Member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Honourable Henry Longs is dead.

The lawmaker who represented Pankshin South State Constituency died on Sunday night after a brief illness .

The Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Yakubu Sanda, described the death of Hon. Henry Longs, Member representing Pankshin South State Constituency as shocking and a great loss to the house and the State as a whole.

A statement signed by Sabastine Hommuk, Press Secretary to the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly reads that “The entire Members, Management and Staff of the house are yet to come to terms with the reality of the loss, as Hon. Longs’ contributions to the 9th Assembly will be greatly missed.”

The speaker noted that Hon. Henry Longs is a personal friend and an outstanding parliamentarian whose life was that of Continuous Service and Commitment to the well-being of his Constituents.

“He is a complete gentleman whose honesty, commitment and dedication to the Unity and Peace of Plateau will forever be cherished.”

He added that his wealth of experience and contributions on the floor of the house will be greatly missed by his colleagues and constituents.

The speaker while sympathizing with his immediate family, the people of Pankshin South constituency and the State at large, urge them to accept the loss as the will of God and prayed for God’s comfort for the family and loved ones.

GOVERNOR LALONG SHOCKED OVER DEATH OF PLATEAU HOUSE MEMBER, HON. HENRY LONGS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong is saddened by the death of a serving member of the Plateau State House of Assembly Hon. Henry Soembis Longs who died shortly after undergoing surgery. Untill his death, Hon. Longs represented the good people of Pankshin South Constituency.

Governor Lalong says he recieved the news of the death with shock and is deeply grieved by the demise of the State Legislator who he describes as a promising politician, legal practitioner and committed citizen of Plateau State.

Lalong said the late Hon. Henry Longs has been up and doing in representing the interests of his Constituency at the State House of Assembly and doing his best to enhance the delivery of dividends of democracy to the electorates across the entire State.

He said as a Member of the ruling APC, Henry Longs contributed his quota towards the success of the Party both within the Plateau House of Assembly and the entire State through the facilitation and  passage of laws for the good governance of the State and the nation.

While commiserating with his family over this sad development, the Governor urged his constituents, the Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda and entire members of the Plateau State House of Assembly to be consoled over the tragic incident as the late legislator did his best to serve Plateau State.

He prays God to forgive his sins and grant his soul eternal rest.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
29th November 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONDEMNS ATTACK ON JOS CORRECTIONAL CENTRE, PRAISES GALLANTRY OF SECURITY FORCES

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has condemned in strong terms the attack on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Jos which took place on Sunday when gunmen reportedly stormed the facility in large numbers with sophisticated weapons.

Governor Lalong while condemning the unfortunate incident however praised the gallantry of officers and men of the Jos Custodial Centre who rose to the occasion to thwart the plans of the criminals whose mission was to facilitate the escape of inmates and also cause destruction to the facility.

Lalong also praised the quick reaction of other security agencies including the Police, Operation Safe Haven, DSS, NSCDC and Operation Rainbow who responded swiftly to the situation and took charge of the general area leading to entrapment of the assailants as well as arrest of fleeing inmates.

While describing the sad event as one too many in the nation’s correctional system, Lalong said it was high time a wholistic approach is applied in bringing such attacks and jail breaks to an end in order to guarantee the safety of inmates, correctional officers, and the larger society from criminals who choose to attack the very essence of Nigeria’s legal system by disrupting law and order.

While directing an immediate boosting of security measures around all Custodial facilities in the State, Lalong assured that the State Government will work with the Federal Government in every way possible to ensure that all Correctional Facilities in the State are protected from such attacks.

While awaiting full report of the incident, the Governor asked the citizens of the State to remain calm and go about their legitimate duties with utmost vigilance by reporting any suspicious activity to security agencies for prompt and decisive action.

He said the Government will continue to make Plateau inconducive for criminals by sustaining the proactive measures adopted against all criminal enterprises.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
29th November 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG OUTRAGED BY ATTACK ON TA’AGBE VILLAGE; DIRECTS SWIFT ARREST OF PERPETRATORS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong is outraged by the reported attack on Ta’agbe village of Miango District in Bassa Local Government Council carried out in the early hours of Friday 26th November 2021 where a number of persons including children were killed and houses burnt.

Governor Lalong says this is another sad incident which is clearly the handiwork of criminals that are bent on instilling fear, pain and sorrow among the people with a view to destabilising the State and making fortune from their criminality as well as rupturing the substantial peace attained.

The Governor totally condemns the attack and says there is no explanation that can justify it. He therefore directs security agencies to take immediate and drastic steps to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that they pay for their crimes.

Lalong said “the persistent attacks in this general area remains condemnable and unacceptable to Government. As such, no resources and efforts will be spared in painstakingly following up on the trail of those who derive joy in attacking and killing innocent citizens and destroying their homes and means of livelihoods. I expect the security agencies to deploy everything at their disposal to arrest those who carried out the crime no matter how long it takes. Government will not take any excuse for failure to achieve this directive”.

Lalong while commiserating with the victims and families of those killed, assured that they will get justice as Government will stop at nothing to unravel those behind this ugly incidences that continue to disrupt the livelihoods of the people of the Local Government.

Lalong also directed the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Peace Building Agency (PBA) to immediately visit the area and assess the level of damage with a view to carrying out immediate intervention and bringing succour to people who are in need as a result of the barbaric attack.

He also calls on the people to assist the security agencies with relevant information that will enable them crack the identity and motives of the attacks.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
26th November 2021.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE FORMER VICE PRESIDENT ATIKU ABUBAKAR AT 75

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on his 75th birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the former Vice President is an accomplished politician, businessman and a philanthropist who has used his opportunities in life to serve the nation and assist people in need.

He said the Forum recognises and appreciates his contributions to resolving some of the nation’s challenges including those peculiar to the northern region such as illiteracy, poverty, insecurity, unemployment and lack of unity.

While wishing the elderstatesman many more years of peace and good health, the Forum urged him to continue to serve the people and also avail the region and Nigeria as a whole, his experience, wisdom and goodwill.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
25th November 2021.

PLATEAU TO PARTNER AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF NIGERIA FOR ENHANCED FOOD PRODUCTION

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed the readiness of the State Government to partner with the Agricultural Research Institute of Nigeria (ARCN) in utilizing research findings to improve the production capacity of its farmers.

The Governor was speaking at the commissioning of an e-library, agric museum, agricultural radio and television stations as well as the foundation laying for the new administrative office for the ARCN in Abuja.

Lalong said the initiative by the Agency will go a long way in filling the gap between farmers and agricultural managers in terms of information and knowledge sharing on new farming practices, improved varieties of seeds as well as modern methods of farming using technology.

He commended the Executive Secretary of the ARCN Prof. Garba Sharubutu for his innovative approach since he assumed duties and said he was not surprised by his achievements seeing that he did a lot to make agriculture viable in Plateau State while serving as Special Adviser before his appointment by president Muhammadu Buhari.

He said with 4 Research Institutes and 2 out stations located in Plateau State, there have been so many gains which resulted in recent hosting of International Summit on potato and the flagging off of dry season wheat farming in Nigeria.

Minister of agriculture and rural development Dr. Muhammad Mahmood Abubakar said the initiatives by the ARCN are part of implementing the directives of President Buhari for Nigeria to leverage on its potentials in the agricultural sector for national development.

He challenged the Institute to push through with all the research activities and ensure that the findings are disseminated to the farmers at the grassroots for transformation in food production.

Chairman Senate Committee on Agriculture Abdullahi Adamu and Senate Deputy Chief Whip Senator Sabi Abdullahi expressed the determination of the National Assembly to ensure that the programmes and projects of the ARCN succeed because of the significance of research in every endeavour particularly agriculture.

Executive Secretary of ARCN Prof. Garba Sharubutu said the organisation under his leadership will continue to do its best to come up with quality research that goes to the field and not only end up on the shelves.

This he said was why the institute came up with the idea of the library, museum and broadcast stations to properly disseminate the outcome of research and get feedback from farmers and other members of the public.

He thanked Governor Lalong for his support and said the ARCN will not relent in partnering with the Plateau State government to boost agriculture and harness all the untapped potentials.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
22nd November 2021.
Photos; Josiah Jenvulu

ABU LAW CLASS OF 1990 HONOURS GOVERNOR LALONG, OTHERS; HARP ON LOVE AND UNITY AMONG NIGERIANS

It was a night of glamour, laughter and friendship as the Ahmadu Bello University Law Class of 1990 organised a reunion in Abuja where Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, alongside 8 serving Judges, Heads of Government and private agencies, Senior Advocates of Nigeria and many others, all members of the class were honoured for their achievements at a reunion dinner.

The graduands who left Ahmadu Bello University Zaria over 30 years ago were excited to meet and celebrate one another again after their last meeting in 2017.

During the event hosted at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja, Chairman of the ABU 1990 Law Class Mr. Sylvanus Tahir said the reunion provides another opportunity for the members to reflect on their achievements and also look into the challenges they are passing through with a view to resolving them.

He said many of the class members have continued to record achievements in the legal profession, politics, corporate governnace and business world. Many he said have been appointed Judges of various courts while others have risen to the level of Senior Advocates in the legal profession. Others have been appointmented to head Government parastatals at the Federal and State Governments.

He commended Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong for his humility, generosity and assistance to the members of the class, describing him as a shining example who has made them proud in his governance of Plateau State where he has engendered peace, unity and reconciliation among the citizens and also carried out various projects that impact the lives of the people.

Tahir said it was for his level of achievements in various positions such as the Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum, Chairman Conference of Former Speakers of State Assemblies among others that the Set decided to celebrate him and others who have made their marks in the Nigerian Bar and Bench, as well as other sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Governor Lalong while accepting the award in company of his wife, First Lady Regina Lalong, said he was humbled by the honour bestowed on him and other coursemates who have continued to fly the flag of the ABU Law Class of 1990 very high by making tangible contributions to the development of Nigeria.

He said “this occasion is another testimony of the friendship and goodwill we have shared with one another at several levels many years after our graduation. The stories we hear of love, assistance, counsel and generosity makes one to thank God again and again for making our paths to cross more than 30 years ago. This certainly is not a coincidence but a divine arrangement which we must never take for granted”.

The Governor also disclosed that he has personally received love and goodwill from several of his course mates right from when he started practice, to when he joined politics and got elected as Member Plateau State House of Assembly and then Speaker.

“Even when I faced persecution in my days at the House of Assembly, you were there for me. You people did not also leave me when you heard of my plans to run for the Governor of Plateau State in 2015. You did not only pray for me and advised me, but also contributed money and made donations which greatly assisted. You have not also left me up till today. Just recently, you sent a delegation to deliver relief materials to support the victims of attacks in Plateau State. I am proud of you all” he said.

Lalong used the event to express worry over the challenges Nigeria is facing relating to insecurity, lack of cohesion and intolerance emanating from religious, political and ethnic tensions which are being fuelled by politics.

He recalled how they met in ABU and graduated as Law Class of 1990 having come from various backgrounds, celebrated their diversity and respected one another. This he said has been sustained to this day stressing that it is important that they pass this message for the younger generation to know that Nigerians are not at war with one another.

Such posture he said has guided him since he became Governor of Plateau State where he inherited a state that was divided along ethno-religious lines but the grace of God, his Rescue Administration has done a lot to restore peace, tolerance and unity in the State.

The event was witnessed by Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, First Lady of Plateau Mrs. Regina Lalong, Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Jibrin Okutepa SAN and many other guests.

Cultural groups from Plateau State performed at the ceremony.

A minute silence was observed for the members of the ABU Law Class of 1990 and lecturers who have passed on.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
21st November 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG ASSURES NIPSS OF SUPPORT; SAYS PLATEAU REMAINS HOME TO ALL

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has pledged the support of the Plateau State Government to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos as it continues to churn out policies for the peace and development of the nation.

The Governor who was speaking at the graduation of Executive Course 43 of NIPSS in Jos said Plateau State remains excited to host the Institute which has been producing many research findings and outstanding personalities that have shaped policies of various administrations in Nigeria.

He said most of the participants at the Institute are not only great assets for the nation, but Ambassadors of Plateau State who on posting for the course are reluctant in coming out of fear of the unknown, but on completion of studies, find it difficult to leave Jos. Many according to him have built houses in Jos and have settled down thereby correcting the wrong narratives of crises and choas wrongly attached to the State.

Lalong said Plateau State has experienced substantial peace with the help of many stakeholders such as NIPSS. This he said has brought in more investment and facilitated the introduction of a shuttle flight from Abuja that is recieving high patronage.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who delivered the message of President Muhammadu Buhari said the work of the participants over the years has continued to impact governance by shaping policies and interrogating areas of challenges the nation is facing.

He said with the output of the Institute, many contemporary issues such as COVID-19 have been addressed in a proactive manner that is making the nation cope well and work at recovering from the impact.

Acting Director General of the Institute Brig. Gen Udaya Rtd. said the Executive Course 43 participants went through rigorous research that took them to many States in Nigeria as well as countries in Africa and other parts of the world.

He said they have since submitted their report to the President for consideration and implementation.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th November 2021.

VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO, GOVERNOR LALONG PAY LAST RESPECT TO LATE CAPT. DIN

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described the late Captain Joseph Mangtup Din as a man who stood for justice, fairness and equity in all his dealings.

The Vice President said this at the funeral service for the late Capt. Din held at the COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos, Plateau State.

Prof. Osinbajo recalled his fond memories of late Capt. Din who he said was a very disciplined man who opposed and fought injustice in any form to the extent that he became familiar with legal jargons, though not a lawyer by training.

According to him, this action reinforced his belief in democracy and the rule of law which promoted the recourse to civil channels in resolving conflicts rather than people taking the laws into their hands.

He also said the deceased was very hardworking, industrious and generous as he built bridges across the nation, holding on to long relationships with friends of many years including President Muhammadu Buhari.

Governor Simon Lalong in a remark described the late elderstatesman as a man of integrity who worked for the peace and political stability of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

He said as the Chairman of the APC elders committee in Plateau State, the late Capt. Din did a lot to ensure the victory of the party and also see to its performance in various fields. He said he will miss the invaluable counsel and wisdom which he offered freely.

President-elect Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Rev Dr. Amos Mohzho said death is a bad news, but it can also be good news for those whose ways are upright and are guaranteed salvation.

He said the deceased lived a fruitful and godly life where he served God and blessed people with his resources and talents.

Widow of the deceased Mrs. Christiana Din said the death of her husband with whom she has been married for 54 years is very painful but she is strengthened by the testimonies of his service to God and humanity.

She said her life with him has been memorable as he was a patient, honest, kind, and generous person who never failed to carry other people’s burdens.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th November 2021.

Two Reps, Speaker, Commissioners, PTD Chairman, Sun Trust Oil CEO, Mortgage Executive Director, MOMAS CEO, Others for Honour in Lagos
20
NOV

As Leadtimes Africa Annual International Strategic Leadership summit draws nearer, preparation is on high gear for the event at the University of Lagos come December this year. The Theme of this year’s edition is titled: Building a Strategic Leadership for Good Governance in African Leadership – A new perspective for sustainable growth and Development in Nigeria. Professor Basil C. Nwankwo, Dean of Management Science, Kogi State University, will serve as guest lecturer at the occasion.


At the end of the summit session, prominent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their different professional callings will be honoured with honorary doctorate award, fellowship award and LEADTIMES Africa Special award, respectively.


In a press statement credited to professor BUBA S.Mshelia, Advisory Board Chairman of Leadtimes Africa magazine, he said: ” the parameters for selection of nominees has been very transparent over the years as our team of researchers go deep into the antecedents of the nominees to see the positive impacts they have been making on the society through their professional career; we also take cognisance of the over all integrity of the prospective awardees before nomination is made to see if there is any record of corrupt practices or otherwise by the individual,the exercise for selection for the award category is such a rigorous task that is devoid of compromise “, the university don stressed.


In a related development, Professor Prince Eze Nwauba, who doubles as African Representative of Prowess University, Delaware, USA and Registrar/CEO of the Institute of Arts Management Professional Studies has reiterated his commitment to promote good governance in Africa by way of recognising excellent in service. We will continue to select the best Africans for the honorary doctorate award and also for fellowship induction as fellow of Chartered institute of Arts Professional (CIAP), USA”.


The Registrar and CEO of the International Institute of Strategies Development,with office in UK and Abuja, Barr.Dr.Joshua Alobo, will also induct outstanding Nigerians as Fellow of International Institute of Strategies Development (FIISD) during the ceremony.


Prominent among the honorary awardees of Prowess University, Delaware, USA include- Hon. Dr. Ali Isa J.C of House of Representative as Hon.Abubakar Yunusa Ahmad of House of Representative will be inducted as Fellow of International Institute of Strategies Development (FIISD); Rt.Hon.Oluomo Olakunle Taiwo, Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly who will be conferred upon with honorary doctor of public Policy and Administration and also be inducted as fellow of Chartered Institute of Art Professional (FCIAP),
USA; as Mr Ugochukwu Okafor, Managing Director and CEO of Sun Trust Oil & Gas Limited will be honoured at the occasion by Prowess University with doctor of Business Administration, Honoris causa. Chairman/CEO of Niger Bay Pharmacy Sir Chief Dr Lambert ERADIRI,OFR,and his Wife Dame Mrs Dr Eunice Tamunodukoye ERADIRI are among the top dignitaries to be honoured at this historic occasion.
Other outstanding Nigerians included for honorary award are- Comrade Dr. Salimon Akani OLADITI, National chairman of Petroleum Tankers Drivers, branch of NUPENG;Immediate past National President of NARTO,Alhaji Dr. Kassim Ibrahim Bataiya; Hon.Dr.Dayyabu GARGA Yusuf, the Executive Chairman of Kanam LGA of Plateau state; and the Executive Director of Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited, OLOROGUN Barr.Joshua O. Muwhen who is expected to bag honorary doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration during the ceremony.

Others to be decorated as winners of the prowess University honorary award include Amb.Mohammed Jibril Ahmed, chairman & CEO of Shelter Construction Limited;Chief Dr.Dele Joseph Omenogor, GM/Operating Officer of Arkleen Oil & Gas