Report by Wubunwe Yilji, Pankshin

The Member representing pankshin Kanke & Kanam in the green chambers presented the law establishing the new Federal University of Education Pankshin out of the federal college of education Pankshin amidst showers of accolades by Staff, Students, and community stakeholders constituting the three LGA’s of Pankshin, Kanke & Kanam.


while expressing the joy of the entire college community, the provost Dr Cirfat Bulus appreciated the distinguished PKK member and alumnus of the college for his tireless effort towards upgrading the college into a university.
Permit me on behalf of the governing council, members of management, staff and students to sincerely thank our own member, distinguished alumni for singlehandedly sponsoring a bill for the upgrade of the Federal college of education Pankshin to a University of Education… the college was established in 1974 as one of the pioneering colleges of education it started with a population of one hundred students and have grown over the years with about 15,000 currently with about 30 accredited NCE programmes and runs a Bachelor of education in affiliation with the University of Jos which am sure after this exercise it will fold… ” the provost says


The August visitor and distinguished alumnus, Rt. Hon Babayo Yusuf Gagdi member representing Pankshin, Kanke & Kanam and the sponsor of the bill in a rather nostalgic narration appreciated his teachers while in college for the impact and quality of teaching in the college. He says out of all the bills he sponsored the upgrade of FCE Pankshin to the Federal University of Education, Pankshin (FUE,Pankshin) is a dare one to his heart.
The member says ” first, my leader my boss, Olufemi “Femi” Hakeem Gbajabiamila the speaker has played a significant role in facilitating this project, again, the president of the senate has promised me that the bill will not stay long in the senate and within seven days the bill was passed in the Senate and transmitted to the president, however, everybody knows that Gagdi is Lalongs Boy, i must say this, Governor Lalong relocated to Abuja to make sure the president sign the bill”


Amidst stakeholders who witness the event, are pankshin, Kanke & Kanam Elerds advisory committee led by Nde John Gubak Mni, Management of the college, council members of the college, Unions on Campus, three L.G chairmen of PKK, staff, students and other politicians.

Nde John Gobak while speaking on behalf of PKK elders, appreciated the leadership virtue of the legislator, Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi and plead with the people to support him to do more, in the same vain, members of the university community and students all appreciated the Hon. Member and promise to support his re-election for a second term.

LALONG FUMES OVER ATTACK ON DANDA CHUGWI, DIRECTS SECURITY FORCES TO APPREHEND KILLERS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed outrage over the attack on Danda Chugwi village of Vwang in Jos South Local Government where some persons were reportedly killed and others injured.

Governor Lalong described the incident as callous and condemnable and also directed security forces to ensure that those behind the attack are apprehended and punished according to the laws of the land.

He said the action of the attackers is yet another desperation by crises merchants to instigate disharmony, suspicion, fear and orchestrate agony among the people leading to further violence.

According to the Governor, security agencies including the Police, Operation Safe Haven, DSS, Operation Rainbow have been tasked to work with the local intelligence and ensure that those behind this wicked act are fished out.

While sympathising with the families of those killed and those injured, Lalong directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Peace Building Agency to visit the area and ensure that soccur is given to those affected and the community.

The Governor urged citizens to continue to cooperate with security agencies, the traditional institution, community leaders and others community security architecture in supporting Government towards making exposing criminals.

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

By Prince Sekat,Jos

Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming 2023 Governorship election in Plateau State, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda on Saturday morning led his team- Generation Next to participate in the monthly environmental sanitation.

Our correspondent reports that the APC candidate personally pick dirt’s and ensure cleanliness of all the areas covered.

Dr Nentawe Yilwatda who championed the clean up of Tudun Wada and other parts of Jos, the state capital promised to better the lives of citizens of the state if elected.

He promised to review the environmental policy of the state in line with climate action of United States, when elected as governor.

Nentawe further added that his Generation Next agenda would fast track Plateau State development, promote unity and bring dividends of democracy to every ward.

He further promised to tackle insecurity and revamp most sectors of the state if given the mandate by the People of the state.

Nentawe appreciated the people of the state for their support and promised not to let the people of the state down if elected Governor come 2023 .

#GaNentawe
#GenerationNext
#thefutureisnow
http://www.drnentawe.org

OPERATION SAFE HAVEN COMMENCES MAJOR GENERAL IS ALI PEACE, UNITY FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

The Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has kick-start the fourth edition of the annual peace tournament nicknamed “Major General IS Ali Peace and Unity Football Tournament 2022 . The opening ceremony held today 30 July 2022 at Rwanpam Township Stadium Jos,was attended by dignitaries within and outside Plateau State.

Delivering his opening remarks, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Jos and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali disclosed that the tournament was significant in the peace-building process towards ensuring lasting peace on the plateau and in all the local government areas within OPSH Joint Operation Area. He noted that the core essence of the tournament was to use sports as a unifying tool to emphasize the benefits of peaceful coexistence, unity and teamwork.

Represented by the Deputy Commander OPSH, DCP Mohammad Rabiu, the commander described football as a universal sport that bonds people of diverse ethnic, cultural, political and religious affiliations together. He promised to do everything possible to ensure successes recorded in the peacebuilding efforts are not reversed.

The commander further urged the people to join hands together to move away from behavior that could subvert the collective growth of the people and enhance harmonious living.

Also speaking, the Chairman House Committee on Navy and member representing Kanke/Kanam federal constituency, Rt Hon Yusuf Gadi in his remarks, applauded Operation SAFE HAVEN for improving the security of Plateau state and other areas within its jurisdiction. He maintained that the
tournament would help to unite youths of diverse religious, cultural and political differences. He also pledged to continually support any initiative of OPSH designed to sustaining peaceful coexistence in the state.

Climax of the ceremony was the ceremonial football match between the 2021 Champions, Barkin-Ladi Boys and Zango Kataf FC.

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

ISHAKU TAKWA
Major
Military Information Officer OPSH
30 July 2022

By Prince Sekat, Jos

The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) 3 Division, has trained women and Youths drawn from Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos, Miango and Jebbu Bassa communities of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau state.

The graduation ceremony which took place today 30 July 2022, at Salamatu F Yahaya Skills Acquisition Centre, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos also witnessed presentation of free starter packs and certificates to the beneficiaries.

Delivering her address, the Chairperson NAOWA 3 Division Chapter, Mrs Hauwa S Ali said the training was conceived out of the desire of NAOWA to compliment the efforts of the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to ameliorate poverty in the barracks and its surrounding communities through skills development programmes. She congradulated the trainees for being parts of the training and thanked the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA)and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN for his untiring support to NAOWA aspirations.

Presenting Starter packs and Certificates to the graduands, the Special Guest of Honour, the GOC 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali noted that, the training will enhance the living conditions of the families of the beneficiaries. He said 3 Division is committed to empowerment and welfare development of the troops, their dependants as well as the host communities in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, LieutenantGeneral FarukYahaya. The GOC further urged the graduands to make good use of the skills and the starter packs acquired. He commended NAOWA for always fashioning programmes that impart positively on the welfare needs of the less privileged in society.

The participants received training in computer appreciation , Bag Making, Barbing, Catering, Hair Dressing, Make up and Tailoring.

The event was attended by the Brra Ngwe Iregwe, Rtd Rev Ronku Aka, the paramount ruler of Irigwe chiefdom and Chairman Bassa traditional council, the Acting Utu Ugo Kiche of Bassa, His Royal Highness Ati Adamu Ingmala and Principal Staff Officers from Headquarters 3 Division NigerianArmyJos.

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

ISHAKU TAKWA
Major
Military Information Officer OPSH
30 July 2022

By Prince Sekat, Jos

The internal wrangling rocking the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has taken a twist as 18 aggrieved gubernatorial aspirants and other stakeholders have formed a pressure group known as “Plateau Project 2” to pursue litigations and petitions arising from the gubernatorial primary of the party to a logical conclusion.

According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the group, Mr Omar Shittien, “the group represents a political movement to pursue the injustice perpetrated by certain forces in the party.

“We are dismayed over the blatant refusal of the party to conduct election of delegates before the conduct of the recently concluded primaries for all political offices in the state.”
Aggrieved Plateau APC guber aspirants, elders vow to fight injustice


“The Plateau Project 2 comprises the 18 aggrieved APC Governorship, State Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives aspirants as well as local government chairmanship aspirants who were deprived of their right to contest election after being cleared by the party.

“It is undemocratic for the party to have imposed party officials at the wards, LG, state offices as well as the national officers against the wish of the party members.

“We have therefore resolved that all petitions arising from complaints about these injustices shall be vigorously perused to logical conclusion.”

10 LIES YOU SHOULD NOT BUY ABOUT THE REBUILDING OF JOS MAIN MARKET

1. The Government is giving Jaiz Bank ownership of the market for 40 years.

THE TRUTH: The lease for 40 years is for those who will buy shops at the market. Jaiz Bank will not own a single shop. It will only build the market, sell its share of 60% shops and leave. The Government owns the market before during and after the construction.

2. Governor Lalong wants to mortgage the heritage of Plateau people.

THE TRUTH: Rebuilding the Jos Main Market is in no way mortgaging the future of Plateau State or removing ownership from the State. The Government is the eternal owner now and after the construction. Remember that the same Governor Lalong acquired the BARC Farms which was sold by previous administration. He is not known for selling the heritage of Plateau.

3. The sharing formula of 60-40 of the shops with State (40%) and Jaiz (60%) is unfair to Plateau State.

TRUTH: The Plateau State Government is not spending one kobo in rebuilding the market. Jaiz will fund the entire project. Considering the high cost of materials and inflation, funding the project may experience varying prices of goods. The 60-40 ratio has been assessed by business experts and relevant government technocrats as a fair deal for both parties.

4. The State Government does not have power to enter into agreement for rebuilding the Jos Main Market because markets are the responsibility of Local Governments according to 1999 Constitution.

TRUTH: The Jos Main Market has never been under the Local Government Authority. Jos Main Market Authority which managed the burnt market is a State Government parastatal under the Ministry of Commerce. There is nothing that stops State Government carrying out market projects especially capital intensive ones. This lie is dead on arrival as no local Government has ever made claim on the market.

5. The law establishing Jos Main Market Authority does not give the State Government right to enter into MOU with Jaiz.

TRUTH: This is turning logic on its head. The State Government established the JMMA to manage the market after it constructed it. Its responsibility is to manage it. As at this moment, the Authority is comatose because of the lack of a market to manage. In any case, if it had the powers above the State Government to enter into MOUs, what has it been waiting for?

6. The Government chose Jaiz Bank give the shops to Muslims only. Plateau people will be schemed out.

TRUTH: The shops will be sold to all willing persons who apply both Christians and Muslims and other religions. Both the Government and Jaiz will sell their allocations to willing off takers irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliations. In fact, all Nigerians and foreigners are welcome to invest. This is business. The more the merrier. However, the Government will monitor to ensure that the citizens of the State are given priority while no one will be allowed to use religion in selling the shops.

7. Who is the contractor for the project and what is the interest of the Government in BUNYAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Ltd?

TRUTH: The Plateau State Government has no interest in the construction company apart from ensuring proper supervision for the quality, specification and timely delivery of the project. Since the cost of the project has been assessed by experts, the funding entity Jaiz Bank is the one to interface with the contractor.

8. The Government excluded other willing investors in favour of Jaiz Bank for the reconstruction of the market.

TRUTH: For many years the Government has been looking for investors to rebuild the market. Several companies came with proposals and presentations but after scrutiny, they backed out simply because they did not have the funds or wanted Bank Guarantee from the State. Others wanted the Government to give them counterpart funds and also buy off all the shops. For others, they wanted control of the market for as long as it takes to recover their money. Jaiz Bank which came later offered a better deal. No one was excluded.

9. Governor Lalong is rushing to sign the MOU at the twilight of his administration which is suspicious.

TRUTH: The tenure of Governor Lalong ends on May 29th 2023. Up till his last day in office, he will carry out business of governance according to the law. Besides, Government is a continuum. Those who take over from him can finish where he stops or stop the project entirely of they wish. After all, he completed many inherited projects from the Jang PDP administration and many others.

10. It is better to leave the market as it is than allow an Islamic Bank to reconstruct it.

TRUTH: The market has been down for 21 years without yielding a dime for the State Government or its citizens. Keeping it at its decomposing state will only deprive the State needed revenue which it needs to address its financial needs. Remember that the market accounted for up to 40% revenue of the State when it was operational. Is there a better time Plateau needs a better cash cow than now when the Federal allocation has dwindled?Besides, the market belongs to the Government before, during and after the construction.

Comrade Iliya Mark, JP
Chairman

Tina Dabak
Secretary

For: RESCUE MONITORING TEAM

PLATEAU, KEBBI, JIGAWA GOVERNORS & PROMINENT NIGERIANS ATTEND THE FUNERAL OF COURT OF APPEAL’S SON

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong, Governors of Niger, Kebbi, Jigawa as well as the Representative of the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria were among many sympathisers who attended the funeral of late Prince Paeke Shapnaan Dongban, son of the President, Court of Appeal Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem who died at the age of 38.

The funeral service which took place at the St. Peters Claver Catholic Church Demshin, Shendam LGA Plateau State was a sober moment as the friends, associates and family of the deceased payed their last respects to the late Paeke Shapnaan who was described as a kind, jovial, loving and helpful personality.

Speaking at the funeral service, Governor Simon Lalong said the death of Prince Shapnaan is a painful experience for not only the immediate family, but the entire State as he was one of the young professionals that the State groomed for national service.

He commiserated with the parents of the deceased HRH Miskoom David Isa Dongban, the Long Dorok of Dorok Chiefdom and Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem whom he said have had to bear another tragic death of a son having experienced similar loss some years ago.

He urged them to accept the demise of their son as the will of God and take comfort in the time they shared together as well as his contributions to the family, Plateau State and Nigeria during his years on earth.

Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu who represented the Nigerian Governors Forum said the Forum is saddened by the death of the young Prince and commiserates with them at the moment of grief and pain.

Representative of the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria Hon. Justice A.A. Sankey said the entire Nigerian Judiciary shares in this moment of pain for the Dongban family and in particular Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem over the loss of their son.

The Long Gamai HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas II who represented the Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers said the Council was devastated by the loss of a Prince Paeke Shapnaan of the Dorok Chiefdom who has been called to glory. He condoled their colleague, the Long Dorok and his entire family, assuring him of their support and prayers.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Miapkwap death is inevitable and as such the demise of Prince Shapnaan should not be seen as unusual despite his young age since it has been ordained for all to die one day.

He reminded the people to always consider death in their activities as no one knows the day or hour he will die just like Shapnaan who has gone to be with his maker.

He also consoled the family of the deceased asking them to continue to put their trust in God who is the maker of all humanity and has called home Shapnaan to a better place of rest and comfort where there is no pain and sorrow.

Representative of the Catholic Bishop of Shendam Most Rev. Philip Davou Dung said the demise of Paeke is painful but as believers in Jesus Christ, there should be total submission to the will of God.

He said the church will continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Prince Shapnaan as well as comfort for his family.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
29th July 2022.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

In an effort to reposition the Nigerian Army (NA) for operational efficiency and proficiency, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has approved the posting and appointment of some senior officers of the Nigerian Army to command, instructional and staff appointments across NA formations and units.

Those affected in the redeployment released on Thursday 28 July 2022, include some Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, General Officers Commanding, Corps Commanders, Commandants of training institutions, Brigade Commanders, Commanding Officers, amongst others.

Some of the senior officers appointed as General Officers Commanding (GOCs) are Major General UT Musa from Headquarters 81 Division to Headquarters 82 Division and appointed GOC, Major General TA Lagbaja from Headquarters 82 Division to Headquarters 1 Division and appointed GOC, Major General OC Ajunwa from Nigeria Defence Section Brasilia to HQ 81 Division and appointed GOC , while Major General AS Chinade was redeployed from Depot Nigerian Army to Headquarters 2 Division and appointed GOC.

The newly appointed Army Headquarters Principal Staff Officers include, Maj Gen OW Ali, from Headquarters Command Army Records to Army Headquarters Department of Army Administration and appointed Chief of Administration (Army) Maj Gen S Muhammed, from Defence Headquarters to Department of Army Standards and Evaluation and appointed Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation (Army), Major General JA Ataguba from Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to Defence Headquarters and appointed, Director Peace Keeping Operations, Major General AA Adesope from Headquarters Nigerian Army Finance Corps to Defence Headquarters and appointed Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget, Major General US Mohammed from Army Headquarters Department of Administration to Nigerian Army Resource Centre and appointment Senior Research Fellow.

Other senior officers affected in the redeployment are Major General PB Fakrogha, from Defence Headquarters Garrison to Defence Space Agency and appointed Director Policy Plans and Research, Major General MO Enendu, from Nigerian Army College of Logistics to Defence Headquarters and appointed Director Psychological Warfare, Major General AE Attu from Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Training and Operations to Defence Headquarters Garrison and appointed Commander, Major General BE Onyeuko from Defence Headquarters Directorate of Defence Media Operations to Defence Headquarters Department of Logistics and appointed Director Procurement

The newly appointed Corps Commanders are, Major General AM Alabi, from Nigerian Army Ordnance School to Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps and appointed Corps Commander Ordnance, Major General A Mohammed, from Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited and to Headquarters Nigerian Army Electrical Mechanical Engineers and appointed Corps Commander Electrical Mechanical Engineers, Major General E Akerejola from Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Transport and appointed Commander Corps of Supply and Transport, Major General AA Fayemiwo from Nigerian Army Welfare Holdings Limited by Guarantee to Headquarters Finance Corps and appointed Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army).

Senior officers newly appointed as Commandants of Nigerian Army Training Institutions are Major General PI Eze, from Defence Headquarters Department of Procurement to Nigerian Army Ordinance School and appointed Commandant, Major General AA Adeyinka from Army Headquarters Department of Army Logistics to Nigerian Army College of Logistics and appointed Commandants, Major General PP Malla from Army Headquarters Department of Army Administration to Depot Nigerian Army and appointed Commandant as well as Brigadier General UT Otaru from Defence Headquarters to Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport and appointed Acting Commandant.

The newly appointed Brigade Commanders are, Brigadier General DH Ndahi, from Nigerian Army Resource Centre to Headquarters 4 Brigade and appointed Commander, Brig Gen FS Etim from Amphibious Training School to Headquarters 6 Brigade and appointed Commander, Brigadier General EA Orakwe from Headquarters 6 Division to Headquarters 19 Brigade and appointed Commander, Brigadier General JO Are from Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to Headquarters 3 Brigade and appointed Commander, amongst others.

The Chief of Army Staff has directed all the newly appointed senior officers to redouble their effort and commitment to duty in tackling the security challenges bedeviling the nation, as they assume their new appointments.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
29 July 2022

By Prince Sekat,Jos.

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT

JOS MAIN MARKET: PLATEAU STATE IS NOT CEDING MARKET TO JAIZ BANK, GOVERNMENT ALLAYS FEARS OF CITIZENS.

BACKGROUND:

It is common knowledge that the Jos Main Market is one of the iconic landmarks of Plateau State and a source of pride to the citizens who hold it dear to their hearts. The destruction of the market in 2002 has therefore remained one of the most tragic incidents to ever befall the State which caused unquantifiable economic loses, emotional trauma and denied the State tourist and business opportunities which prevailed before its destruction.

During the campaign for the Governorship of Plateau State in 2015, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong (then candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC) promised to rebuild the market if elected. Those who watched the gubernatorial election debate would recall that whereas Lalong promised to rebuild the market, his major opponent said otherwise. At the end of the day, the electorate made their choice based upon this promise and many others that the APC candidate offered.

Therefore, upon coming into office in 2015, the Governor began the process of rebuilding the Jos Main Market as one of his key priorities. His Rescue Administration contacted major financial institutions and investors within and outside the country for the project. Many came with huge enthusiasm and promises which appeared promising and prompted the Government to demolish the existing parts of the structure on May 17 2019 in preparation for the reconstruction. It is important to note that at this point that a lot of politically motivated propaganda had started being circulated against the efforts of the Governor where it was alleged that billions were spent to demolish the structure. This was false.

Nevertheless, the Government was not deterred and continued detailed discussions with the investors that indicated interest in rebuilding the market. These discussions got deeper but became stuck upon requests from the intending investors and financial institutions which in summary required that Plateau State:

a.    Gives them a Bank Guarantee

b.   Letter of Comfort to own and manage the market for as long as it takes them to recoup their investment

c.    Guarantee to off-take 70% of the shops (in other words buy them)

d.   Bring 20% of the cost of reconstruction aside the land being its equity etc.

These negotiations which involved many experts and key Government officials continued and the offers did not favour the State but put it at a disadvantage. Moreover, the Government was not in a position to give Bank Guarantee of almost 20 billion naira that some investors submitted. It could not also pledge to off-take the shops when built instead of buyers doing so. Many would remember that the Government was committed to settling backlog of inherited salaries from the previous PDP administration and ensuring paying regularly; completing abandoned projects inherited from the PDP; working to improve IGR among others which meant it could not guarantee such demands made by the prospective investors. The Governor further met with foreign and local investors who did not also provide any better deal for the State in the rebuilding of the Jos Main Market. Looking at other commitments of the Government already tied to its monthly income, it was not possible to enter into another funding that will be a huge burden for the State and nearly impossible to handle.

THE JAIZ BANK OFFER:

Despite the setbacks, Governor Lalong kept hope alive and promised to do his best to fulfill his promise to the people of Plateau State who gave him their mandate in 2015 and 2019. This determination yielded positive results when the Governor upon learning of other huge market projects in various Northern, Eastern and South South States funded by Jaiz Bank Plc, decided to engage them on the idea of rebuilding the burnt Jos Main Market. Talks started in 2021 between the State Government and Jaiz Bank. Series of deliberations were held which brought up the following offer by the investing bank.

1.   The Bank will finance the reconstruction of the market 100% with the Plateau State Government not required to pay a kobo.

2.   The Land (over 7.4 hectares) is the equity of the Plateau State Government which it is contributing to the project.

3.   The project will be done in three phases yielding a total of 4,321 shops which will be shared in the ratio of 60% (Jaiz Bank) 40% (Plateau Government).

4.   The 60-40% ratio is for the purpose of leasing out the shops only. The entire market still belongs to the Plateau State Government.

5.   Those who lease the shops from either Plateau State Government or Jaiz bank will own it for a period of 40 years after which ownership returns to the Government. At this point, new investors can purchase from the State Government or the existing buyers renew their leases.

6.   As soon as Jaiz Bank finishes selling its 60%, it will cease to have any interest in the market as those holding the lease will deal only with the Plateau State Government through the management of the Market (Jos Main Market Authority) and the Ministry of Commerce which is a parastatal of the Government.

7.   The entire shops will be sold to interested buyers without prejudice to faith, ethnicity or political affiliations. It is open for the public to invest in.

8.   The first phase will be delivered and commissioned before the end of the tenure of Governor Lalong.

Having gone through the offer by Jaiz Bank, the State Executive Council further subjected the proposal to extensive deliberations and scrutiny and came to the conclusion that the deal was good for the State and the investor, hence its approval. Besides, the Government carried out its due diligence to study the track record of Jaiz Bank in delivering such projects. It found that the bank in partnership with Kano State government and private investors, is constructing a multi-million world-class drug-only wholesale market, the first of its type in Nigeria, at the Kano Economic City. In a similar arrangement, the bank in partnership with the Niger State Government, is developing three hectares in the Minna City Centre to provide for a shopping complex, modern underground parks, modern filling station, warehouses,  corner shops,  restaurants and a recreational centre. It is also doing so in Kaduna and Enugu States among others.  Based on above examples of performance profile and experience the Plateau State Government is optimistic of the bank’s capacity to handle the Jos market project and deliver.

Therefore, the Government has also engaged the leadership of the Plateau State House of Assembly and its relevant Committees on the benefits of the project to the State.

SENSITIZATION AND AWARENESS:

Thereafter, the State EXCO mandated its relevant MDAs to carry out sensitization and awareness by engaging various stakeholders ahead of the signing of the MOU for Rebuilding the Jos Main Market. The Governor also personally engaged top religious, traditional, elders and other leaders of thought on the project knowing fully the passion that they have on the market which is a great heritage of the State. As part of the engagement and sensitization, the Hon. Commissioners for Commerce, Information and Communication and other Government officials met with stakeholders representing various groups in the State to breakdown the content of the proposed MOU between Plateau State Government and Jaiz Bank. This was successfully done with questions being raised by those in attendance and answers provided.

Regrettably, the outcome of this engagement has been twisted, politicised and reported under the caption “Governor Lalong cedes Jos Main Market to Islamic Bank”. This has unnecessarily invoked passions and emotions portraying a false narrative that the State was parting with its cherished heritage to an “Islamic Bank”. While the Government respects the rights of its citizens to raise questions on every decision and make their observations and displeasure known, the Rescue Administration wishes to allay the fears being raised as the deal will not work against the State. Rather, it is an opportunity to once again raise the sleeping giant heritage of the famous Jos Main Market which has not added any value to the Government and its people since it was burnt down 21 years ago.
Government assures the citizens of Plateau State that sensitization and enlightenment will continue before, during and after the reconstruction in order to address genuine concerns which require answers and clarifications.

BENEFITS OF THE DEAL TO PLATEAU STATE AND ITS CITIZENS

While Jaiz Bank hopes to make profit from the partnership for its shareholders, the Government and people of Plateau State also stands to gain a lot from the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market. Here are some expected benefits for the State and its citizens.

1.   The State will generate more revenue from the operations of the market and be able to carry out other projects and programmes for the good of the people.

2.   The moribund Jos Main Market Authority (JMMA) will be brought back to life as it is saddled with the responsibility of managing the market.

3.   All willing and able Plateau citizens will be given an opportunity to buy and own shops in the market either from the State Government (40%) or Jaiz Bank (60%).

4. Priority will be given to those who lost shops in the burnt market to in the sales of the new shops.

5. Government will monitor the sale of the market to ensure that no individuals or groups are given unfair treatment over others in the sale of the market on basis of faith, ethnicity, political affiliation or other considerations. There will be equity, fairness and justice to all.

6.   Property around the Jos Main Market area will appreciate in value

7.   More jobs will be created during and after the construction.

8.   More people will visit Plateau State for trading activities and tourism thereby generating more economic activities and revenue.

9.   The market will further promote the efforts of the Rescue Administration in restoring the peace and harmony of the past since the market embraces people with different faiths, ethnicity and origins.

10.   The success of this partnership will boost the confidence of other investors to come into the State and establish their presence and partner with the Government in other projects and programmes.

CONCLUSION:

From the foregoing, it is very clear that the intentions of the Plateau State Government is pure and well thought out as they are for the benefit of the State and its citizens. The terms of the MOU between the Government and Jaiz Bank are clear and be be scrutinised and can be verified. The Rescue Administration under the leadership of Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong will never do anything to mortgage the heritage, rights and privileges of its people. On the contrary, the Lalong administration is buying back sold assets such as the BARC Farms which has been acquired. In the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market, Government has weighed all the options and found that this deal is the most favourable considering the lack of funds for the Government to carry out direct intervention or take a loan with astronomical interest rates. Leaving the market at its current state does not do anyone good because it is not generating anything for the State and its citizens. Rather, the land remains wasted and a hideout for criminals.

The Government wishes to assure the citizens that everything is being done to ensure that interested Plateau people benefit from the shops and also participate in the economic activities that will come up once the market is delivered.

Therefore, the Government appeals to all citizens to carefully peruse the project and avoid being deceived by politicians who are bent on ensuring that the market is not reconstructed so as to score cheap political point against Governor Lalong and the APC particularly at the eve of the general elections.

Bottom line is that Jos Main Market is the property of Plateau State and shall remain so for ever. However, it makes no economic sense for the property to remain at its current state of decomposition when it can be revived and put to use in a win- win situation for the benefit of the citizens. If any citizen has a better and genuine offer for the reconstruction of the market than the one on the table right now, the Lalong Government is a listening one and would pay attention. As at today, there has not been such offer. What is needed is the unity of purpose and the will to make this project a reality for posterity and the good of the people of Plateau State. Not everything needs to be politicised.

There is no need for anxiety, sentiments, misgivings, misconceptions and misrepresentation which is being pushed out by political forces that has resulted in name-calling, insults and hatred of both Government and individuals in the social media and otherwise. As a matter of fact as Government is aware of planned demonstrations being sponsored by the opposition against this noble gesture initiative between Plateau State Government and Jaiz Bank.

Let us always THINK and ACT Plateau.    

Hon. Dan Manjang, anipr
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Plateau State.
28th July 2022.