeguard their future by integrating them back into the society where they can access education and proper care.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
27th May 2020.

The Wife of the management committee chairman Mrs FARIDA SHEHU BALA

Happy Children’s day to every child around the world!

From those in shelter homes to those on the streets, from those struggling to feed, to those internally displaced and those fighting for survival in warzones.

As children around the world keep facing huge challenges amidst malnutrition, other health issues, political crisis and much more;

It is absolutely imperative for us to ceaselessly continue the advocacy and put in all efforts possible to ensure children’s rights, well being and a more sustainable world for all.

Happy Children’s Day!