GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS NBA NATIONAL CONFERENCE IN PORT HARCOURT
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong was among lawyers from all over the country partipating at the National Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association holding in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Governor Lalong was among top Government officials who joined host Governor, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State at the opening ceremony of the conference. Others include Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Chief Justice of Nigeria represented by Justice Mary Odili, Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Governor of Bauchi State among others.
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto State Mathew Hassan Kuka delivered the keynote address in the conference whose them is “Take the Lead”.
The Governor later interacted with delegates from the NBA Plateau State who are attending the Conference where he commended them for strengthening the legal profession in the State and also contributing to the development of the State and the nation at large.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 25th October 2021.
GOVERNOR LALONG HONOURS LATE WIFE OF FORMER PLATEAU SPEAKER, GEORGE DAIKA AT 40TH DAY THANKSGIVING MASS
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has eulogised the late wife of former Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Mrs. Ann George Daika, describing her as a woman with great attributes of patience, love, humility and fear of God.
Governor Lalong was speaking at the 40th day Thanksgiving Mass for the deceased held at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church Anguldi Bukuru.
Lalong said though her death is painful, her testimony remains very inspiring as affirmed by not only her husband and children, but to many people who benefited from her good heart and generosity.
He said as a former legislator, he is aware of the role that the late wife of the Speaker played in support of her husband in his political career particularly when he served his people at the House of Assembly as became Speaker, before proceeding later to the House of Representatives, representing Mikang, Shendam, Quan-pan Federal Constituency.
He urged the family to ensure that her legacies will continue to endure as she lived a godly life and served humanity.
In his homily, Parish Priest of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and CAN Chairman Plateau State Rev. Fr. Polycarb Lubo said death is inevitable and provides an opportunity for people to reflect on their lives and make necessary adjustments that will guarantee their eternity.
In his remarks, Former Speaker George Daika described his late wife as a pillar which carried the weight of the challenges he encountered in life. He said her death is a big loss, but her conduct was exemplary and she left a great legacy of love, service and sacrifice.
The 40th Thanksgiving Mass was attended by many former Speakers of the Plateau State Government and other guests.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 25th October 2021.
GOVERNOR LALONG EXCITED OVER APPOINTMENT OF MS. ROSE CHUNDUNG NDONG AS EXECUTIVE COMMISSIONER, NIGERIAN UPSTREAM REGULATORY COMMISSION
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Ms Rose Chundung Ndong over her appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Executive Commissioner, Exploration and Acreage Management, Board of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission.
Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message described the appointment of the illustrious daughter of Plateau State by the President as yet another demonstration of his love for the people of Plateau State, as well as an affirmation of confidence in their capacity to deliver on critical national assignments.
Lalong while charging Rose Chundung to use the opportunity presented by this appointment to showcase her talent and experience in the exploitation of the nation’s oil and gas resources, he said the appointment is a challenge he believes she has been properly prepared for by her many years of service to the nation.
He recalled her early years of professional service as a geologist in Plateau State where she among others, served as the Provost, Nigerian Institute of Mining and Goesciences and Managing Director of the Nigeria Mining Corporation Jos, before moving on to other responsibilities at various Federal Government Agencies and abroad.
He also advised her to use the opportunity to ensure that the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari of ensuring the development of the nation’s petroleum and gas potentials across the nation is achieved in order to make the nation energy sufficient.
He reminded the appointee that the nation is in dire need of energy security and growth in the oil and gas industry which has been opened up with the recent unbundling of the sector with the passage and signing into law the Petroleum Industry Act.
He wished her a successful tenure and promised that the Government and people of Plateau State and indeed the North Central Zone will support her to ensure that she adds value to the sector.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 24th October 2021.
GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS UNIJOS PRO-CHANCELLOR, PROF. JEGA, ASSURES OF ENHANCED SECURITY.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has met the Pro-Chancellor University of Jos, Prof. Attahiru Jega with an assurance that the State Government is working on improved security and transportation for the staff and students of the University .
Prof. Jega, who is also the Chairman of the Governing Council, was on a courtesy visit to Simon Lalong at Govt. House Jos.
He said the students required improved security to thrive well in their academic activities, saying the school was vulnerable during the recent attacks in the state .
“We need continous support and improvement to ensure peace, stability and security within the University and environs for its growth and development,” he said.
Jega said that the university also needs buses which would operate within the school, to minimise risk of insecurity students experience when patronising commercial transportation. He said improving security in the institution would build the confidence of the students and staff of the school in their teaching and learning activities .
Jega applauded Gov Lalong for his efforts towards building lasting peace in the state and the success of the local Govt Polls, urging him to continue doing his best to ensure inclusiveness and harmony in the political terrains while pledging the council’s support .
In his remark, Governor Simon Lalong appreciated the Pro Chancellor for his contributions in improving education in Plateau, having also served as Pro Chancellor of the Plateau State University Bokkos.
He disclosed that strategies have already been mapped out to improve security in routes leading to the University and other parts of the State.
He said efforts are already been made to provide chartered buses for students , while commercial vehicles would be highly screened for registration to operate within the school, to ensure the safety of students and staff of the institution.
Lalong expressed confidence that the Pro Chancellor would extend his good works and exeperience in school administration and other responsibilities, for the development of the institution.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 21st October 2021.
GOVERNOR LALONG PRESENTS 2022 APPROPRIATION BILL OF 106 BILLION NAIRA TO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has presented a proposed 2022 budget of One Hundred and Six Billion, Eight Hundred and Seven Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty-Two Naira, Twelve kobo (106,807,267,642.12) to the House of Assembly.
While presenting the budget tagged “A BUDGET OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND CONSOLIDATION OF INCLUSIVE INFRASTRUCTURAL GROWTH 2” to the House, the Governor said the 2022 proposed Appropriation Bill is tailored towards the completion of on-going projects and activation of new that will impact the lives of the people.
He said the proposed 2022 budget estimate consists of Seventy-Six Billion, Two Hundred and Sixty-Three Million, Seven Hundred and One Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty-Four Naira, Sixty-Two kobo (76,263,701,644.62) only as recurrent expenditure representing 71.4% of the total budget. Thirty billion, five hundred and forty three million, five hundred and sixty five thousand, nine hundred and ninety seven naira, fifty kobo (30,543,565,997.50) only is earmarked as capital estimate representing 28.6% of the total budget.
This according to him indicates a decrease of Forty Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirty Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Eight naira, Eighty-Eight kobo (40,730,552,208, 88) only on the 2021 total approved budget.
He explained that the budget will be funded from following sources: i.Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Twenty-Four Billion, One Hundred and Ninety Nine Million, Four Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty Two naira, Twelve Kobo (24,199,475,222.12) only. ii. Statutory Revenue Allocation (SRA): Fifty-Five Billion Naira (55,000,000,000.00) only. iii. Aids and Grants: Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Two Million, Three Hundred and Thirty-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty-Four naira (3, 982, 339, 584.00) only. iv. Capital Development Fund (CDF): Three Billion, Six Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Six naira (3,625,452, 836.00) only. v. Domestic Loans: The sum of Twenty Billion Naira (20,000,000,000.00) only.
Governor Lalong said “In addition to continuing work on completing on-going infrastructural projects across the three Senatorial Districts of the State, we intend to break ground on new ones. Among them is the construction of the British-American Junction Flyover and dualization to Lamingo Junction Roundabout. Similarly we shall carry out the design of Master Plan for some selected urban areas in Plateau State namely: (Heipang, Mangu and Shendam)”.
He said while the Government hopes to complete the building of High Court Complex Phase 1 in Jos, it shall also embark on the renovation of old High Court Complexes and 35 Magistrate Courts to provide conducive environment for the Judiciary to perform its duties.
“We shall also establish a Microfinance Development Fund to propel entrepreneurship and accelerate the growth of the Micro and Small Scale Industry in the State for job creation, youth empowerment and poverty reduction. I also wish to also re-assure this Honourable House and indeed the citizens of Plateau State, that the Legacy Projects will be completed and delivered as envisaged. Government is doing everything possible to ensure that the people enjoy the benefits of those projects” he said.
Lalong explained that the sharp drop in the total budget size compared to last year has become necessary because Government realized that each year’s budget deviation performance was on the increase as the annual Budgets were characterized by high deficit projections. This he said prompted the Government to reduce the deficit projections and “cut our coat according to our clothe” in the 2022 proposed budget.
The Governor said he hoped that the House will give the proposal necessary attention it deserves. While urging the honourable House to diligently peruse and deliberate on the budget, he said he looked forward to their cooperation in the speedy passage of the budget to enable the government commence implementation and service delivery from the onset of the new financial year.
In his response, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Abok Nuhu Ayuba said the House will look at the budget critically and do justice to it in the interest of the citizens of the State.
He assured the Governor that the House will be thorough and also carry out its oversight functions while ensuring that the budget impacts the lives of the people positively.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 21st October 2021.
The Executive Chairman of Kanke Local Government Council Hon. Henry Gotip on Wednesday 20th October, 2021 paid an unscheduled visit to Tuwan Primary Health Care Clinic in Kabwir district of Kanke Local Government Area for an on-the-spot assessment of the condition of the clinic. The Council Chairman in company of Team of Directors, Medical Doctors and Engineers were at the clinic to assess the state and standard of the Clinic to be ameliorated.
In his own words, the Executive Chairman, Hon Henry Jan Gotip stated he deemed “…it fit to pay an unscheduled visit to evaluate the condition of the Clinic. I am here to see things for myself, as you can see the team of Doctors and Engineers will assess the clinic and and bring up innuendo on how we can remodel and upgrade the facilities here to a standard Primary Health Care Clinic with modern facilities to serve as a referral center in the Local Government Area as a pilot scheme”. Adding that Doctors will asses the medical equipments and facilities and come up with suggestions while the team of Engineers will assess the structural aspect of the building, as the clinic structure appears dilapidated.
The Chairman stressed that the Tuwan Primary Health Care Center was chosen to be the first to be remodeled and Serve as a Referral Center to other Primary Health Care Clinics in Kanke Local Government Area. The hospital if fully upraded will have Medical Doctors that will attend to complicated cases that may arise within the locality and have modern testing facilities.
Recall that during the period of campaigns, the Council Chairman promised to remodel and upgrade one of the Primary Health Care center within the Local Government Area to a referral center with modern facilities and has kept to his word by matching words with action with this visit.
The Council Chairman in company of Team of Directors, Medical Doctors and Engineers were at the clinic to assess the state and standard of the Clinic to be ameliorated.
In his own words, the Executive Chairman, Hon Henry Jan Gotip stated he deemed “…it fit to pay an unscheduled visit to evaluate the condition of the Clinic. I am here to see things for myself, as you can see the team of Doctors and Engineers will assess the clinic and and bring up innuendo on how we can remodel and upgrade the facilities here to a standard Primary Health Care Clinic with modern facilities to serve as a referral center in the Local Government Area as a pilot scheme”. Adding that Doctors will asses the medical equipments and facilities and come up with suggestions while the team of Engineers will assess the structural aspect of the building, as the clinic structure appears dilapidated.
Executive Chairman Kanke LGA Hon Henry Jan Gotip at the Tuwan PHC The Chairman stressed that the Tuwan Primary Health Care Center was chosen to be the first to be remodeled and Serve as a Referral Center to other Primary Health Care Clinics in Kanke Local Government Area. The hospital if fully upraded will have Medical Doctors that will attend to complicated cases that may arise within the locality and have modern testing facilities.
Recall that during the period of campaigns, the Council Chairman promised to remodel and upgrade one of the Primary Health Care center within the Local Government Area to a referral center with modern facilities and has kept to his word by matching words with action with this visit.
GOVERNOR LALONG TO PRESENT 2022 BUDGET TO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong is scheduled to present the 2022 Appropriation Bill to the Plateau State House of Assembly tomorrow, Thursday 21st October 2021.
The presentation is to take place at the main chambers of the Plateau State House of Assembly Jos by 11am.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 20th October 2021.
Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong ,on Wednesday inaugurated a steering committee for the development of the state.
Speaking at the occasion in Jos , the Governor said that despite the fact that his administration is scheduled to exit the stage in less than two years from now, he is determined to leave behind positive and lasting legacies for the people of Plateau State.
In his words “I had charged the Programme Management and Results Delivery Office (PMRDO), to work with our State Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Office, to leverage on the experiences and the lessons learned from our participation at the 2019 session of the United Nations General Assembly to craft a development plan that will outlive this current administration. “
Lalong also said that “The Plateau State Agenda 2050 will not only build upon the gains of the current Plateau State Development Strategy 2019 – 2023, but will also deliberately align it’s aspirations as a State to the global development targets and indicators captured in the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), he added.
He further said “We are conscious of the dwindling inflow of resources from the centre, and the resultant agitations from various States in Nigeria for a review of the revenue sharing formula. “
“Our aspiration as a State is to continue to grow and develop in such a manner that in no distant time, we will no longer need to depend on the inflow of resources from the centre. Already, we have started looking inwards and achieving modest results.”
“Plateau State is blessed with so many natural resources in agriculture; solid minerals; and tourism, which should make this State a significant net surplus contributor to the national coffers.”
” I believe Nigerians have not forgotten the fact that Plateau State in the past played a key role in sustaining the Nigerian economy with the tin and Columbite from her mines for several decades before the advent of oil in this country. “
He charged the Steering Committee to leave no stone unturned in the effort of developing the blueprint that will restore Plateau State to the top three States in Nigeria with respect to economic development, good governance, and the social welfare of her people.
“As a gender-sensitive Governor and one who believes in the capacity of women to contribute effectively to assignments such as this, I promise to include on this committee, the Head of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission immediately “.
He called on the committee to provide strategic leadership and direction for the Development Plan Project as well as to ensure the carrying out of a Needs Assessment and set up Sectoral Working Groups accordingly as well as o oversee the process of developing the Plan and guide the work and activities of the Sectorial Working Committees, ensuring consistency with their respective Terms of Reference.
He said that committee would report regularly to the Executive Governor on the progress of work on the project and to provide necessary linkages between the State Executive Council, the State House of Assembly, the State Traditional Council, the Organised Private Sector and other relevant Stakeholders in the State.
” The composition of this committee has been carefully designed to convey sufficient authority, ensure inclusivity, and build sustainability. It is expected that the consultative engagements in this assignment will be wide and devoid of any partisan preferences. Only the best will be good enough for our state.”
Our correspondent reports that the Deputy Governor of Plateau State Prof Sonnie Tyoden would act as Chairman of the committee ,while the Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly , as well as Secretary to the Government of the State Prof Danladi Atu would serve as members .
REMARKS BY H.E. RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE STATE STEERING COMMITTEE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PLATEAU STATE AGENDA 2050 HELD AT NEW GOVERNMENT HOUSE, RAYFIELD, JOS ON 20TH OCTOBER 2021.
PROTOCOLS 1. It is a great privilege to welcome you to this brief but very important event. Despite the fact that this administration is scheduled to exit the stage in less than two years from now, holding this kind of activity is a clear demonstration of our commitment to lay the foundation for the growth and long-term development of Plateau State over the next thirty years. That is, the focus of Plateau State Agenda 2050. 2. In our continuous efforts to leave behind positive and lasting legacies for the people of Plateau State, I had charged the Programme Management and Results Delivery Office (PMRDO), to work with our State Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Office, to leverage on the experiences and the lessons learned from our participation at the 2019 session of the United Nations General Assembly to craft a development plan that will outlive this current administration. 3. I was therefore excited to receive the report that these two offices successfully collaborated to attract the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the development of the Plateau State Agenda 2050. It is our intention to maximize this opportunity which the UNDP has provided for Plateau State to prepare for a better future.
4. The Plateau State Agenda 2050 will not only build upon the gains of the current Plateau State Development Strategy 2019 – 2023, but will also deliberately align our aspirations as a State to the global development targets and indicators captured in the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). 5. The saying goes that “He who fails to plan, plans to fail.” Going by the dynamic nature of global challenges that resonate with every part of the world including Plateau State, we are determined to ensure that we are not caught napping. That is the reason why we are laying down this plan to ensure that Plateau State does not fail particularly in the days of adversity. 6. We are conscious of the dwindling inflow of resources from the centre, and the resultant agitations from various States in Nigeria for a review of the revenue sharing formula. Our aspiration as a State is to continue to grow and develop in such a manner that in no distant time, we will no longer need to depend on the inflow of resources from the centre. Already, we have started looking inwards and achieving modest results. 7. Plateau State is blessed with so many natural resources in agriculture; solid minerals; and tourism, which should make this State a significant net surplus contributor to the national coffers. I believe Nigerians have not forgotten the fact that Plateau State in the part played a key role in sustaining the Nigerian economy with the tin and Columbite from her mines for several decades before the advent of oil in this country. 8. I make bold to say that we can do it again as those resources are still available in abundance. Besides, we have human resources and talents in various fields that we are ready to offer the world. That is why we have planned an Economic and Investment Summit that will enable us remind investors of the vast opportunities that Plateau State is blessed with 9. Bearing this conviction in mind, I wish to charge this Steering Committee to leave no stone unturned in the effort of developing this blueprint that will restore Plateau State to the top three States in Nigeria with respect to economic development, good governance, and the social welfare of her people. 10. The composition of this committee has been carefully designed to convey sufficient authority, ensure inclusivity, and build sustainability. It is expected that the consultative engagements in this assignment will be wide and devoid of any partisan preferences. Only the best will be good enough for our state. 11. The membership of the Committee include: i. H.E., Deputy Governor of Plateau State Chairman ii. Deputy Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly Member iii. Secretary to the Government of the State Member iv. Commissioner for Budget & Economic Planning Member v. Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development Member vi. Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs Member vii. Commissioner for Justice & Attorney-General Member viii. Chairman – Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter Member ix. Director-General – Research and Documentation Member x. Director-General – State Bureau of Statistics Member xi. State Coordinator – Sustainable Development Goals Office Member xii. Chairman – Economic and Financial Advisory Council Member xiii. Chairman – State Traditional Council Member xiv. President – Plateau Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA) Member xv. Chairman – Plateau Civil Societies Forum Member xvi. Representative – Plateau State Diaspora Community Member xvii. Chief Technical Advisor – Programme Management and Results Delivery Office Secretary
12. As a gender-sensitive Governor and one who believes in the capacity of women to contribute effectively to assignments such as this, I promise to include on this committee, the Head of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission immediately we announce that appointment. 13. These are your Terms of Reference: a) To provide strategic leadership and direction for the Development Plan Project. b) To ensure the carrying out of a Needs Assessment and set up Sectoral Working Groups accordingly. c) To oversee the process of developing the Plan and guide the work and activities of the Sectorial Working Committees, ensuring consistency with their respective Terms of Reference. d) To report regularly to the Executive Governor on the progress of work on the project. e) To provide necessary linkages between the State Executive Council, the State House of Assembly, the State Traditional Council, the Organised Private Sector and other relevant Stakeholders in the State. f) To act as Authoriser to ensure cooperation and collaboration of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government and other relevant non-state actors groups. g) To provide first level approvals of drafts of the Development Plan at different stages of development. h) To create the enabling environment for all necessary stakeholder engagements and other relevant events for the project. i) To ensure alignment of the policy goals, targets and strategies in the Development Plan with the Vision and Mission of Plateau State. j) To communicate the overall purpose, direction and progress of the project to MDAs and other relevant Stakeholders. k) To lead the presentation of the Plateau Agenda 2050 to the State EXCO for approval. l) To secure the legislative instrument for the sustainable implementation of the Plan across various administrations up to year 2050. m) To set up a Secretariat to coordinate logistics and to work with the Consultants engaged for the project, providing backstopping support to the various teams on the project. n) To ensure lessons learned and good practices are documented for subsequent references
(MEMBERS RISE TO BE INAUGURATED) 14. I hereby declare the Steering Committee of the Plateau State Agenda 2050 duly constituted. (You may now take your seats, please) 15. Finally, as I wish the members of the Steering Committee a successful assignment, I call on all citizens of Plateau at home and in the diaspora; friends, lovers and well-wishers of this great State, irrespective of their political, religious or social leanings, to contribute their quotas to this crucial exercise whenever called upon by the Committee. 16. Thank you all. God bless Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, Executive Governor, Plateau State. 20th October 2021.
Freelance Reporters 