*NIGERIAN ARMY HOLDS COAS SECOND QUARTER CONFERENCE 2022*
The Nigerian Army (NA) is scheduled to commence the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Second Quarter Conference 2022 from Monday 13 to Friday 17 June, 2022 at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja.
The five-day conference will afford the NA the opportunity to re-appraise its administrative activities in the past 3 months and retrospectively evaluate all ongoing Nigerian Army operational engagements nationwide, with a view to making projections for the next quarter.
The conference will also provide a platform for the COAS to effectively interact with Field Commanders. This engagement will cover a wide range of activities, including training, operations, administration and logistics.
The COAS, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya is expected to declare the event open on Tuesday, 14 June 2022, after which, there will be series of briefs and presentations.
Expectedly, participants at the conference will include Principal Staff Officers, Corps Commanders, Operational Commanders amongst others.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Brigadier General Director Army Public Relations 9 June 2022
GOVERNOR LALONG, NASARAWA GOVERNOR A.A. SULE HARP ON TECHNICAL EDUCATION AT PLAPOLY CONVOCATION
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and his Nasarawa State counterpart Engr. Abdullahi Sule were among guests that graced the 31st-38th Combined Convocation ceremony of the Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi with a commitment to pay more attention to technical education which is the bedrock of entrepreneurship, job creation and productivity.
Lalong who is the Visitor to the Plateau State Polytechnic said the Convocation was long overdue as it has not been held over a long period of time due to various challenges.
This situation he said informed Government’s directive for the convocation to hold which offers the institution the opportunity to immediately clear all backlog of graduation and certificate awards.
The Governor therefore directed that henceforth, all Government tertiary institutions must work hard to hold convocation ceremonies at the end of each academic year as it was a sure way of building confidence, maintaining standards, and motivating the graduands to pursue their careers with zeal and contribute to the development of the State and nation at large.
He said “Our Government has in the past seven years demonstrated its belief in skill-based education that stimulates entrepreneurship and human capital development. It is our conviction that there is no better legacy to bequeath to upcoming generations than giving them education that goes beyond paper qualification. In the light of this, the Rescue Administration has engaged in reinvigorating moribund Technical and Vocational Education by rehabilitating old Technical Schools and building new ones.
Through the Lalong Legacy Projects, we are constructing the Technical Schools in Pankshin, Shendam and upgrading the old Technical School (Butex) in Bukuru. We intend to equip these schools with the modern tools and machineries once they are completed. Through these institutions, we hope to generate the skillful manpower that is needed to create jobs and contribute to the development of our economy”.
He charged the graduands to focus on using their education for productivity rather than the fruitless search for white collar jobs.
“I challenge you to step out of this institution with the mindset of entrepreneurs and job creators rather than job seekers and applicants. You are all aware that white collar jobs are very scarce and Government is finding it difficult to meet its obligations to existing employees. This has made white collar employment extremely difficult and even less fashionable. What is the focus today is entrepreneurship, innovation and skill development. As graduands of this Polytechnic which prides itself as the hub for technical education, you should be at the forefront of starting your businesses.
Government will support you through the Plateau Small and Medium Enterprises Agency (PLASMIDA) and other relevant programmes such as those by the ITF and the Federal Government”.
Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who studied Mechanical Engineering at the Plateau State Polytechnic and chaired the occasion, said he was proud to have passed through the Polytechnic as one of its first students where his love for technical education developed and grew.
He recalled with nostalgia his days at the Polytechnic and Plateau State when peace, harmony and trust thrived among all citizens and residents regardless of their backgrounds.
Governor Sule commended Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong for working hard to restore peace and security in Plateau State thereby restoring its fortunes as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
He appealed to those causing trouble in Plateau State and other parts of the country to desist because such actions have denied the younger generation the beauty, serenity and attraction that Plateau State and its good people offer to the world.
Chairman of the Governing Council, Plateau State Polytechnic Miskoom Kevin Kwaplong said the institution has grown in many ramifications and continues to perform its responsibilities of training skilled manpower for Plateau and Nigeria at large.
He commended the Lalong administration for paying attention to many challenges of the Polytechnic which are being addressed to enhance teaching and learning in the school.
Rector of the Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi Bldr. John Datoegoem Dawam said the institution has made progress in both physical and academic frontiers despite some of its challenges.
He said the Plateau State Polytechnic was fortunate to have an additional technical higher institution through the magnanimity of President Muhammadu Buhari who approved the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic Nyak, Shendam LGA. He pledged to ensure a robust collaboration with the new institution.
The Rector also expressed the appreciation of the Polytechnic to TetFund, NBTE, NCCE, and other bodies who have continously supported the school.
The Polytechnic’s Fellowship Awards were bestowed on deserving individuals including Governor Simon Lalong, former ES Tetfund Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Idris Wase among others.
Apart from Certificates, Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas awarded to deserving graduands, Special Awards were given to best graduating students in various courses.
Governor Lalong and his Nasarawa State counterpart Engr. Abdullahi Sule later inspected some workshops in the Polytechnic as well as commissioned the new library complex and twin theatre.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau . 10th June 2022
GOVERNOR LALONG VISIT THE VETERINARY TEACHING HOSPITAL JOS, TO ACCESS THE LEVEL OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY INFERNO FROM A TANKER ACCIDENT
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt Hon (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong KSGG today led some members of the State Executive council on the spot, assessment visit to examine first-hand the level of damage caused by an inferno from an accident involving a petroleum tanker.
The Governor was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS) Prof Danladi Abok Atu who went around the facility to access the level of damage caused by the inferno which resulted in a loss of life and the destruction of buildings and equipment of the hospital.
After a tour of the facility to access the level of damage caused by the inferno, the SGS described the accident as a disaster and sent the condolences of the Governor, Government and people of Plateau State to the family of the deceased and prayed for the recovery of those who were injured in the accident.
The SGS commiserated with the University of Jos, particularly the Veterinary Teaching Hospital over the ugly incident which led to the destruction of critical facilities and equipment of the institution.
Prof Atu said the veterinary teaching hospital has put Plateau on the map as the best veterinary institution in the country that provides both secondary and tertiary health care services to animals and urges the institution not to lose hope of what he described as a setback though he is confident the institution will rise stronger from the ashes.
Prof Atu pledged Government’s commitment to helping the institution to rebuild and recover from the loss and at the same time called on good spirited individuals and organisations to also assist in the recovery process and also said Government will go back to the drawing board to see ways in which tragedies like these can be averted.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, represented by the Liberian of the University Dr Thamaus Adigun appreciated the Governor for always associating with the University and also finding out time to commiserate with them in these trying moments, he further said the University holds his excellency in high esteem and are confident that with his support and that of the State and Federal Government alongside other development partners, the University would be able to rebuild.
The Dean Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof Lami Longbim took the representative of the Governor around the facility to witness first-hand the level of damage caused by the inferno, she informed the SGS of the services provided by the institution which is presently hosting a national conference for veterinarians from every State of the Federation to gain more knowledge and improve on their professional skills.
Prof Longbim then gave the representative of the Governor an insight into the level of damage as she said it is too early to quantify the level of damage caused by the inferno, she, however, mentioned some of the facilities and machines lost to the flames to include, Laboratories, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the Pharmacy, the director office alongside books, records and state of the art equipment which are used for veterinary practice.
The SGS later met with participants of the conference who appreciated the Governor for the show of concern and said the conference was possible because of the return of peace to the state.
DAYYABU GARGA COMMENDS GOVERNOR LALONG,DESCRIBES PLATEAU DELEGATES AS WORTHY AMBASSADORS.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has been described as a truly detribalized Nigerian who sees the unity of this country as paramount in his approach to local,national and international issues.
Executive Chairman of Kanam Local Government Council,Dayyabu Yusuf Garga dropped these words on the sideline of the just concluded National Extraordinary Convention of the All Progressives Congress,APC which took place in Abuja.
He said the uncommon stand of the Governor and some of his colleagues of the Northern extraction of the country insisting on zoning of seat of the party flag bearer to the south despite interest of some Governors from the north clearly shows his determination to see a Nigeria that citizens are given equal rights to belong.
Dayyabu Garga said Lalong’s leadership of the nineteen northern states Governors clearly shows his position as a round peg in a round hole.
According to the Executive Chairman “everyone is aware of the intense pressure Governor Lalong passed through from certain very high interests which included some of his colleagues to succumb to the pressure of opening up the space but he stood his grounds backed by some colleagues to ensure that the southern zone of the country produces the next flag bearer since the north is on the last lap of its tenure”.
Dayyabu Garga added that that was just a reflection of how the Governor has brought leadership to the state where citizens are given equal privileges as Nigerians and prayed God to continue to bestow on him the strength and wisdom to lead aright.
Meanwhile,The Executive Chairman of Kanam Local Government,Dayyabu Yusuf Garga says delegates to the just concluded Extraordinary Convention of the APC are true representatives of the state considering their individual and collective conducts before,during and after the convention.
He said the cooperation exhibited by the delegates affirms the wishes of the Governor that Plateau continues to take the lead in showing good example of its hospitality to people.
“Rising from the fact that there was not hitch recorded anywhere and the so much high spirited exhibited by the delegates was commendable”.
He envisages a clean sweep by the APC in the various elections coming up and building to 2023 saying the emergence of its candidates are ones to beat assuring the citizenry that they will continue to remain at the center of it all.
NDE DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi (DVD) DIRECTS SUPPORTERS TO CAMPAIGN ASSIDUOUSLY FOR TINUBU.
By Admin
Being elated with the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, called the Jagaban, as the Presidential flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC, a gubernatorial aspirant in the concluded Plateau State governorship primaries of the party (APC) Nde David Victor Dimka, has directed his entire campaign structure to assiduously work for the victory of the flag-bearer at the secondary polls. In a statement issued by his media team, David Victor Dimka, popularly called DVD, who expressed gratitude to God and celebrated Tinubu’s victory, commended the conduct of the primaries, describing the process as very transparent, world acclaimed, fair and just. He further directed all focal persons, members and teeming supporters of his movement tagged DVD Movement, in Plateau State and beyond to embrace and drive the campaign of Tinubu to its overwhelming success saying, “Now that our national leader has clinched the much awaited ticket of our party, all of us should go and work tirelessly for his success and that of our party.” Finally Dimka prayed that God should crown all Tinubu’s efforts with a resounding victory for the All Progressive Congress at the 2023 elections.
Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi is a name that is synonymous with political might, dexterity and acumen in Plateau state. Originally an economist, Gagdi was born on 5th November, 1980, to the family of late Mallam Adamu Gagdi, a renowned Islamic scholar in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Gagdi studied Economics at the famous University of Jos a PGD in Conflict Management and Msc in Peace and conflict management and taught as a classroom teacher for years in Jos metropoly.
I will not trouble you too much with a rehash of the antecedents of the incumbent member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal constituency, Rep Gagdi. Much of that information is now readily available. Such is the allure of power, that one can go from relative obscurity to instant fame and stardom. It is pertinent to however note some features of Hon Gagdi which I believe has not only catapulted him into the elevated position that he now occupies, but also offers a glimpse as to his personality and what the future may hold for this man who seems destined for greatness
His political career with which most Nigerians now know him, kick started when he contested for Kantana Constituency in Plateau state Assembly in the year 2011 and was defeated. Being focused and having good intentions, he recontested In 2015 under the umbrella of the then ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party and won the state assembly seat.
Gagdi was a state legislator for one term, from 2015 till 2019, and during that time the man had mostly positive reviews of his job. As a state assembly member, Gagdi was loved by his people. He was the first state assembly member to pay WAEC registration to his constituents. His monumental achievements led to the calls by the PKK constituents for Gagdi to represent them in the Green chamber in 2019.
Many state assembly members have tried to copy Gagdi’s educational intervention scheme, youth empowerment and participatory leadership, which have been praised as one of the reasons for his outstanding performance at the National Assembly.
Under Gagdi’s leadership, classes were established in schools, numerous roads were constructed, various primary health care centers were built and befitting palaces were also built. In addition to earlier exploits, Gagdi introduced refund of registration fees to candidates, including a constituency wide refund for JAMB, WAEC and NECO fees. This included the refund of external examination fees to private and missionary schools within the PKK constituency.
Following his wide range of accomplishments and given his charisma among his fellow state assembly members, Gagdi was elected the Deputy speaker Plateau State House of Assembly in 2015.
After his one-term tenure as State assembly member, Gagdi was called by the good people of PKK to run for the office of National Assembly member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam and defeated the incumbent in 2019 general elections.
As a member of the House of Representatives, Gagdi continued his developmental pursuit. He campaigned extensively on health, unemployment, education and rural development. He was appointed as the Chairman, House Committee on Navy and also a member of eighteen(18) other committees at the National assembly.
As someone who is a development strategist, himself, Gagdi has spoken and campaigned nationally on issues such as better governance, security and economic development.
He is fresh. He is young. He is different. His style of governance gives rays of hope. He also has substance. He has a heart. Many men and women of power in today’s Nigeria are heartless. Gagdi has passion for the job. Many political leaders only have passion for their pocket. Gagdi is one leader the people will freely follow – not because of any inducements but because his populist and people-oriented policies resonate with the people.
When we say the politics of Gagdi we meant the unprecedented transformational politics. When we say Gagdi politics, we signified employment to youths. When we mention the politics Gagdi, we meant empowerment to the youngs and olds. When we utter the name Gagdi, we denoted the advocate of democracy free from ethnicity and religious bigotry. When we murmur the politics of Gagdi, we expressed human and capital developments. When we enunciate the politics of Gagdi, we meant road constructions and maintenance. When we vocalise Gagdi politics, we intended rural electrification. When we avow the politics of Gagdi, we denoted constructions of health care facilities. When we articulate the politics of Gagdi, we meant the pioneer and landlord of cultural preservations. When we verbalise politics of Gagdi, we are referring to philantrophy.
When we preached the gospel of Gagdi in 2011, 2015 and 2019 we knew he was the embodiment of cerebral articulation, the essence of unparalleled philanthropy, the epitome of intellection and breathtaking simplicity, the personification of undiluted humanness, the epitome of leadership symbolism, the paragon of idealism, the heart of warrior, the gentleman per excellence.
Gagdi is someone who serves as an example of integrity and loyalty to the people he represents, both to the public and to other political leaders.
He is someone with good communication and inter-personal skills, who can work with a range of other people, regardless of political party or opinion, to achieve the greatest good for the general population.
He is someone who can resist the various temptations and lures of the political arena. He is of strong character, with both conscience and charisma. He is willing to listen to the needs of the common people and to represent them faithfully. He is someone with the courage to stand up and say what needs to be said rather than just tell the general public what it wants to hear. He is someone who is willing to make difficult (and possibly unpopular) decisions for the greater good.
GOC 3 DIVISION DONATES SOLAR- POWERED BOREHOLE TO JEBBU COMMUNITY … It is a demonstration of our goodwill – GOC
The GOC 3 Div/ Comd OPSH, Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali yesterday 8 Jun 22 commissioned a solar-powered borehole which he donated to Jebbu community in Bassa Local Government Council of Plateau State. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the GOC noted that the borehole aimed at addressing a critical need of the people was a demonstration of the goodwill of 3 Division and Nigerian Army to the good people of Jebbu community who are neighbors to Maxwell Khobe Cantonment. Speaking further, the GOC observed that a situation where the people have to cross the fence to get potable drinking water in the Cantonment will be a thing of the past. He stressed that the water facility would allow children to concentrate on their studies rather than seeking for water. The GOC urged the beneficiaries to jealously protect the facility.
Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics, Col MT Nagudu remarked that when the need for the borehole was identified, the GOC directed the engagement of a competent contractor who executed the quality work within a period of 2 weeks.
Appreciating the GOC for the kind gesture, the Vice Chairman Bassa Local Government Council Mr Joshua Ishaku noted that the project has relieved the Council the effort of providing water to the community. Also, in his remarks, the Acting Paramount Ruler of Rukuba Chiefdom Ati Adamu Ingmale thanked the GOC for the gesture and wished him God’s protection and more wisdom in the discharge of his duties. in her vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Priscilla Yusuf expressed gratitude to the GOC for providing the borehole. She noted that the borehole would end their daily search for potable water. She prayed God to grant the GOC more strength, wisdom and blessings in the days ahead.
POSTPONEMENT OF SWEARING-IN OF NEW HIGH COURT JUDGES BY GOVERNOR SIMON LALONG.
The swearing in of 4 new Judges of the Plateau State High Court and a Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal by His Excellency Governor Simon Bako Lalong earlier scheduled for 12noon of Thursday 9th June 2022 has been put on hold due to some logistics considerations.
A new date for the event will be communicated please.
The Government regrets all inconveniences that may be caused by the postponement.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 8th June 2022.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has done it again.
After pivoting the affairs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Chairman of the Ondo State Governorship Campaign and delivered the party in the South West state in 2016, Lalong’s ideas have again ruled at the just concluded APC presidential primary.
With the successful conclusion of the APC primary, Governor Lalong’s fight for justice and equity which has ensured peace in Plateau State for the over seven years he has presided over affairs in his state, has been transcended to the national level.
This is the big takeaway from the just concluded presidential primary which held at the Eagle Square in Abuja and which many have applauded for its sensitivity to Nigeria’s multiculturalism as well as equity and fairness for the nation’s unity.
While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) went ahead to choose their candidate based mainly on linear and partisan consideration, the APC was more considerate as it took into cognisance the feeling of a large section of the country and decided that in the overall interest of Nigeria give all sides a sense of belonging.
This is based on the understanding that since the North, with President Muhammadu Buhari, would be completing eight straight years by 2023, that it is only fair that the South should take the next shot at the presidency.
But this this did not happen by chance as some of the leaders of the APC, mainly the APC Northern Governors had to stick their necks out to ensure that the right thing is done.
Governor Lalong of Plateau State who chairs the Northern State Governor Forum (NSGF) was at the forefront of this campaign for equity and justice which eventually paved the way for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to emerge as the presidential flag-bearer of the APC.
The 14 governors took a position that the presidential ticket of the APC should go to the southern part of Nigeria for fairness.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues at the conclusion of the meeting, Lalong also asked aspirants from the northern region to withdraw from the race to clear the path for the aspirants from the South.
He said, “It is a question of honour for the APC, an obligation that is not in any way affected by the decisions taken by another political party” and to a large extent, it was this position that provided the paradigm shift for the party to go for elections rather than consensus and paved the way for Tinubu to clinch the party’s ticket.
As many have rightly said, if there’s any group of persons that deserves praise for seeing that the APC respected the principle of zoning and takes into cognisance the sensitivity of the populace, it is the APC Northern governors.
Now that the APC presidential primary is over and Tinubu has been announced as the candidate of the ruling party and given the flag, there is the need to focus on what will improve his chances at the general elections.
Whatever choice the presidential candidate makes at this stage, will give an indication of his understanding of the nation’s political dynamics and give a glimpse of his vision for the country.
The time for the submission of candidates to INEC is nigh and there is no time to waste in seeking what would give an advantage to the APC ticket.
Luckily, Governor Lalong is no stranger to Tinubu as the two have worked together for years.
When Lalong was chairman of the Conference of Speakers, he coordinated leaders of the state legislature across the country to cooperate and give in their best for governors to run their states smoothly at the time Tinubu was governor of Lagos State.
The Plateau Governor is also well known for charting the course for justice and equity to reign and that is why he has been able to restore peace to a state which before his administration, had been torn by crises and insecurity.
On assuming office in 2015, Lalong made sure his cabinet reflected all the ethnic groups in the state and this doused the tension over appointments in the state.
The Governor was to go ahead to administer the state with equity and fairness and by being fair to all.
This had sent a strong message across that the Governor is fair minded and not biased against any group and that has helped him to rule the state in peace.
He has been well commended for not showing discrimination in the siting of projects in his state as his structural intervention are evenly spread across the length and breadth of the state.
The Governor had also created chiefdoms for perceived marginalized groups and gave all in the state a sense of belonging and allowed democracy, rather than imposition to thrive when electing local government chairmen.
This was why In 2019, his colleagues governor found him worthy to be elected as the chairman of the northern governors’ forum which comprises 19 members.
On assuming the Chairmanship, Lalong had promised not to betray the people of the region and his colleagues by championing issues that are of best interest to the country.
This is exactly what he has done to the APC by being a catalyst to the election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the presidential flag bearer of the APC.
The APC which will now be focused on how to win the 2023 elections must not lose sight of the fact that it needs someone whom the whole country can relate with and not one whose identity only amplifies our natal divisions.
Even as the APC presidential primary was going on at the Eagle Square in Abuja, some fifth columnists went to work trying to discredit the envisaged victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu by circulating fake text messages that the Jagaban Borgu is set to pair up with an adherent of his faith to wins at the general elections next year.
The move which was cut short by the media Team of Bola Ahmed Tinubu was aimed at poisoning the minds of delegates and the electorate towards the APC when it became apparent that Tinubu was set to clinch the ticket.
In response, the BAT media Team said Tinubu is not known for jumping the gun and will address issues concerning his ambition when it is official that he has clinched the ticket.
With Lalong, the far North, the North Central and the entire country would have a stake in the Tinubu presidency.
PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR CONGRATULATES ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU OVER APC PRESIDENTIAL TICKET
Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his emergence as the Presidential standard bearer of the APC in the forth coming general elections.
Lalong in a message described the victory of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the keenly contested APC Presidential Primaries as a well deserved one considering his experience, capacity and investment in the growth of Nigeria’s democracy.
Governor Lalong said the overwhelming victory of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the Primaries vindicates the position of the APC Northern Governors that power should shift to the Southern part of the country in the interest of equity, justice and unity.
Lalong said the Jagaban has remained a colossus in the Nigerian political landscape since the military era where he coalesced with others to push for return to civilian rule and also played a key role in the emergence of the APC which eventually ended the rule of the PDP.
He expressed confidence that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s victory represents the confidence of the party that he has all it takes to lead the APC into the general elections and ensure victory for the party in the Presidential and other elections.
While assuring him of support and collaboration for the battle ahead, Lalong urged him to use his wide reach and political sagacity to ensure that the process of reconciliation and enhancing unity is pursued with vigour and determination so as to enable the APC retain power and consolidate on the legacies of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 8th June 2022.
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