GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS ALBUM LAUNCH BY PASTOR ERNEST DADES; CHALLENGES NIGERIAN ARTISTES TO PROJECT PEACE, UNITY AND HARMONY.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Sunday 14th November 2021, graced the album launch of one of the leading Christian gospel music artistes in Plateau State and Nigeria, Pastor Ernest Dades at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre, Dadin-Kowa Jos.

Governor Lalong while commending the musician for his enduring service to God and humanity through music, said the artiste continues to churn out quality music while mentoring younger ones in the industry.

Lalong said Pastor Ernest Dades has consistently produced music that is inspired by the Holy spirit which has transformed lives and provided godly entertainment for many Nigerians across various faiths and socio-economic backgrounds.

He recalled how the artiste contributed to his campaign in 2015 by producing music that captured the truth and conveyed the concept of justice, equity, unity and peace to the people of Plateau who embraced it and ensured that the collective will of the people prevailed over the diviations of the time.

He said “Plateau State belongs to all of us and nobody will be allowed to dominate another because he or she thinks he has more strength. We have to do everything possible to provide a good environment for all people of Plateau State to achieve their aspirations within the concept of One Plateau. Pastor Dades propagated this message strongly in 2015 and I urge him to continue to do so even as we move closer to another transition”.

The Governor also asked the people of Plateau State to ignore those who are trying to plant seeds of discord and cause choas using politics of exclusion and incitement, saying the time for such divisive political rhetoric has long gone, and the storm of strife and acrimony is over in Plateau State.

“There is no need for bitterness and unnecessary heating up the polity because Plateau people will decide their leaders based on the template that they ensured was sustained when they brought this Government into office. Yesterday was another zone, today is the Southern zone and tomorrow, it will be another zone. Do not be deceived by politicians who are going up and down poisoning minds. What we are focused on now as a Government is to empower our youths though agriculture, job creation and skill development. Thousands have been trained and more will be trained in the coming months and also empowered” he said.

He launched the new album entitled ” Marmarin Sujada (Desire for Worship)” and also pledged to support the live recording of the compendium of songs by the artiste scheduled for next year. The Governor also directed Dades to work with other artistes to organise a concert before Christmas where the people will converge to give praise to God for his goodness to Plateau State.

Pastor Ernest Dades appreciated Governor Lalong for his support over the years and said he was honoured to have him physically grace the occasion which is a major motivation for him and other artistes. He also appreciated the promise by the Governor to support some artistes with transport logistics to assist them in Ministry.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
14th November 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES NEW COCIN PRESIDENT, REV. DR. AMOS MOHZO

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the President-elect of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo who was elected on Friday at the Church’s 100th General Church Council meeting in Jos.

Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message described the election of Rev. Dr. Mohzo as another higher calling in his spiritual journey where he has served the Church in various capacities over the years.

The Governor recalled that the Borno-born cleric was until his recent election as COCIN Vice President, the Church’s General Secretary, a position he rose to while serving as the Church’s Deputy General Secretary.

Lalong said the overwhelming election of the new COCIN President by the General Church Council was an affirmation of the confidence he has built over the years in the service of God and the discharge of his duties in propagation of the gospel of salvation and service to humanity.

The Governor acknowledged that the new COCIN President will be coming into office at a time when there is grater need for the Chuch to do more in praying for the salvation of men, and also for God’s intervention in the challenges that the nation continues to face particularly in areas of insecurity, unity and peaceful coexistence.

He asked him to devote himself to his spiritual calling and provide the needed leadership for the Church to carry out its mandate of bringing people to Christ and making the society a better place by teaching love, righteousness, tolerance, justice and honesty among other virtues that are contained in the Holy Bible.

He pledged the continued commitment and collaboration of the Plateau State Government and his Rescue Administration to the Church to ensure that the tenure of the new President is not only fruitful, but transformational in bringing people closer to God and one another.

Lalong also prays that the new COCIN President who was one time Provost of Gindiri Theological Seminary, will work hard to find a quick and lasting solution to the obstacles that are holding the take-off of the Karl Kumm University Vom, owned by COCIN, which was granted licence to commence academic activities but is yet to do so.

The Governor also commended the outgoing President Rev. Prof. Dachollom Datiri for his service to the Church, Plateau State and the nation at large and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
12th November 2021

SPEAKER RT. HON. YAKUBU SANDA PRESIDES OVER PLENARY AS HOUSE LAMENTS DESTRUCTION AT ASSEMBLY COMPLEX; SEEKS ALTERNATIVE FACILITY AND IMMEDIATE REPAIRS OF COMPLEX.

Plateau State House of Assembly has condemned the destruction that occured in the house following the recent upheavals in the Assembly, leading to vandalization of many items that has made the House facilities, particularly the hallowed chambers unsuitable for legislative business.

To this end, the House has passed a resolution seeking to move its legislative business to the Chambers of the Old Government House, pending the repairs of the damaged and vandalised facilities in its hallowed Chamber.

This followed a resolution arising from a motion moved by Majority Leader Hon. Naanlong Daniel seeking the intervention of the Governor to provide an alternative facility for their legislative business and also facilitate the repairs of various parts of the Assembly complex which were destroyed by hoodlums recently. The motion was unanimously supported by members.

At the House sitting which was presided over by the Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda on Friday 12th November 2021, the Honourable members lamented the unfortunate development that occured after the change of leadership where hoodlums gained access to the house including the hallowed chambers and caused serious damages.

The House which was billed to begin deliberations on the 2022 Appropriation Bill and the request for confirmation of the extension of appointment of Chairman and Members of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, PLASIEC, had to stand down the items on the Order Paper because of the deplorable nature of the chambers.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda assured that the House will soon regain stability as the events of the recent past are under control and the new leadership of the House under him is doing everything possible to ensure that lost ground is regained and the business of law making and oversight for the good of the Plateau people is carried out seamlessly.

Before adjourning, the House appreciated the support of the good people of Plateau State who have remained calm and prayed for the quick resolution of the recent upheavals in the House, assuring that they will always act in the interest of the people at all times.

Sebastine Hommuk,
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker,
Plateau State House of Assembly.
12th November 2021.

Prof. Tanko Ishaya is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Acadamic), University of Jos.

The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya is a Professor of Computer Science with a Mathematics background and specialism and experience in Data Engineering, Computer Security and Forensics. He obtained his B.Sc. in Mathematics Education (2nd Class Upper Division) in 1992 at University of Jos and began work as a lecturer in Mathematics at the College of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State. Professor Tanko proceeded to the University of Manchester, United Kingdom to pursue an M.Sc. programme in Computation which he successfully completed in 1997. He later enrolled for his PhD in Computing Studies which he successfully completed in 2001. Professor Tanko was promoted to the rank of Professor of Computer Science in 2012.

He joined the University of Hull in October 2000 as a Lecturer and was Head of the Centre for Internet Computing at the University before returning to Nigeria in 2008 as a visiting Professor to the University of Jos whilst on his Sabbatical. Professor Tanko was the founding Director of the University’s Directorate for Information and Communication Technology from where he returned back to the University of Hull in January 2009 after his Sabbatical.

Professor Tanko came back to Unijos in 2012 on special request by the University to serve as the Director, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and doubled as the pioneer Head of Computer Science Department at the University. He has served in over 60 University Committees at the University of Hull and the University Jos. A member of several professional bodies and associations, including the being a Fellow of both the British Computer Society (BCS) and Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), Professor Tanko is a seasoned, multi-skilled IT professional equipped with over Twenty-Five (25) years experience.

BREAKING -PLATEAU NEW SPEAKER YAKUBU SANDA PRESIDES OVER PLENARY AT THE HALLOWED CHAMBER
Breaking -Plateau new Speaker Yakubu Sanda presides over plenary
Speaker of the Plateau state House Rt Hon Yakubu Sanda is currently presiding over plenary at the hallowed chamber of the state house of assembly.

Our correspondent reports that the Speaker Sanda arrived the state assembly complex alongside 11 members around 11 40 am Friday morning.

He moved into the chamber at exactly 12 .12 .

Most of the members present at the chambers are that of the All progressive Congress , as no single member from the Peoples Democratic party was seen inside the plenary .

It could be recalled that the members had appealed to the Inspector General of Police( IGP )to unseal the house to enable members to continue their legislative function, in-view of the numerous bills on ground which required legislative attention including the 2022 appropriation bill which was laid by the state Governor Simon Lalong recently .

Hon. Naanlong Daniel Majority leader, Plateau State House of Assembly ,who addressed newsmen in Jos on Thursday said “it became imperative that they address newsmen and put the records straight in-view of the aftermath of the change of leadership in the Plateau State House of Assembly.”

The lawmakers had before the commencement of the plenary accessed the damages carried out in the house.

More details soon

GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS MEMORIAL MASS FOR LATE ARCHBISHOP G. G. GANAKA; PRAISES HIS LEGACIES

Governor Simon Bako Lalong says the legacies of the late Archbishop of Jos, Gabriel Gonsum Ganaka have continued to manifest in the growth of the Church in Plateau State and other parts of the nation.

The Governor was speaking at the Fatima Cathedral Jos during the memorial mass in honour of the late Archbishop Ganaka.

He said the late Archbishop did a lot to plant the seeds for the growth of the Church and the propagation of the gospel in Plateau State and other parts of the country particularly the North.

He said late Archbishop Ganaka taught love, humility, forgiveness, tolerance and sacrifice which has been inculcated among the people in the various churches over the years.

Lalong told the congregation to continue to pray for the leadership of the State and the nation especially at these difficult times, saying by the grace of God, the challenges will pass away soon.

The Governor said ahead of the 2023 elections, the people must pray and commit all political actors to God for direction and guidance. He said rather than panic, they should prepare to participate in the process and ensure that the right people are elected.

Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most. Revd. Mathew Ishaya Audu said the late Archbishop G.G. Ganaka was a priest who stood for his calling and served God and humanity with zeal and sincerity.

He said the Archbishop G.G Ganaka raised and mentored many priests and faithful Christians who are today serving God in various places and changing lives.

He urged the congregation to sustain his legacies and seek for eternal things rather than earthly riches and titles that fade away.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
11th November 2021.

Breaking: 16, not 8 members impeached Ex speaker Abok – Plateau APC Lawmakers
Breaking: 16,
Progressive members of the Plateau state House of Assembly on Thursday insisted that 16 members of the state house of assembly impeached the immediate past Speaker of the assembly Hon Abok Ayuba.



Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, Majority leader, Plateau State House of Assembly who addressed newsmen in Jos said

it is imperative that we address newsmen and put the records straight in-view of the aftermath of the change of leadership in the Plateau State House of Assembly.



Flanked by twelve members of the house of assembly , Hon Naanlong said “We want to put it on record that due process was followed in the impeachment of the former Speaker Rt. Hon. Abok Ayuba, as provided in section 92, 2 (C) CFRN 1999 (As amended) that 16 out of the 24 members sign a resolution for his impeachment. This was complied with on the 28th October 2021.



He said that The public and members of the press should note that 17 members were present in the Chambers at the sitting on that day which is more than the required number that forms a Quorum in any legislative business of a State House of Assembly.



In his words “It is baseless and misleading to say that only eight numbers sign for the impeachment of the former Speaker, as been spread around in the social and mainstream media and by some individuals. The clerk of the House is in possession of the names of all members who were in the House on that day. Unfortunately, some members of the other side who were there and even addressed the press afterwards have been involved in misinforming the public. We want you to beware.



SOME REASONS WHY MEMBERS REMOVED THE FORMER SPEAKER



1. REFUSAL TO RECONVENE THE HOUSE



You will recalled that since August this year, the house was unable to meet to undertake it’s Legislative business, because the former Speaker refused to reconvene the House because he was asked to render account of his Financial activities in the house. Siince then, he closed the house and refused to allow us to consider many crucial bills still pending. In fact, three times the Governor approached the House to lay the 2022 appropriation bill but the former Speaker refused. It took a lot of pleading and begging for that to happen. Is it his father’s House or personal property?



Because of his inability to reconvene the house for Legislative business, Bills, Motions and matters of urgent Public importance that could have helped the people of the State, the State has suffered a serious setback which the new Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda is determined to correct.



2. DICTATORIAL TENDENCES.

Despite the passage of the Autonomy Law by the Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong who was the first to do so in the country because he was one of those who started the struggle for autonomy in 1999, the way and manner the Former Speaker ran the house was more or less like his personal business venture, taking unilateral decisions, as against the funds Management Law, which stipulated that, Principal Officers, and financial Management Committee need to take collective decisions in regards to approvals or any important decision and Financial Management. Because he violated that law and was called to give account, he started running away and using other members who probably benefited from his misconduct divide the House.



3. GROSS INCOMPETENCE

All these matters mentioned above constitute Gross Incompetence, high headedness and financial recklessness, in the management of the house affairs which cost the former Speaker his seat.



4. USING FAKE MACE AND HOLDING AN ILLEGAL SITTING OUTSIDE THE HOUSE



Soon after we impeached the former Speaker, he

went and constructed a fake maze to convene a kangaroo sitting at an event centre in Zawan. This worsened his already bad c

NORTHERN GOVERNORS GREET ELDERSTATESMAN, MAMMAN DAURA AT 82,

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with elderstatesman, Mallam Mamman Daura as he clocks 82 years.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong described him as a statesman who has dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria and the growth of the region over the years in his professional career, and many years after retirement.

Governor Lalong lauded Mallam Mamman Daura’s record of achievements as a diligent public administrator, outstanding journalist, and editor of the New Nigerian Newspapers, saying he exhibited sound knowledge, responsibility, patriotism and experience in serving the society, while also mentoring many in the public and private sectors.

Lalong said Nigeria and the Northern region have benefitted enormously from his versatility and entrepreneurship which saw him venturing into the textile and banking industries at various times as well as playing various roles in others.

While praying God to grant him good health and protection, Lalong urged the elderstatesman to continue to avail the nation his fountain of knowledge, wisdom and experience, particularly in addressing some of the challenges Nigeria is passing through.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman Northern Governors Forum.
November 10th, 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI LAUNCHES WHEAT FARMING IN PLATEAU; OPTIMISTIC OF ENDING WHEAT IMPORT SOON.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday 9th November 2021 flagged off the first ever rainfed commercial wheat cultivation in Nigeria at the Wheat Seed Multiplication Farm in Kwall, Bassa LGA of Plateau State with a charge to Nigerian farmers to embrace wheat farming and stop the import of the product which gulps over 2 billion dollars annually.

President Buhari who was represented by Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the launch noted that the Agricultural sector is one of the critical non-oil sectors which has made significant contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) accounting for a 22.35 and 23.78 per cent contribution to the overall GDP in the first and second quarters of 2021 respectively.

He said a key focus of his administration has been the deployment of mechanisms to ensure that agriculture thrives in Nigeria to significantly grow the economy and achieve maximum welfare for the citizens by ensuring food and energy security.

Buhari said Nigeria is on the path to actualizing sustainability in the production of rice, maize, cassava, soybean, groundnut, oil palm, cocoa and very soon the breakthrough in wheat cultivation in Nigeria will be accomplished.

He however lamented that Nigeria still spends humongous amounts of money on wheat import which is not acceptable because the country has the capacity to meet domestic consumption demands and also export.

He said “It is important to stress that Nigeria currently spends over $2 billion on the importation of wheat annually, one of the key contributors to the Nation’s huge foreign import bill. This is because millers have had to resort to importing wheat to meet the huge demand for wheat by-products. Wheat cultivation, similar to rice has the capacity to thrive in Nigeria due to the tropical climatic conditions. Currently, wheat is cultivated in many Northern states particularly in the dry season due to the high heat tolerance of the seed utilized by farmers”.

The President expressed excitement for the flag-off of the 2021/2022 dry season wheat farming noting that wheat can also be grown in the wet season in Plateau State as research also shows that it can be cultivated in other Plateaus in the country, namely, Gembu Plateau, Taraba State and Obudu Plateau, Cross River State. He urged these states to take advantage of this opportunity and key into the initiative.

The President commended the Central Bank of Nigeria, for using the Anchor Borrowers Programme not just in the Agric value chain, but in almost all sectors of the economy as shown in the recent launch of some transformative initiatives like the 100 for 100 policy for production and productivity.

CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele represented by Deputy Governor Edward Lamtek Adamu said in order to change the situation and leverage domestic production to bridge the demand-supply gap in the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria decided to add wheat to the list of focal commodities to be supported under the Bank’s agricultural intervention programmes.

He said improved seeds varieties of high yielding varieties from Mexico with potential average yield per hectare of 5-7 metric tons as against a range of 0.8-1.8 metric tons yield per hectare of those varieties previously cultivated have been acquired for distribution to farmers.

He also assured that the two-pronged approach of seed multiplication and grains production which has been adopted is expected to sustain the propagation of seeds and guarantee availability of high-yielding seeds to farmers.

The CBN Governor said “the event heralds the commencement of the Brown Revolution Journey, which is the first major wet season wheat production in Nigeria with about 700 hectares put under cultivation in Kwall, Kassa, Jol, Kafi Abu and Sop in Jos, Plateau State. While the short-term implication of this is the addition of about 2,000 metric tons of seeds to our national seed stock, the country can now potentially add 750,000 metric tons of wheat to the nation’s output annually through rain-fed wheat cultivation in Plateau, Mambila Plateau and Obudu Plateau. The CBN will not rest on its oars as we continue to work with our partners, Lake Chad Research Institute(LCRI), to expand the frontiers of wheat production in Nigeria to areas like northern Oyo, Kogi and Kwara states”.

Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda said the people of Plateau State welcome the initiative and will do everything possible to sustain it for the benefit of youths, women and men who are in need of jobs and resources to meet the daily needs of life.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Hosea Finangwai, Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba, President of Wheat Farmers Association, Salim Mohammed, and the DG Lake Chad Research Institute, all commended the initiative by the Federal Government and said the people need to own the process by ensuring that middlemen do not hikack the initiative for profit, leaving them to wallow in poverty.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
9th November 2021.

GAGDI ATTENDS GOSA 70TH ANNIVERSARY, DONATES #1MILLION

The member representing PKK in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, was at the 70th anniversary celebration of Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA) as representative of the Speaker House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, were he made a personal cash donation of #1million and announced the speaker’s pledge to embark on a capital project for the school.

Gagdi who was at the occasion in company of his wife, Jemimah, a product of Gindiri Girls High School, said he is also a GOSA by association.

The occasion was graced by the Executive Governors of Plateau and Taraba states, former governor of Bauchi State, Adamu Muazu, Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Professor Suleiman Bogoro and several other dignitaries who added glamour to the event.

Gagdi was later in Dengi to grace the wedding reception of Emmanuel Bayero after which he visited many communities in the local government for condolences and courtesy visitations.

The lawmaker has since returned to Abuja to attend to the budget defense of the Nigerian Navy, as the National Assembly scrutinizes the 2022 budget earlier presented to it by Mr President.

Signed:
Gagdi Media Team