GOVERNOR LALONG RECIEVES NIPSS SEC 44 NOMINEES; CHALLENGES THEM TO FIND SOLUTIONS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has received nominees of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Senior Executive Course 44 at the Government House Rayfield Jos with a charge for them to use their period of study to advance solutions in improving Local Government administration in Nigeria.
Governor Lalong told the nominees that they are coming to Plateau State at a time when the State is enjoying greater peace and stability as well as an increase in visitors and investors.
He said the theme of the Course which is “Strengthening Local Governance in Nigeria: Challenges, Options and Opportunities” is very apt because the Local Government system in Nigeria has been dwindling due to many issues.
The Governor explained that this was why he was among the few Governors to grant full autonomy to the Local Governments in Nigeria after series of engagements with stakeholders.
He emphasized the importance of taking back governance to the people at the grassroots through strengthening the tier of Government that has the closest proximity to them.
Lalong assured the nominees that the Government of Plateau State will continue to do everything possible to make their stay at the institute very comfortable, urging them to use the opportunity to discover the true Plateau State that is reputed for Peace, Tourism and Hospitality.
Acting Director General of the Institute, retired Brig. Gen. Chukwuemeka Udaya thanked the Governor for his constant support to the Institute and his participation in its engagements.
He said Governor Lalong has worked hard to restore peace to Plateau State which has made NIPSS course participants very comfortable and eager to come to the State unlike in years past.
Udaya also disclosed that so far, 41 nominees have indicated interest in taking part in golf as an extra curricular activity because of the support and passion that Governor Lalong has demonstrated in developing the sport in the State and Nigeria as a whole.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 17th February 2022.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS CELEBRATE FIRST LADY AISHA BUHARI AT 51
The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hajiya (Dr) Aisha Buhari as she marks her 51st birthday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a congratulatory message said the Forum rejoices with the mother of the nation on the special day as it calls for special recognition of her efforts to impact the lives of Nigerians particularly women and children.
Lalong said the First Lady has over the years remained consistent and committed in initiating various programmes that have direct impact on the most vulnerable persons in society.
He said her pet project the Future Assured Programme has done a lot in empowering women and youths in all parts of the country as well as carried out humanitarian interventions to victims of crises and other natural disasters.
Governor Lalong also praised the the First Lady for giving support to the Northern Governors Forum in the efforts to address the Almajiri phenomenon, poverty, diseases and humanitarian needs of IDPs across the region and the nation at large.
He also acknowledged the leadership and mentoring capacity of the First Lady which has resonated with the First Ladies of various States through their various pet programmes that are equally making impact on the lives of the citizens.
The Northern Governors Forum wished the First Lady good health, God’s protection and wisdom to continue to stand up for the weak and vulnerable in society.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum. 17th February 2022.
Unlocking revenue : The Lalong legacy of prosperity
By Yakubu Dati
The opening of Domino’s Pizza in Jos during the week has trended among the fast-food connoisseurs. With a Net income of 491.3 million USD (2020) the birthing of this American multinational pizza restaurant chain in Jos, is sure to shake the table, a little bit. The news heralding the arrival of an ultra modern mall which will house ShopRite in Jos, has been greeted with jubilation. According to accountants , the ‘book value’ of its operations in Nigeria as at 2021 is N25.6 billion. The attraction of these global players is not by accident but results of deliberate actions. Gov Simon Lalong assumed office with the keen ability to envision Plateau State’s future and to rally human and material resources around a shared vision Early in the life of his administration, he inspired confidence following his deft moves in connecting the state to international trade. In quick succession, he acquired the BARC farms, and the Jos Inland Container Dry Port. Furthermore, he successfully lobbied for the completion of the Yakubu Gowon Airport Jos, and its subsequent designation as a Cargo international terminal. To add filip to the stratagem, Lalong’s intense lobby paid off with the establishment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, zonal office in Jos :dedicated to international shipping trade in the country. The approval to reactivate the Jos railway lanes and the dualization of the Abuja/jos/Gombe roads is well secured in Lalong’s goodie kit. Gov Lalong has, no doubt, put in place an engine of local economic development with its value addition of job creation, entrepreneurship and wealth creation. The Jos-Plateau is being steadily recalibrated into a central core of commerce with attraction to investors, manufactures, suppliers and distributors. There is a connect between the huge potentials and existing realities. His deliberate policies and programmes as encapsulated in the Plateau State Development Strategy developed by the Boston Consulting Group(BCG) attracted many investors by its sheer clarity and achievable road-map. With over six years of peace, the beautiful Plateau we projected is being achieved. Those that locked their business premises and ran away from Plateau in those days are now working their phones making enquiries about staging comebacks. As confirmation of the growing confidence on the Lalong administration, many private businesses have sprung up, while companies and government agencies are jostling for Jos as a prime venue for conferences and retreats. Transport companies are experiencing a period of boom due to the desire by many to come to Plateau. Investments in the creatives and sports industry is yielding high Returns on Investments (ROI) ditto Minning and Agriculture. Aware of this, Governor Lalong has opened the state for critical infrastructure development by rebuilding roads and bridges. In the Lands, Survey and Town Planning Ministry, Gov Lalong has simplified land administration through automation and the 50 percent waiver on title processing to empower the populace to key into land capital, in line with the greater Jos Masterplan. Furthermore, the Enumeration exercise,powered by the World Bank is the process of registering over a hundred thousand properties under the SFTAS pilot project In a pioneering effort to unlock the revenue potentials, the State is benefiting from a strategic partnership with Compliance Professionals (CPP) led by the cerebral Mrs Ifeako Okauru, ex FIRS boss, whose track record at turning around the nation’s internal revenue reverberates to this day. As Chairman of the Revenue Council established to harvest low hanging revenue lines, Gov Lalong’s alliance with CPP is redesigning the economic landscape, towards laying a sustainable foundation for financial self sufficiency, in line with the global trends. Lalong continues to match words with action by creating opportunities for youths through new streams of digital skills up program and software engineering under the #codePlateau project propelled by ICT agency of the state. The Performance Management and Results Delivery Office (PMRDO) has been structured into governance architecture to provide the requisite layer of transparency, in fiscal accountability. The Governor’s office has transformed into a ‘melting pot’, of ideas, energised with enviable technical capacity to raise government revenue and to lower expenditure. The introduction of the Revenue-League, fashioned after the National Footbal league, is promoting healthy competition amongst Ministries, Departments and Agencies for improved revenue. The PSIRS, the State’s revenue ombudsman is championing process of integration and harmonising revenues from all revenue generating points, with a view to blocking leakages, addressing multiple taxation and growing the state’s revenue base. The overall objective is to develop the capacity of the state to fund its budget solely, through the Internally Generated Revenues. Bequeathing a robust revenue base for the next generation and generations yet unborn, remains a lasting legacy for Plateau’s amiable governor, Simon Bako Lalong.
RESPONSE TO THE THREATS RAISED BY HON. DANIEL DEM IN AN ATTEMPT TO RUN AWAY FROM THE REALITY
I, Hon. Timothy Dantong member representing Riyom Constituency will not be irresponsible to sit quite while destruction of the Exco of my party is being carried out which could lead to a great damage in our great party, the PDP.
I led the Concerned Youths who wrote and called for the suspension of Hon. Daniel Dem from the party based on the evidences before us that:
1. I believe that our Party, the PDP is well organized and well structured with proper channels of communications, that if need be for the party to send any important document from the National level to the State, they will not wait to send for just anyone who is available but will follow the appropriate channels of communication. For an interested party like Hon. Daniel Dem to be a recipient of such document clearly spelt out the motive behind such action.
2. Hon. Dem actually started implementing the content of the documents he claimed he did not know about before it reached the State Secretariat. I reported his intention days before the arrival of the said document (When we get to the court we should made available evidence).
3. He instigated the Youth Leader of Attakar Ward through one Danladi magaji, that I, Hon. Timothy Dantong is responsible for the change of his name as an Exco which Danladi Magaji testified during an Exco meeting and is recorded.
4. On the day Hon. Daniel Dem delivered those documents to the State Party Secretariat and without the State Working Committee Sitting to understand the document to make public the said change in the names of exco if its true, Hon. Dem and his boss substituted the chairman of Bum ward. Mr Mungu Ngyang with his former Personal Assistant (PA), Silas Luka during an empowerment program in the house of sen. ID Gyang. This was later found to be same in the document he brought to the State Secretariat.
Many more evidence and testimonies will be made available when we get to the court. You may please proceed as you chose to do so but we shall not in any way regret or make an attempt to withdraw our claims for the need to suspend such a member from the party. For your information I have forwarded a written letter to the party in this regard.
As to your claim for having supported my aspiration to my present position and others, I will reserve comments for another day not to be distracted from the main issue but I want you to know that I can’t in any way partner with anyone who chose the path of injustice for whatever reason.
Hon. Timothy Dantong Member representing Riyom Constituency PLHA
GOVERNOR LALONG CONDEMNS ATTACK ON MINERS AND COMMUTERS IN JOS; ORDERS ARREST OF PERPETRATORS
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has condemned in strong terms the attack on Miners in Yelwa Zangam general area of Jos North LGA in the early hours of Tuesday 15 February 2022 which left one person dead and others injured.
The Governor also condemned another attack on a commuter vehicle along road Jos-Jingir road where two persons were killed and others injured.
Governor Lalong who commended security forces for swiftly responding to the situation and restoring normalcy, directed them to go after the attackers and make sure all those behind the attacks are brought to justice.
The Governor also commiserated with the families of the victims and survivors, assuring them that Government will stop at nothing to ensure that those who carried out the dastardly acts are fished out and made to pay for their actions.
The Governor also reiterated his call to citizens to report any suspicious activity within their environment to the Police, Operation Safe Haven, Operation Rainbow, the Civil Defence, other law enforcement agencies, the traditional rulers or other community intelligence channels.
Meanwhile, the Governor has directed the Secretary to the Government of the State to coordinate the response and visit those injured and receiving treatment in the hospital to ensure they are receiving good care.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State 16 February 2022.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS FELICITATE WITH GOVERNOR ELRUFAI AT 62
The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with the Governor of Kaduna State Mallam Nasir El-rufai as he marks his 62nd birthday (16th February 2022).
In a message to felicitate with the Governor, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong described Mallam El-rufai as a patriotic Nigerian whose zeal for peace, progress and development has been evident in all his activities including the governance of Kaduna State since coming to office in 2015.
Lalong said Mallam El-rufai has made significant contributions to the development of the Northern Region and Nigeria at large by playing key roles in various assignments that have shaped policies in the country.
He acknowledged the doggedness of Governor El-rufai in confronting the security challenges in Kaduna State by remaining firm in dealing with criminals who have been terrorising innocent citizens in recent times.
Governor Lalong also appreciated Mallam El-rufai for not only providing suitable environment for the meetings of the Forum in Kaduna, but also making valuable contributions on various issues as well as heading critical committees set up by the Forum.
While wishing him more years of good health, God’s protection and wisdom, Lalong charged Governor El-rufai to sustain his efforts in bringing development to Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum. 16th February 2022.
*QUA’AN-PAN LGC SWEAR-IN SUPERVISORY COUNCILLOR FOR BUDGET AND PLANNING.* 11/2/2022
The Chairman Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Ernest Da’a have sworn-in the Supervisory Councillor for Budget and Planning, Bala Mohammed with a call on the appointee to be visionary and focus in discharging his responsibilities.
The Chairman who made this call during a brief ceremony in his office to mark the Oath taking of the new appointee, challenged him to bring in new ideas and innovations that will enhance productivity and build more confidence in the trust bestowed on the Council administration by the citizens.
Da’a while reiterating his administration’s commitment to deliver on its campaign promises pledged to give priority to staff welfares and salaries as well as provide quality health-care programmes, portable drinking water and improve the educational system of our younger generation.
Earlier while administering Oath of allegiance to the appointee, Oath Commissioner and Chief Magistrate of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area, Barr. Luther Fwangyil, advised that public office holders must be faithful in their service to humanity adding that Oath taking is a serious business that must be done with the fear of God.
Speaking separately in their goodwill messages, Leader of the Legislative Arm Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Jonah Dawar and the Deputy Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the area, Godfrey Dapun charged the appointee to brace up to the challenges that awaits him in his new office noting that to whom much is given, much is also expected.
In a remark, the newly sworn-in appointee and Supervisory Councillor for Budget and Planning, Bala Mohammed promised to take advantage of every opportunity available at his disposal to promote good governance, equity and justice adding that he will strive to strengthen grass root based politics in his community.
In a closing remark, Deputy Chairman of the Council, Hon. Helen Wapmuk thanked the Council Chairman and critical stakeholders of APC in the area for their pragmatic disposition in promoting all inclusiveness by appointing credible Party supporters into offices and call on the new appointee to shun every divisive tendencies that could jeopardize the chances of increasing the Party support base.
Signed: Opiah O. Valentine ANIPR Head of Information and Protocol, Qua’an-Pan LGC
UPDATE ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF INTERCHANGE (FLY OVER) AT BRITISH AMERICAN JUNCTION AND DUALIZATION FROM BRITISH AMERICAN JUNCTION TO LAMINGO JUNCTION ROUNDABOUT. (RELOCATION OF WATER AND POWER LINES)
We wish to sincerely thank and commend the general public particularly Residents, Business owners and road users for their patience, understanding and co-operation thus far on the diversions, road closures and construction activities ongoing around the British American Fly-over interchange.
It is on this note and in line with keeping the public abreast with the ongoing construction work that the Ministry of Works wishes to inform the public as follows:
The Plateau State Water Board in collaboration with the Mechanical dept of the Ministry of Works/Contractor are currently identifying and excavating the water pipes along the road alignment for relocation.
The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) with the Electrical dept of the Ministry of Works will also commence relocation of power lines alomg the road corridor in the affected area under construction.
The Ministry/Contractor will commence some remedial works/patching of potholes on some already identified alternative routes to further ease the flow of traffic and enhance pleasurable motoring by road users.
We are aware that these operations particularly those involving the key Utility providers are bound to create some inconveniences to citizens living in the affected areas.
Government hereby assures that these operations will be carried out with minimal inconveniences and utmost care and will not last longer than neccessary.
While we regret the inconveniences that may arise from these operations, we continue to crave the maximum cooperation and understanding from the public to enable the Government and contractor to deliver on the project within stipulated period.
Government also urges the motoring public to continue to comply by avoiding the construction site and using alternative routes that have so far been provided.
ALWAYS THINK AND ACT PLATEAU
Engr. Alexander Plangnan, fnse Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Plateau State. Sunday 13th February, 2022.
The Northern Governors Forum has expressed sadness and shock over the death of the grandson of the late Premier of the Northern Region, Magajin Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Hassan Danbaba who died in Kaduna on Saturday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a condolence message described the death of the Magajin Garin Sokoto as a great loss to the Sokoto Caliphate, Sokoto State, the Northern region and nation at large.
Lalong said the deceased was a highly respected traditional title holder who walked in the footsteps of his grandfather Sir Ahmadu Bello and used his influence to serve the people through every available opportunity.
He said Alhaji Danbaba devoted himself to the service of his people through humility, hardwork, generosity and forthrightness.
As an influential title holder in the Sokoto Caliphate, the deceased carried himself with dignity and candour, working with other leaders within the North and other parts of the country to find solutions to the many challenges of the nation. His role in reviving agriculture particularly rice farming has been widely acknowledged.
Lalong also conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the Northern Governors to his immediate family, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Governor Aminu Tambuwal, the Government and people of Sokoto State.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum. 13th February 2022
The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated Ekiti State Governor and Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Dr. Kayode Fayemi on the occasion of his 57th birthday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the Northern Governors join the family, friends and associates of Governor Fayemi in this celebration because he has continued to work hard to promote the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria using his position as the leader of the entire Governors in the country.
Lalong said the Northern Governors Forum has found in Governor Feyemi a leader who is keen in building bridges and also passionate about development of all parts of the country particularly through harnessing the potentials of the various regional blocks.
He said Governor Fayemi has demonstrated commitment to finding solutions to the nation’s security challenges as well as shown readiness to always support actions that will assist the Northern region and other parts of the country deal with the problems militating against peace and progress.
Lalong also said the engagements of Governor Fayemi as NGF Chairman with the private sector, international organisations and the Federal Government among others, have led to some breakthroughs that have impacted the lives of people at various levels.
While wishing him many more years of peace, good health and happiness, Lalong urged him to continue to do his best in promoting the ideals of good governance, rule of law, and peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 9th February 2022.
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