GOVERNOR LALONG WELCOMES GOLFERS TO JOS AS TOURNAMENT TO UNVEIL REDESIGNED OLDEST GOLF COURSE IN NIGERIA KICKS OFF

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has welcomed professional and amateur golfers to Jos, the Plateau State capital for a tournament to unviel the redesigned oldest golf course in Nigeria, Rayfield 1913.

While performing the tee off at the Rayfield golf course in Jos, Governor Simon Bako Lalong said the game of golf is associated with the historical role that mining played in the development and growth of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

He said as a Governor with passion for sports including golf, he has decided to take the game to the next level as well harness its potentials for tourism, business and relaxation.

Lalong said the redesigned Rayfield golf course is fully green and will be a legacy which his administration will leave for the sport in the State, adding to its potentials as a destination for leisure, business and hospitality.

The Governor said peace which has been substantially restored in the State is very important because it has given citizens and visitors confidence to come into Plateau State for business and leisure.

He also explained that making the Rayfield golf course green puts it in a good position to be recognised nationally and internationally as the first golf club in Nigeria.

Captain of the Rayfield Golf Club Air Commodore Lazarus Mshelia rtd. said over 200 professional and amateur players from across the country are participating in the tournament which is a huge gain from the successive Governor’s cup organised in the State under Governor Lalong.

He appreciated Governor Lalong for his passion in developing golf in Plateau State which has brought in more players thereby creating an opportunity for repositioning the image of the State.

Tournament Director, Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria JohnBull Dangofa said the event has shown early signs rising to the standard of a spectacular sporting fiesta:

Dangofa said players from international golf clubs and the PGA will perform at the event and commended Governor Simon Lalong for supporting the tournament.

He stressed that several youths are being taken off the streets to play golf and that such has greatly held in reducing crime.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
7th March 2022.

The Plateau Government says it will reposition its media outfit, the Plateau Publishing Corporation (PPC), publishers of The Nigeria Standard Newspapers.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Dan Manjang said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Jos.

Manjang said that the government was doing everything possible to revive The Nigeria Standard by recruiting more staff and publish on daily basis.

He observed that the newspaper had been the voice of the middle belt region which should be repositioned.

The commissioner stated that government intended to inject more fund into the corporation, noting that all the available vacancies would be advertised and filled up.

“The Nigeria standard has been doing the best that it can. We thank God that we have a new press machine, even though it was the past administration that acquired it, we are the ones that installed the new machine.

“We were not in office when the machine was bought but the cost of the machine called Cityline is between N200 million and N250 million.

“The machine is capable of printing in full colour 35,000 copies of newspapers in one hour.

“The machine is also capable of printing exercise books.

“Before now if you look at The Nigeria Standard newspaper, you will not want to read it.

“But if you take a copy of the newspaper today, you will see the difference.

“We are opening the new machine for commercial printing, if there is any newspaper that wants it to print for them, we will be more than happy to do it because we have the capacity to do it,” he stated.

Manjang said that the paper entered into an agreement with Plateau Investment and Property Company to finance corporation with the aim of helping it to publish on daily basis.
The commissioner, a former staff of The Nigeria Standard Newspapers, recalled that apart from publishing daily, Standard used to publish the Cactus exercise book, the Rock Magazine as well as produce duplicating papers.

He also recalled that the paper had a Hausa newspaper called “Yancin Dan Adam’ during the time that the late Chief Solomon Lar was the governor of the state.

According to him, people that do not know what information dissemination is think that it is a waste of funds.

“But I can assure you that before the end of the life of this administration, will be back to life.

“The circulation is not as it used to be but we now have e-standard and if you are on the platform where it circulates you will be able to get it.

“We will soon have the internet copy where anyone who wishes to read The Nigeria Standard would just click a button and access it,’’ he said.

He announced that The Nigeria Standard would be 50 years in July.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS GREET PRESIDENT OBASANJO AT 85

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th Birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong in a message described President Obasanjo as a nationalist and passionate leader whose patriotism is paramount in all his engagements.

Lalong said at 85, President Obasanjo continues to offer his wise counsel to leaders at various levels as well as participate in national dialogue aimed at tackling insecurity, poverty, disease and intolerance.

He said the former President has never hidden his belief in the unity, oneness and indivisibilty of Nigeria and has thus continued to encourage the younger generation to be positive and shun all actions that will erode national unity, peace and development.

Governor Lalong said the Northern Governors Forum appreciate his fatherly counsel and personal interventions towards finding lasting solutions to insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern Region.

He wished him many more years of good health and God’s protection, urging him never to relent in lending his voice towards a greater Nigeria.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum.
5th March 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES ARCH. SUNNY ECHONO ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY TETFUND; EULOGISES PROF. BOGORO FOR EXCELLENT SERVICE

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Architect Sunny Echono on his appointment as the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message described the appointment of Architect Echono as well deserved considering his performance as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, where he provided the administrative expertise to actualise the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari in reviving education in the country.

Lalong said during his tenure as Permanent Secretary, a lot was achieved by the Ministry under the leadership of the Hon. Minister Mallam Adamu Adamu because of his ability to mobilise, motivate and give the right direction to the agencies and staff on implementing policies and programmes of the administration in education.

The Governor also recalled that more tertiary institutions were created throughout the country both in public and private sectors while early and secondary education also recieved a boost because of the efforts of the Architect Echono who as Permanent Secretary ensured that all policies and directives of Government were carried out without delay.

He said Plateau State was a beneficiary of the progress in the education sector with the approval for Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, Shendam; Karl Kumm University Vom; ANAN University Kwall; Nigerian Law School Jos Campus; and Federal University of Education whose Bill was recently signed by the President.

Governor Lalong expressed optimism that Architect Sunny Echono will build upon the achievements of the outgoing Executive Secretary Prof. Bogoro to take TETfund to higher levels.

Meanwhile, Governor Lalong has expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing TETfund Executive Secretary Prof. Elias Bogoro, describing him as an achiever who was honest,  fair, and committed to developing higher education in Nigeria.

Lalong while congratulating him for a successful tenure said Bogoro proved his worth by coming up with novel initiatives that challenged the academia in Nigeria and stimulated innovation, creativity and resourcefulness.

He acknowledged the passion with which Prof. Bogoro assisted all tertiary institutions in Plateau State by ensuring that the infrastructure was upgraded, including the Plateau State University Bokkos where a new Senate Building and Faculty of Health Sciences were commissioned recently.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
4th March 2022.

The death of suspected lovers inside a vehicle along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday, 2nd March has spark mixed reactions and raising controversy.

According to eyewitnesses, the lovers died while having sex inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle around the NASFAT area of Mowe-Ibafo axis of the expressway. However, the police denied the claim.

The corpses of the lovers caused panic on the expressway on Wednesday when our correspondent visited the scene of the incident.

This is as many passers-by were seen taking pictures and recording video at the scene of the incident.

Spye News leant that people became suspicious after the vehicle remained on the same spot for two days.

The Toyota Sienna vehicle with number plate, Lagos – LSD 992HH, where the bodies were found had a construction helmet placed on the dashboard.

In a viral video, a man was heard saying, “This car has been parked for two days. If you know the owner of the vehicle, please contact Mowe-Ibafo police station.”

When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident.

He, however, clarified that the suspected lovers did not die while having sex as speculated.

According to him, the man, identified as Akeem, had been reported at Ilaje Police Division in Lagos State for assault.

Oyeyemi said, “They did not die while having sex. The man had earlier been reported at Ilaje police station in Lagos. He was reported for hitting an object on his lover’s head.

“When the lady became unconscious, the man put her in his car and drove off. He reportedly took snipper on their way to Ogun State and they were both found dead around NASFAT. Investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the death.”

THE Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) has confirmed that it has commenced the process for the extradition of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari to the United States (US) over fraud allegations.

The Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, confirmed the development to The ICIR on Thursday.

Gwandu said the application for Kyari’s extradition was processed after a thorough study and review of issues surrounding the request for the extradition.

“After thorough studies and reviews of issues regarding the application and components thereof, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice processed the application and forwarded same to the relevant authorities for further necessary action,” Gwandu said.

He added that extradition involves multifaceted components and are usually multi-territorial; international, local and judicial.

Gwandu said submitting the request from the concerned party to the relevant authorities constitutes one of such components.

Kyari is wanted for trial in the United States for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering and identity theft.

On Wednesday, the AGF, Abubakar Malami, applied to begin the process of Kyari’s extradition before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/249/2022 was filed under the Extradition Act by Malami, who noted that he was satisfied that the offence regarding which Kyari’s surrender is sought was not political.

In the affidavit that accompanied the application, the AGF said he was satisfied that the request for the surrender of Kyari was not made to persecute or punish him on account of his race, religion, nationality or political opinions, but in good faith and the interest of justice.

The AGF said having regard to all the circumstances in which the offence was committed, it would not be unjust or oppressive or be too severe a punishment to surrender him.

Malami said he was also satisfied that Kyari had been accused of the offence for which his surrender was sought and that there was no criminal proceeding pending against him in Nigeria for the same crime.

In 2021, the US Embassy, in its application for the extradition of Kyari, noted that based on the indictment filed by the grand jury and with the approval of the United States District Court for the Central District of California, a deputy clerk of the court had issued a warrant for Kyari’s arrest.

“The arrest warrant remains valid and executable to apprehend Kyari for the crimes with which he is charged in the indictment.

“Kyari is wanted to stand trial in the United States for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, and identity theft. Kyari is the subject of an indictment in case Number 2:21-cr-00203 (also referred to as 2:21-MJ-00760 and 2:21-CR-00203-RGK), filed April 29, 2021, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California,” the US embassy request stated

Besides the allegations levelled against Kyari by the US, the suspended police officer is currently in the custody of the NDLEA over his alleged involvement in a drug trafficking case.

Over 200 armed bandits were killed in a gun battle between Troops and members of the Joint Security Taskforce and bandits in the last four days in Niger State.

The state Commissioner for Local Government Chieftaincy Affairs and Internal Security, Mr. Emmanuel Umar, made this known while briefing newsmen in Minna.

Umar revealed that the leaders of the four groups that the Joint State Security Taskforce engaged in the crossfire include Ali Kawajo, Bello Janbros, Kachalla Halilu, and Bello Turji.

According to him, sixty motorcycles were recovered, uncertain numbers of cattle were also returned to their owners. He noted that the bandits were killed in the Kundu axis of Rafi and the Babanlaba axis of Mariga local governments and other parts of the state between Sunday and Wednesday.

The commissioner hinted that two security personnel lost their lives in the fight against the bandits but appreciated the gallant efforts of the Joint State Security Taskforce.

“DO NOT POLITICISE THE CIVIL SERVICE”, GOVERNOR LALONG WARNS NEW PERMANENT SECRETARIES AS HE ALSO SWEARS IN PRESIDENT CUSTOMARY COURT.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has warned civil servants against politicising the civil service as those who are found sabotaging Government activities due to political reasons will be shown the way out.

Governor Lalong gave the warning while swearing in the substantive President of the Plateau State Customary Court of Appeal Hon. Justice Blessing Lyop Dalyop and 11 new Permanent Secretaries.

The Governor while congratulating them over their appointments said the machinery of Governance needs not only competent, but honest and loyal staff who will support Government to implement its vision and programmes.

“Let me use this opportunity to again remind civil servants of the need to be loyal to Government and avoid all acts that are inimical to the smooth running of the affairs of the State. The civil service rules are very clear on responsibilities, privileges and expectations from all civil servants. Because we are in a political period, you should endeavour to conduct yourselves within the norms of the service and avoid being used by politicians to disrupt the smooth running of government business. We will not spare those who run contrary to the rules” he said.

Governor Lalong said he expects the new Permanent Secretaries to show leadership that is driven by excellence, capacity, discipline, fairness and honesty. He said because they are coming into these sensitive positions at a challenging time, they will be required to demonstrate innovation, creativity and resource management in the governance architecture of the State. The time for laxity, bureaucratic bottlenecks and sabotage are over. 

He reminded them that the positions they hold are very important because the Rescue Administration is gradually winding down and there is a lot to be done between now and next year. According to him, this is the time for action and performance aa he is determined to complete on-going projects and programmes in line with our promise to leave Plateau better than he met it.

He commended the Head of Civil Service who in collaboration with the Plateau State Information Communication Technology Development Agency ensured the successful conduct of the ICT-based professional aptitude examination for the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.

The Governor said he has further directed the Head of Service to work towards ensuring that all civil servants are fully trained in the use of ICT tools for all Government business because since Plateau State joined the Open Government Initiative (OGP), it has continued to receive local and international accolades for our prudence, transparency and all-inclusive approach to governance.

Lalong congratulated the President of the Customary Court of Appeal urging her to build on the legacies of her predecessors who did their best to ensure the dispensation of justice to the citizens. He said it is expected that she will use this privilege to take the Customary Court in Plateau State to the next level by identifying and takling challenges that impede the smooth administration of justice.

Lalong also cautioned the citizens against making unnecessary demands on the appointees through frivolous pressures that will distract them and push them to corruption and other unwholesome conduct.

Responding on behalf of all appointees, President of the Customary Court of Appeal Justice Blessing Lyop Dalyop assured the Governor that they will do their best to serve with honesty and diligence.

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

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES WINNERS OF PANKSHIN SOUTH STATE CONSTITUENCY & BASSA/JOS NORTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY BYE-ELECTIONS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated winners of the just concluded bye-elections for Pankshin South State Constituency, and Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency held on Saturday 26th February 2022.

Governor Lalong congratulated Chief Ezra Dakup of the APC who was declared winner of the Pankshin South State Constituency bye-election as well as Hon. Musa Agah of the PDP who was declared winner of the Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency seat.

Lalong commended the electorate for coming out to vote for their candidates of choice and conducting themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner which ensured that there was no breakdown of law and order throughout the process.

He also appreciated the Independent National Electoral Commission for conducting the exercise in a transparent manner and ensuring that all parties and candidates had a level playing ground to campaign and participate in the bye-lections.

The Governor is also happy with the role played by the security agencies who maintained neutrality and supported INEC and other stakeholders towards a successful conduct which again reinforces the dividends of the peace process that his Rescue Administration has toiled to build since coming to office.

For the newly elected members, the Governor said:

“Your election is a trust bestowed upon you by the people and shows the confidence they have in you. You should work hard to serve the people honestly and diligently irrespective of their affiliations of tribe, religion,  political party and other considerations. Having been elected, the biggest focus should be on how to improve the lives of the people and work for a greater Plateau. With the elections over, it is now time for governance which requires unity, dedication and sacrifice”.

Lalong assured them of his support and cooperation in the discharge of their responsibilities, urging them to hit the ground running as soon as they are sworn in.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
27th February 2022

GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS MONTHLY FASTING AND PRAYER SESSION ; ADMONISHES PARENTS TO INCULCATE GODLY VIRTUES IN CHILDREN

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has asked Nigerian parents to inculcate godly virtues in their children as a way of halting the moral decay that is largely responsible for the breakdown of law and order in society today.

Governor Lalong spoke during the monthly fasting and prayer organised by the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Jos.

Lalong said because Nigerians are a religious people, they must work to entrench godliness through sustaining the teachings of the Bible and also inculcating same to younger generation who are the future of the nation.

He said “Let me also use this opportunity to urge all parents and guardians to teach their children the importance of fasting and prayer as well as putting their faith in God. Inculcating these values in them right from tender age which will go a long way in building their relationship with God and making them better citizens. Looking at the challenges we face today, we have to raise children that have the fear of God to be able to embrace good and shun evil”.

He commended the Chapel Leadership for sustaining the monthly session and said “Whenever we gather to fast and pray, we are not only standing before God to tender our lists of things we want him to do for us, but to also thank him for all that he has done for us overtime. The act of thanksgiving and appreciation enables him to listen to our petitions and further demonstrate his love towards us”.

He said because of the consitent prayer and fasting for the State, Plateau has continued to experience more peace despite the attempts by some criminals to cause chaos through.

“While we regret the losses recorded due to such unfortunate like the recent incidences involving attacks on miners in Yelwan Zangam and another along Jos-Jingir road, we are thankful to God that both attacks were quickly brought under control by security agencies and with no escalation. We should continue to pray that God will expose these criminals and give the security agencies the ability to apprehend all of them and bring them to justice. While they plan evil against the State, our prayer is that God will turn their evil plans into foolishness and make them not to succeed” he said.

Lalong admonished the citizens to continue to unite and love one another by also praying that the spirit of hatred, division and intolerance will be banished from amongst them. He reiterated his determination to strengthen the peace that has been built over the years and ensure that people go about their duties without any fear.

In a message, Chaplain of the Government House Jos, Rev. Fr. Godfrey Gopep urged the people to put their trust in God and not worry over any prevailing circumstance as the end will be victorious.

He read from the book of Matt 6:25 where he highlighted the assurances given by Jesus Christ to the effect that God will never abandon his people in any way. He said Gods promise of provision is not only guaranteed, but affirmed by the testimonies of past which many seem to forget whenever they are in difficulty.

Prayers were also offered for the smooth conduct of bye-elections for the Jos/Bassa House of Representatives seat as well as the Pankshin South State Constituency.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the
Executive Governor of Plateau State
25th February 2022.