GOVERNOR LALONG ADVOCATES CULTURAL REVIVAL IN ADDRESSING SOCIAL VICES AT BIT POL 2021

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has advocated the revival of cultural values as a way of addressing the social malaise that is fuelling insecurity in Nigeria.

The Governor was speaking at his hometown of Ajikamai, Shendam LGA during the 2022 Bit Pol Cultural Festival.

Lalong said the level of moral decay is largely responsible for the breakdown of social order that is increasing violent crimes and criminality which is threatening national peace.

He said the celebration of cultural festivals such as the Bit Pol should provide an opportunity not only to reunite people, but also lead them to conduct soul-searching that will interogate things that have led to the level of instability and violence in the country.

He urged Nigerians to strengthen their resolve to play a part in supporting the Government to provide the needed leadership that will address the current insecurity in the country in 2022.

He said ” No meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity and chaos. That is why we continue to emphasise as a Government that our people must not only live in peace with one another, but also be at alert to fish out criminal elements among them who constitute a threat. I have continuously admonished the traditional institution particularly at the grassroots level to be very proactive about security because they are the closest to the people. The challenges we face today by the activities of kidnappers, terrorists and other violent criminals means that we should be on our toes and stay ahead of them”.

Lalong reminded the Ajikamai Community Development Association of the urgent need to mobilise all resources towards ensuring that they create job opportunities for youths so as to prevent them from getting into crimes. He said apart from opportunities in the cities, there is a lot that can be done in the rural area because of our agricultural potentials.

Deputy  Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, praised Governor Lalong for giving the necessary leadership to the State under the ruling APC which has attracted many Federal Projects to Plateau State including the Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, cited in Ajikamai. He said the achievements of the APC in the State has further deepened the acceptability of the party among the citizens.

Chairman of the occassion Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi said Governor Lalong has shown that he is a true son of Ajikamai that is well groomed in the culture and tradition of the Gamai people by being honest, humble, hardworking and tolerant. According to him, the Governor has demonstrated the culture of hospitality and love to people of Plateau State and Nigeria at large by being fair and compassionate.

Senators Nora Dadu’ut and Hezekiah Dimka also commended the people of Ajikamai for raising a worthy son in Governor Lalong who has carried the State along and made giant strides in addressing major developmental projects across the entire State.

The Long Gamai Miskoom Martin Shandas III commended the organisers of Bit Pol for sustaining the festival and added that he was very happy by the level of cultural awakening in Gamailand which instills hope and prospect for a beter future.

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

PLATEAU, NASARAWA GOVERNORS, DEPUTY SPEAKER, OTHERS BAG TRADITIONAL TITLES AT BIT-GAMAI 2021

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong, his Nasarawa State counterpart Abdullahi Sule, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Ahmed Idris Wase among other dignitaries bagged traditional titles at the 2021 Bit-Gamai Cultural Festival in Shendam Local Government Council.

The event which is the annual socio-cultural fiesta of the Gamai Nation attracted dignitaries from Plateau State and various parts of the country.

Governor Lalong said this year’s Bit Gamai is coming at a very auspicious time in the history of the nation when there is a greater need for unity, peace and understanding among the various ethnic, religious and social affiliations within Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

He said having worked assiduously over the last six years to restore peace to Plateau State, it was a delight to note that the various cultural festivals which were hitherto affected by insecurity have largely returned, as the various ethnic nationalities have continued to showcase their cultures and traditions in festivals such as the Bit Gamai.

He said “Looking at the level of violence perpetrated by criminals such as kidnappers, bandits, terrorists and others across our nation, we must carry out thorough introspection as to what is responsible for the rise of such negative behaviours that are obviously alien to our cultures and traditions. There is obviously a missing link somewhere that we have to address in eliminating threats to our unity and progress”.

Governor Lalong condemned the unfortunate desecration of the traditional institution by the kidnap of the Sum Pyem, His Royal Highness Charles Mato Dakat who regained freedom Friday morning saying the security agencies are after the kidnappers.

He also sent condolences to the Mwaghavul Nation on the passing of the First Class Traditional Ruler, the Mishkaham Mwaghavul, Da Nelson Bakfur who died within the week.

Chairman of the occassion, Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe said culture is a tool for unity and harmony which should be exploited to bring people together such as is being done by the Lalong Rescue Administration which has consistently encouraged the 53 ethnic groups  to live in peace with one another.

Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt.Hon. Idris Wase said the hosting of the Gamai Festival among others is yet another proof of the dividends of peace that has been championed by Governor Simon Lalong which enabled many socio-cultural organisations to hold their festivals unlike in the past.

Chairman of the Gamai Unity and Development Organization (GUDO), Mr. Theodore Maiyaki welcomed guests to the festival which he said has continued to unite the people of Gamailand as well as their friends and well wishes across the country.

He disclosed that the Launching of the 250million Appeal Fund is targeted towards the construction of Centre that will be a source of knowledge, entertainment and entrepreneurship towards the emancipation of the younger generation as well as cultural education.

Chief Launcher Alhaji Nasiru Danu, the Dan Amanar Dutse said he was honoured to participate in the Launching of the Fund which he  believes will serve not only the interest of the Gamai people, but of the State and Nigeria at large.

The Gbong Gwom Jos Jacob Gyang Buba said the Plateau Council of Traditional Rulers has continued to work with the Government in sustaining peace and will continue to do so in weeding out criminals who are desperate in destabilising the State and nation.

High point of the event was the honouring of various guests with traditional titles as announced by the Long Gamai, HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III who said the awardees were selected for thier contributions to the development of Gamai nation.

They include Governor Simon Bako Lalong, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, Senator Nora Dadu’ut, Tetfund Executive Secretary Prof. Elias Bogoro, among others.


Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
31st December 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG’S 2022 NEW YEAR MESSAGE

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum has asked Nigerians to look forward to a great year 2022 with optimism and hope, as they prepare to make personal sacrifices and unite in supporting Government address the critical issues militating against the peace, unity and progress of the nation.

In his new year message, Governor Lalong said the nation has a lot to thank God for having experienced highs and lows in many sectors. He said though there were many challenges, so much was equally achieved in many areas which affirmed the resilience of the Nigerians.

He said with the determination and collaboration of the people, insecurity and unemployment which are major factors that threaten the future of the nation will be overcome.

“Nigeria is tremendously blessed and endowed with not only natural resources, but good people who want to live in peace and pursue legitimate endeavours in peace, unity and tranquility. That is why we must all work together in the new year to confront those who want to take away the collective destiny of Nigerians through terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities. We must deny them such opportunity and also ensure that we put them to shame. We should do so believing that evil cannot triumph over good”, he said.

Governor Lalong said in 2022, his administration will continue with its Rescue Mission of developing human capital and physical infrastructure by completing those in progress as well as carrying out others which are coming on board. This he said will ensure that the Government fulfils its promises to the people.

Among others, the Governor said the Lalong Legacy Projects will be completed while work on the British-America flyover bridge will be carried out including other ongoing projects across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State.

He asked the people to continue to work on building peace and maintaining law and order which is central to development.

While wishing Nigerians a prosperous 2022, Lalong admonished them to continue to love one another as they improve the culture of tolerance irrespective of their diversities.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
31st December 2021.

PLATEAU GOVERNMENT HALTS CHIEFTANCY TITLE BY NON EXISTENT “EMIR OF PENGANA”; VOWS TO DEAL WITH MISCHIEF MAKERS

The Plateau State Government has directed the Chairman of Bassa Local Government and the Chairman of the Traditional Council in the Area to immediately halt the purported installation of one Alh. Maiwada Ya’u Mohammed (CEO Jengre Petroleum Company Ltd.) as Danmalikin Pengana by a non-existent “Emir of Pengana”.

The Government frowns at the purported installation scheduled for 2nd January 2022 as contained in invitation cards and posters carrying misleading information about a non-existing “Pengana Emirate” which it said is a clear display of arrogance and an attempt to inflame passions and cause a breakdown of law and order.

The Government also views the planned installation of the said beneficiary by this non-existing Emirate as an attempt to disrupt the peace of Bassa Local Government Area and the entire State by using Chieftancy matters which people hold dear to their hearts.

Government therefore warns those involved in this planned installation by this non-existing entity to desist forthwith as law enforcement agencies have been put on red alert and directed to immediately arrest anyone who contravenes the directive.

It further mandates traditional rulers and Local Government Chairmen across the State to be proactive and nip in the bud any similar attempt by unscrupulous groups and individuals to disrupt public peace and security through mischief that uses the traditional Institution which is considered a sacred one.

Government further warns that it will not hesitate to come down hard on any traditional ruler who is found to be negligent or supporting such clandestine activities openly or secretly.

It also urges the public to ignore the said event as there is no such thing as “Emirate of Pengana” in Plateau State.

For the avoidance of doubt, the paramount ruler of Pengana Chiefdom in Bassa LGA recognised by Government is the “Ogomo Pengana” HRH. Esau Mamman Shayang (JP) who was installed in 2016.

Hon. Sylvanus Tapgun
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Plateau State.
30th December 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG MOURNS FIRST CLASS TRADITIONAL RULER, MISKAHAM MWAGAVUL, DA NELSON BAKFUR.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed deep sadness over the death of a First Class Traditional Ruler in Plateau State, the Mishkaham Mwagavul, Da Nelson Bakfur who joined his ancestors on Tuesday 28th December 2021

Lalong during a visit to the family of the monarch in Kerang, Mangu Local Government, said he received the news of the  passing of the royal father with shock and grief as the deceased was a peacemaker and a rallying point for not only the Mwagavul nation, but the entire State.

The Governor who was accompanied by First Lady Regina Lalong, said “Da Nelson Bakfur did a lot to promote peaceful coexistence and development in his domain since assuming office as Mishkaham Mwaghavul in 1999. As the Chairman of the Mangu Traditional Council, he was very instrumental to the substantial peace recorded in the Local Government as well as the confidence building that grew among various ethnic groups in the Area. This facilitated the resolution of many disputes which prevented escalation”.

The Governor also paid tribute to the late Royal Father for his passion for economic emancipation of his people as well as paying special attention to educational development. He said the Royal Father also motivated the people to participate in agriculture and produce food for the State and nation at large.

While encouraging the immediate family and the Mwagavul nation to accept the passing of the late royal father as the will of God, Lalong challenged them to keep his legacies alive and continue to embibe his good virtues.

Responding, Da Philemon Mutang, District Head of Kerang said the visit of the Governor to the family is consoling and reassuring which further demonstrates the good relationship that existed between the Governor and the late Royal Father.

Commissioner for Minerals Development Hon. Jude Dakur prayed for the family and for the repose of the soul of the Royal Father.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
30th December 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG AT WEDDING OF SON TO PLATEAU COMMISSIONER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT & CHIEFTANCY AFFAIRS

Governor Simon Bako Lalong was among guests from all walks of life that attended the wedding of the son of Plateau State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Sylvanus Tapgun at the National Ecumenical Centre Abuja.

The wedding solemnization for Miskoon Maurice Tapgun and Folasade Adeyemo was perfomed by ECWA President Rev. Dr. Stephen Panya Baba assisted by clergymen from various denominations.

Rev. Panya Baba charged the couple to live as a family whose passion is to serve and please God and one another. That way, they can easily embrace the love of God and offer selfless service to one another without conditions.

In a sermon, the clergyman read from 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 where he told the couple to love each other sacrificially and consider that Christ demonstrated such love to mankind by dying on the cross to usher in salvation.

He said submission and love require forgiveness, oneness, kindness, compassion, giving and sacrifice from both husband and wife as God originated marriage to enable man have dominion over the earth. Such he said begins in the home where marriage is the bedrock of healthy families.

Governor Lalong while congratulating the couple advised them to be committed to their marriage and work together to build a home that is founded on love, tolerance and sacrifice.

He urged them to embibe the good virtues of their parents and ensure that they do not bring disrepute to the families who have invested so much to train them and inculcate godly character in them.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
28th December 2021

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE KEBBI/NASARAWA GOVERNORS ON BIRTHDAYS

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with two of their colleagues, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State who clocked 62 and Governor Atiku Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State who clocked 60 years on December 26th.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in statement said the Governors have played significant role in impacting the lives of their people and Nigerians at large through their various positions of responsibility including their current offices.

He said they have remained key players in the political space in Nigeria and making significant efforts to ensure that good governance, peace and economic development is attained.

Lalong said “Governor Atiku Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State is a leader with passion for transforming the lives of the people through empowerment and physical infrastructure. He has not only demonstrated such in his tenure as Governor, but made enermous contributions to the efforts of the Northern Governors Forum to develop an economic blueprint for the region particularly in the era of COVID-19 and other challenges. He has also shown courage in leadership as Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum”.

For Governor Abdullahi Sule, Lalong described him as a technocrat with wide knowledge and experience which he has brought on board since coming into office as Governor of Nasarawa State.

He said “The Forum has greatly benefitted from the ideas of Governor Sule whose vast experience in the private sector has enabled it tap from his knowledge particularly in the area of energy development and agricultural revolution. He has put in a lot of efforts to ensure that the people of Nasarawa State benefit from the enermous endowments of the State in agriculture, solid minerals among others”.

Lalong said the Forum while wishing them more years of good health, peace and wisdom, urges them to continue to provide leadership to their people as well as play their roles in ensuring that the region and the Nigeria at large overcomes the many challenges it is currently facing.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
27th December 2021

CHRISTMAS: GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES NIGERIANS; SAYS BIRTH OF CHRIST INSPIRES FAITH AND HOPE

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Nigerian Christians for marking another Christmas, urging them to use the period to reflect on the hope and joy that the birth of Jesus Christ brings to humanity.

Lalong in a message said the occasion provides another opportunity for Nigerians to be inspired eliminate all fears about the issues that stand against the unity and peace of the country which is contrary to the message of hope that the birth of Christ ushered in for mankind.

He said the lifestyle of Jesus Christ clearly indicates that challenges are necessary for the process of development which applies to the various problems that Nigeria is confronting at the moment. This he said should guide Nigerians not to despair but build hope and faith that the country will soon overcome its challenges and achieve stability.

Lalong also said the attributes of love, tolerance, truth, justice and compassion which characterized the lifestyle of Jesus Christ should be embibed by both Christians and non-Christians in their day to day dealings with one another.

While wishing the citizens of Plateau State and Nigeria a blessed  Christmas celebration, the Governor asked them to use the event to reach out to people in need and share with people of other faiths in the spirit of the season.

Lalong who is excited about the way people from various parts of the country are trooping into Plateau for the yuletide also wants them to be security conscious and remain vigilant to report any suspicious activity to the security agencies. He also challenged the security agencies to be on top of their game and ensure that Plateau witnesses are crime-free yuletide.

He also advised the public to discountenace some false and alarming reports being circulated in the social media suggesting a bleak Christmas in the State due to insecurity, saying such reports are not only false and alarmist, but also targeted at de-marketing the State by those who take pleasure or thrive when the State is in the news for negative reasons.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
24th December 2021

The DVD Movement Captain Nde Dimka Victor David attended the Inauguration of RCC Chugwi of Jos Provincial Church Council of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN). The colorful Inauguration was carried out by the COCIN President. Reverend Professor Dachollom Datiri in the company of Reverend Dr Amos Mohzo the COCIN President-elect, and other members of the Church hierarchy. In a moving sermon Reverend Dr Yusuf Luxman taking his readings from Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47 spelt out the Transformative Character of a Regional Church Council. These are Relationship based, For the Glorification of God, living in Common and in Communion, Spiritual and Physical Growth of the members.
When called to give a goodwill message Nde Dimka Victor David fsi commended the COCIN President for the evident growth of the Church under his watch. “We are children of the Church and it is our joy to participate in the growth of the Church and her evangelisation mission.” he asserted.
The COCIN President in conclusion prayed for the peace of Christ in Plateau State Nigeria and the worldover and wished everyone a joyful Christmas celebration.

DVD Media Team

GOVERNOR LALONG SIGNS 106.8 BILLION NAIRA 2022 APPROPRIATION BILL INTO LAW

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has signed the 2022 approved appropriation bill of 106,807,267,642.12 passed by the State House of Assembly into law.

While signing the appropriation bill into law at the Government House Rayfield Jos, the Governor commended the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Yakubu Sanda and Honourable Members for their doggedness and determination that saw the expeditious and thorough consideration of the budget which was laid on the floor of the House on 20th October 2021.

Lalong said the passage of the bill is another proof of the cordial and symbiotic relationship existing between the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Arms of Government in Plateau State. He said:

“Despite the recent change of leadership in the House between the period the budget was laid and when it was passed, the Honourable Members have shown that the Parliament as an institution can always resolve its challenges and work for the interest of the people.To my mind, this is the true definition of standing with the people and defending democracy. By rallying round and quickly putting behind you the unfortunate events that happened at the House recently, you have clearly shown that the public interest supersedes personal interests and that the legislature is the soul of democracy. The people of Plateau State are proud of you”.

He assured the State that the Government will faithfully implement the Budget tagged: “Budget of Economic Recovery and Consolidation of Inclusive Infrastructural Growth 2”, which is aimed at consolidating on our past achievements in order to improve our stewardship towards accelerated socio-political and economic development of the State.

The Governor said he was not satisfied with the revenue generating capacity of the State despite the efforts the administration has put in, stating that the Government has to do more in looking at other sources of revenue as well as considering funding options for projects such as Public Private Partnerships and Build Operate and Transfer models.

Lalong who assured that the Government will focus on completing on-going projects and initiating new ones, said there shall be emphasis on prudence and transparency in the utilization of resources.

Giving a breakdown of the budget, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning Sylvester Wallangko said the 2022 Appropriation Bill N106,807,267,642.12 is composed of Seventy Billion, Eight Hundred and Seven Million, Two and Sixty-Seven Thousand Six Hundred and Forty-Two Naira Sixty-Two Kobo (N70,819,275,644.62) representing 66.31% as Recurrent expenditure, and Thirty-Five Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Seven Naira Fifty Kobo(N35,987,991,997.50) representing 33.69% as Capital Expenditure.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of, Plateau State.
23rd December 2021.