GOVERNOR LALONG TO INAUGURATE TASK FORCE ON LAND GRABBING; CHARGES NEW PLATEAU YOUTH COUNCIL LEADERSHIP ON PEACE AND UNITY

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has asked the people of Plateau State to take advantage of the Anti-Land Grabbing Law signed early this year and seek redress over any land forcefully or illegally taken from them.

This is even as the Governor says he will soon inaugurate an Anti-land Grabbing Task Force to also follow up on such complaints and ensure that justice prevails.

Governor Lalong was speaking at the inauguration of the new leadership of the Plateau Youth Council (PYC) at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre in Dadin Kowa Jos, where he charged the leadership of the youth body to work for greater peace and security of Plateau State.

Lalong decried the exploitation of the youths by some unscrupulous politicians who stop at nothing to spread lies against his administration using such false narratives relating to land and other matters.

He said “Contrary to this mischief, our Government is the first in the history of Plateau State and one of the few if not the only one in Nigeria to sign anti-land grabbing law which we initiated as an Executive Bill. Till date, no one has either approached the Courts to lodge any complain of land grabbing or even sent a petition to me. Yet you hear this narrative being spread like wildfire. Similarly, our efforts to end conflicts between farmers and farmers are being ignored and twisted for politics. We established the Peace Building Agency which has conducted series of dialogue sessions across the State. In Bassa alone, there have been more than 34 sessions. We succeeded in bringing Berom and Fulani together in Barkin Ladi and they reached an agreement on how to live in peace”.

The Governor therefore charged the youths to shun being used by unpatriotic elements who take joy in creating disharmony, and rancour in the State just to have political relevance.

“I appeal to you to ignore and reject such character assassination ploys by those who want to use you to achieve their selfish agenda. Beware of politicians who do not have anything to offer to you except to cook up lies and pull down others under the guise of standing with the people. Let them tell you what they are bringing or have brought to the table when they were in office” he said.

He congratulated the new leadership of the youths for their election and urged them to continue to support the Government as it works towards improving the lot of the youths and creating job opportunities.

New Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, Comrade Lot Sunday Adas said the youths in Plateau must rise up and show their readiness and commitment to pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival, progress and success as all citizens of the State irrespective of their backgrounds.

He also promised to work with the Government in ensuring that the youths get empowerment and job creation opportunities.

Commissioner for Youths and Sports Victor Lapang, immediate PYC Chairman, Dr. Fabong Jemchang thanked the Governor for his youth-friendly disposition and asked him to continuously open doors of opportunities to the youths.

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

Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong on Thursday charged youths of the state to be a vanguard for peace, unity, integrity, security and goodwill for the State and Nigeria at large.
He made this known while speaking at the swearing in members of the Plateau Youth Council PYC in Jos .
He said ” You have a duty to protect the rich history of productivity, excellence, courage, love, hospitality and tolerance for which Plateau State is known for. This is your time to raise the bar and make us proud.
Lalong also used the opportunity to again condole the people of Plateau State, particularly the youths over the sad killings in the state .
In his words “This swearing in is coming at a time when Plateau State and Nigeria needs the unity, vibrancy, support and positive action of the youths more than ever. This is because the youths are the bulk of our population and not only the future of the nation, but the strength for today. That is why the Rescue Administration has maintained a close relationship with the youths and prioritized their welfare, he added .
” I wish to remind you about some issues that you should consider channeling the attention and energies of our youths to, for the good of the State and society at large. First is the issue of peace and security which is the basis for every development. “
You are aware of my passion for peace and security which has been the number one priority of my administration since coming into office.

8. While Government and security agencies play their roles in securing the lives and properties of the people, the attainment of real peace lies with the people in our various communities. Youths have the key to such peace and unless they rise up to engender peace and security, no effort will succeed.
   “That is why I continue to appeal to the youths to eschew violence, hatred, intolerance and bigotry. Rather, our youths should embrace tolerance, diversity, mutual respect and love which are more powerful, enduring, and beneficial to the society at the long run. You must resist the toxic narratives that push you to resort to unconventional means of ventilating your grievances. Violence and destruction has never benefited any society no matter the justification.
   Lalong also lamented the negative use of social media amongst Youths .
   ” I also want to draw your attention to the negative use of the social media and even some conventional media for the propagation of hate speech, fake news and ethno-religious profiling. These pronouncements which are mostly laced with political undertones seek to pitch people against each other thereby fueling avoidable crises.
   Such unfortunate and condemnable actions were on display during the recent breach of peace where people from within and outside the State pushed out toxic materials that further heightened tensions and sought to escalate the situation. Indeed, some of the reprisal attacks can be traced to such inciting messages propagated in the traditional and social media. The Government will not allow those who engage in these acts to go unpunished.
   He added that “My caution to the great youths of Plateau State is for you to realise that no one will build or market your State better than you. Therefore, if you destroy it because of sentiments and emotions through writing and hyping our challenges and weaknesses, investors, tourists and people of goodwill will run away thereby denying us economic and other benefits. You must exercise enormous caution and responsibility in your utterances and conduct.
   Let me use this occasion to reassure our hardworking and resilient youths that we shall continue to create opportunities for job creation, creativity, and industry. The days of pursuit of non-existing white collar jobs are over as there are fewer opportunities for Government employment. This is why the Government has empowered PLASMIDA to make available all opportunities for youths to be trained in skills.
   Government shall work closely with the new leadership of the PYC to ensure that our youths are kept abreast and involved in all empowerment programmes of the State and Federal Governments. Rather than wait and complain, Plateau youths must launch out and prospect for opportunities within and outside the State as well as abroad.
   ” At this juncture, I will like to also speak to my dear youths over the challenges of information mismanagement and politicization of our collective destiny by a few people who want to always cause disharmony between the citizens and the Government using manipulation, lies, propaganda and political gimmicks.
   “It is unfortunate that in recent times, some politicians have taken pride in trying to set the youths against the Government by insinuating that the Governor or the Government does not care about the people, or is allowing land belonging to Plateau indigenes to be grabbed by foreign herders. This is an apparent lie that has no basis in the face of facts.
   “Contrary to this mischief, our Government is the first in the history of Plateau State and one of the few if not the only one in Nigeria to sign anti-land grabbing law which we initiated as an Executive Bill. Till date, no one has either approached the Courts to lodge any complain of land grabbing or even sent a petition to me. Yet you hear this narrative being spread like wildfire.
   “Similarly, our efforts to end conflicts between farmers and farmers are being ignored and twisted for politics. We established the Peace Building Agency which has conducted series of dialogue sessions across the State. In Bassa alone, there have been more than 34 sessions. We succeeded in bringing Berom and Fulani together in Barkin Ladi and they reached an agreement on how to live in peace.
   ” As Chairman of the Northern Governors I prevailed on my colleagues to take a position against open grazing by adopting modern ranching. I sent a Bill to the House of Assembly which will outlaw open grazing in Plateau State if passed into law. Till date, the House of Assembly is yet to pass the law. Yet you hear the false narrative accusing Government of not doing anything or “standing with the people”.
   In fact, were it not for this recent attacks and subsequent disruptions, the National Livestock Transformation Programme would have been launched at the Wase Grazing Reserve which is owned by Government. This will commence ranching and create jobs and other business opportunities.
   My dear youths, I appeal to you to ignore and reject such character assassination ploys by those who want to use you to achieve their selfish agenda. Beware of politicians who do not have anything to offer to you except to cook up lies and pull down others under the guise of standing with the people. Let them tell you what they are bringing or have brought to the table when they were in office.

RE: POLITICAL MARGINALIZATION IN BARKIN LADI APC BY HON.COMMISSIONER FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. HON. GYANG MUSA DUNG

Our attention has been drawn to a publication with the above title by a nonexistent group which was hurriedly formed by persons who are not comfortable with the progress the party is recording in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

Ordinarily we wouldn’t had dignified the publication with a comment but this response became necessary to set the records straight and to clarify the issues raised by persons we termed “destroyers” of our great ruling party.

Firstly, we wish to commend the Stakeholders of the party and supporters for the hitch free Local Government Congresses held in Barkin Ladi, other Local Government Areas in the States and the Nation at large.
These are indicators that our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the party to beat and we will continue to do our best to building the party and sustain victory for it at all levels.
The party in Plateau State under the leadership of our amiable and peace loving Father, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong the Executive Governor of Plateau State.

While we are working assiduously to add more value to the party, increase it acceptability and popularity in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State and Nigeria, some people’s determination is to destroy the values and reduce the chances of the party in the future.
This is completely at variance with their spurious and laughable allegation that the Commissioner is causing harm to the party.

The group comprised of mischievous persons with ulterior motive of causing disunity and instability in the party for reasons best known to them.

It is also untrue that since he was appointed Commissioner, he never called for a meeting. Party stakeholders are aware that he held a meeting last year where he committed both financial and human resources as well as his time towards building a stronger party. Those present can attest to that.
He has also bring to bear inclusiveness as it is the watch word of the Captain of the Rescue Administration, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong by carrying all along in what we do.
He has been assisting the party executives and Members who are in need and through his personally effort we now have a befitting office for the party. Hon. Gyang will not relent in contributing to the growth of the party.

The allegation that he sponsored an aspirant during the Local Government Chairmanship Primaries and tagged him “government candidate” is not only baseless but childish and untrue as those with Aspiration contested and we are supporting the Flag Bearer for the party’s victory at the main election coming up soon.

Also, Ward Congresses were held and Executives were duly elected through consensus and elections in few cases without undue interference.

As for the Local Government Congresses, election was only held for the office of the Chairman and as Member of the Monitoring Committee, the Commissioner announced Mr. Stephen Haruna as the winner having scored the highest votes as Winner, we am therefore perturbed at their unquantifiable resentment.

At Heipang Federal Ward, there are unresolved issues emanating from two conflicting consensus reports and as delicate as they are, the monitoring committee have made their submission to the Party for amicable resolution of the impasse.

We calling on the teeming supporters of our great party to remain resolute and committed to building the party and to discountenance those who are determined to destroy the party they have laboured to build.

It is expedient to state that no amount of cheap blackmail or propaganda will distract us from delivering the mandate of the rescue administration.

Since he became Commissioner of Science and Technology, the State has recorded breakthroughs and successes which nationally and globally are visible even to the blind as his Ministry is placing the State on the World map in terms of technology and innovations. We will not relent but continue to encourage him to break new grounds and keep making the State proud.

We wish to call on the mischief makers to desist from distracting the party, join hands with party leaders to increase the acceptability of the party in Barkin Ladi LGA and the State.

God bless Barkin Ladi
God bless Plateau State
God bless the APC
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Mr. Davou Danjuma

Cmr. Daniel Istifanus

For: APC Concerned Youths Barkin Ladi LGA

RE: POLITICAL MARGINALIZATION IN BARKIN LADI APC BY HON.COMMISSIONER FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. HON. GYANG MUSA DUNG

Our attention has been drawn to a publication with the above title by a nonexistent group which was hurriedly formed by persons who are not comfortable with the progress the party is recording in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

Ordinarily we wouldn’t had dignified the publication with a comment but this response became necessary to set the records straight and to clarify the issues raised by persons we termed “destroyers” of our great ruling party.

Firstly, we wish to commend the Stakeholders of the party and supporters for the hitch free Local Government Congresses held in Barkin Ladi, other Local Government Areas in the States and the Nation at large.
These are indicators that our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the party to beat and we will continue to do our best to building the party and sustain victory for it at all levels.
The party in Plateau State under the leadership of our amiable and peace loving Father, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong the Executive Governor of Plateau State.

While we are working assiduously to add more value to the party, increase it acceptability and popularity in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State and Nigeria, some people’s determination is to destroy the values and reduce the chances of the party in the future.
This is completely at variance with their spurious and laughable allegation that the Commissioner is causing harm to the party.

The group comprised of mischievous persons with ulterior motive of causing disunity and instability in the party for reasons best known to them.

It is also untrue that since he was appointed Commissioner, he never called for a meeting. Party stakeholders are aware that he held a meeting last year where he committed both financial and human resources as well as his time towards building a stronger party. Those present can attest to that.
He has also bring to bear inclusiveness as it is the watch word of the Captain of the Rescue Administration, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong by carrying all along in what we do.
He has been assisting the party executives and Members who are in need and through his personally effort we now have a befitting office for the party. Hon. Gyang will not relent in contributing to the growth of the party.

The allegation that he sponsored an aspirant during the Local Government Chairmanship Primaries and tagged him “government candidate” is not only baseless but childish and untrue as those with Aspiration contested and we are supporting the Flag Bearer for the party’s victory at the main election coming up soon.

Also, Ward Congresses were held and Executives were duly elected through consensus and elections in few cases without undue interference.

As for the Local Government Congresses, election was only held for the office of the Chairman and as Member of the Monitoring Committee, the Commissioner announced Mr. Stephen Haruna as the winner having scored the highest votes as Winner, we am therefore perturbed at their unquantifiable resentment.

At Heipang Federal Ward, there are unresolved issues emanating from two conflicting consensus reports and as delicate as they are, the monitoring committee have made their submission to the Party for amicable resolution of the impasse.

We calling on the teeming supporters of our great party to remain resolute and committed to building the party and to discountenance those who are determined to destroy the party they have laboured to build.

It is expedient to state that no amount of cheap blackmail or propaganda will distract us from delivering the mandate of the rescue administration.

Since he became Commissioner of Science and Technology, the State has recorded breakthroughs and successes which nationally and globally are visible even to the blind as his Ministry is placing the State on the World map in terms of technology and innovations. We will not relent but continue to encourage him to break new grounds and keep making the State proud.

We wish to call on the mischief makers to desist from distracting the party, join hands with party leaders to increase the acceptability of the party in Barkin Ladi LGA and the State.

God bless Barkin Ladi
God bless Plateau State
God bless the APC
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Mr. Davou Danjuma

Cmr. Daniel Istifanus

For: APC Concerned Youths Barkin Ladi LGA

MATTHEW TEGHA TRAINS RIYOM LGA COMMUNITY YOUTHS ON CURBING MISINFORMATION, URGES THEM TO BE INFLUENCERS FOR CHANGE

Information both online and offline has affected the way we respond to the challenges around us, as such we must begin to arm ourselves with the right information devoid of any misinformation or disinformation especially as we are challenged globally by the pandemic.

Popular Blogger and Influencer for change, Matthew Tegha said this while on a one-day Youth Community Literacy Training/engagement on Curbing Misinformation and Disinformation with Youth representatives of 17wards from RIyom community as part of activities for ConnexUs Influencer for Change Network. Held at the MDGs Hall in Riyom Local Government Area on Tuesday 7th September 2021 with youths from various communities within the Local Government Area in attendance.

Participants were engaged in learning how to identify Misinformation or Disinformation after which they also had insights on what to do when faced with misinformation and disinformation and how communities can work together building cohesion to curb misinformation giving the rising challenges both locally and globally.

Matthew Tegha said that Information is vital and goes a long way to control the way people react as such the wrong information (Misinformation) can sometimes lead to death. Misinformation has also been one of the major factors militating against preventive and control efforts. He noted that in the first 3 months of 2020, nearly 6 000 people around the globe were hospitalized and at least 800 people may have died because of coronavirus misinformation as mentioned by the world health organization (WHO).

He encouraged youths to collaborate more and be more proactive and deliberate in checking information as part of efforts in curbing misinformation. He said as young people, we must take responsibility and be guided by the right information as he highlighted tips to curb misinformation and disinformation especially within local communities like Ryom LGA.
“As community members, we should also be deliberate in addressing factors that undermined government preventive efforts in enforcing poor compliance attitude, selective obedience, social media interference, misconceptions and myths, stigmatization, fear, inadequate health facilities, and distrust for government,” He said.

Responding, a participant Samuel Gyang from Ra-Hos community, said though one of the major problems within the community has been insecurity, it was however vital for youths to know what information to respond to and not be misguided due to misinformation.

Another Participant, Luka Solomon Dalyop, from Buchi Community gave many examples of misinformation within the community especially as it is faced with various challenges. He, therefore, gave his assurances that most of the issues being discussed will help them educate others.

Other youth leaders at the training also shared and discussed further actions which will lead to checking and verification of information to curb the troubling issues of misinformation in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau state. The training was also supported by the Local Government, with the Chairman, Hon Gwalson ensuring that youths were effectively mobilized from various communities to attend the training.

ConnexUs is a global network and coordination platform that creates a collaborative environment for the peacebuilding, humanitarian, development, and public health fields. The platform offers public discussion forums and private messaging features to help facilitate secure and open knowledge sharing. By harnessing the power of working together online, organizations can fill in gaps and reduce overlap in their programs and activities.

ConnexUs is partnering with Blogger and Middle belt Nigeria Influencer, Matthew Tegha to amplify his activities, towards Responding to Global & Local Challenges also in amplifying the Voices of other Influencers Around the World with the support of the European Union Instrument for Promoting Peace and Stability.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES BISHOP KUKAH ON 10TH EPISCOPAL ORDINATION

Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Revd. Matthew Hassan Kukah on his 10th Episcopal Ordination.

Governor Lalong while congratulating the Bishop, described him as a man of God whose calling has over the years earned him reputation for standing for truth, justice and peace-building in Nigeria and around the world.

Lalong said Bishop Kukah has remained consistent in his love for humanity and passion for the cause of the weak, oppressed and less privileged, and continues to inspire many, especially the younger generation.

He said “your contributions to national discourse and the journey to nation building have been acknowledged through your many years of service in the Lord’s Vineyard, particularly in the last 10 years since you were ordained a Bishop.

You have shepherded your congregation diligently and also continued to point many to the teachings of Jesus Christ, thereby leading them to the path of truth, righteousness and salvation”.

The Governor also observed that the deep intellectual knowledge of the Bishop has stood him out at various national and international fora where he made valuable inputs and advanced recommendations to critical challenges.

The Kukah Centre (TKC) according to Governor Lalong has also driven valuable research and advanced solutions to many critical issues, while bringing all shades of opinions together in promoting dialogue, unity and peace.

He wished the Bishop many more years of God’s blessings, wisdom and protection as he serves God and humanity.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
8th September 2021.

APC YOUTH VANGUARD BARKIN LADI L.G.A

POLITICAL MARGINALIZATION IN BARKIN LADI APC BY HON.COMMISSIONER FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. HON. GYANG MUSA DUNG

PROTOCOL
We want to start by appreciating the effort of His Excellency Rt Hon. Barrister Simon Bako Lalong in restoring Peace on the Plateau, and will want to commiserate with the people of Plateau State over the recent mayhem, and we pray God to grant us lasting Peace.

We want to equally appreciate His Excellency for opting for Consensus towards the Wards and Local Government Congresses, which we believe was meant to reduce internal crisis amongst Party faithful’s and also to foster unity amongst all the teeming supporters of our great Party.

In spite of the role played by the Governor and the Party at the State level to ensure that every voice is heard and the voice of the people gets the order of the day, the reverse is the case in Barkin Ladi as the Hon Commissioner for Science and Technology is bent on causing more harm and injury to the Party in Barkin Ladi.

First of all, since he was appointed commissioner he has never called for stakeholders and the party to meet and deliberate to forge the way forward for our party in Barkin Ladi, and this has created a vacuum and and has raised a lot of dust in the party as it’s been seen that the Commissioner is not carrying everybody along but a few.

We are standing on the part of the political justice, equity and fair play alongside clearly spelled out political rules, constitutional provision and guidelines
It’s rather unfortunate that we stand as youths advocating for youth involvement in politics, but the privileged few that have been opportune are not living up to expectations of the people, and creating more harm than good to our political party most especially in Barkin Ladi Local Government Council.

With the opportunity gotten, we expect that the Hon Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon Gyang Musa Dung to use his privilege office to unite the Party at the Local Government level, but rather he is bent on causing factions at the Local Government Area.

Secondly, during Local Government Primary elections, the Commissioner sponsored an aspirant whom he termed the Government Candidate as against the will of the people which later prevailed.

Thirdly, the issue of the Ward Congresses which was held in August, 2021 where the Governor admonished all Stakeholders to go back to their various Wards to form the Party Structure, and warned that no Stakeholder should jump from his or her Ward to interfere with other Wards, but the Commissioner and members of the Committee ended up creating Chaos in various Wards of the locality by imposing who they want as against who the people prefer.

This can be traced in the matters that arose from Gassa/Sho Federal Ward, which the Committee issued the forms to a faction when the issue is not settled.
Also from his Federal Ward (Kapwis), a local consensus was reached, where votes were cast and the person with the highest votes was denied the form, and was issued to the person they prefer
Fourthly, issues arising from the Local Government Congresses where the commissioner happens to be a member of the monitoring committee, denied the issues of consensus in the Local Government thereby giving rise to elections.

Positions were zoned to various Districts by the party and Stakeholders, and most of the federal wards had their consensus arrangement and the lists forwarded to the committee.

The committee promised to come on Monday 6th September ,2021 after the election for the post of the chairman was conducted on the 4th September, 2021 to conclude on the issues of consensus where it was not reached or elections be conducted for those positions before the forms will be issued to the appropriate persons.

But to our greatest dismay, the committee on Monday 6th September, 2021 decided to issues the form for the treasurer position to Hon. Timothy Choji Kim from Gassa/Sho Ward who earlier refused Consensus and opted for elections for the post of the chairman and lost to Hon. Stephen Haruna.

Hon. Held the position of the Treasurer for two terms before opting to contest for the Chairmanship position.

The committee also changed some names where Consensus was reached from some Federal wards at the point of collation, and we know a letter of complaint from the Party was forwarded to the State Party to that effect.

In conclusion, Its high time the Youths and all Politically correct elders to rise up to the occasion in fighting for equity and Justice to avoid all forms of Political abnormality and marginalization by a few.

Barkin Ladi is known for decorum and peaceful disposition, so it is time for the best to emerge as our Leaders through due process to restore Political sanity in our Political arena in Barkin Ladi.

We the APC Youths Vanguard Barkin Ladi LGA condemn in totality, the abnormality and the Manipulative tendencies of the Hon Commissioner for Science and Technology Hon. Gyang Musa Dung to the teeming supporters of our great Party the APC.

With all these, we stand today to pass a VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE on the person of HON GYANG MUSA DUNG as a Commissioner representing Barkin Ladi LGA, we call on him to resign and allow for PEACE, FAIRNESS, JUSTICE AND TRANQUILITY reign in our great Party in Barkin Ladi LGA.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Long Live APC Barkin Ladi L.G.A
Long Live APC Plateau State.
Long Live the Governor of Plateau State. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong.

Signed:

Bulus Gwom
Chairman

Alex Gyang Pam
Secretary

PLATEAU EXCO BIDS FAREWELL TO THREE COMMISSIONERS AS THEY CONTEST FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

Three Commissioners in Plateau State have resigned their appointments to enable them contest for the positions of Local Government Chairmen in the forth coming Local Government Elections scheduled for next month.

The Commissioners are: Barrister Zulfa Bitrus, Commissioner for Housing who is vying for the Chairman of Lantang North; Alhaji Dayyabu Garga, Commissioner for Urban Development contesting for the Chairmanship of Kanam LGA; and Kakmena Goteng, Commissioner for Higher Education, seeking to become Chairman of Pankshin LGA.

Briefing newsmen after the State Executive Council Meeting, Commissioner for Information Dan Manjang said the Council held a valedictory session in honour of the three Commissioners who have served the people of the State meritoriously and assisted the Rescue Administration in delivering on its mandate to the people.

He said Governor Lalong appreciated their services and wished them well in their political journey, praying that they emerge victorious and again deploy their vast experience in serving people at the grassroots.

Manjang said the Governor approved that pending the appointment of new Commissioners, some serving Commissioners will oversee the running of the three Ministries.

Commissioner for Environment Mr. Usman Idi will take charge of Urban Development while Commissioner for Secondary Education Mrs. Elizabeth Wapmuk handles affairs at the Higher Education Ministry. The Ministry of Housing will henceforth be supervised by the Commissioner for Special Duties Mr. Jerry Werr.

While appreciating the Governor for the opportunity to serve, former Commissioners for Housing Bitrus Zulfa and Dayyabu Garga, former Commissioner for Urban development said they had a great opportunity to serve the State and contribute to the success of the APC led administration ably led by Governor Simon Lalong.

They assured that they will continue to work for the success of the APC and also serve the people diligently when elected into office.
Other highlights of the EXCO Meeting include the approval for the procurement and installation of hospital equipment at the newly constructed General Hospitals in Kwall, Kanke LGA, and Mabudi, Langtang South LGA at the cost of 957, 285, 059.48 each.

There was also variation for the ongoing construction of Angwan Rogo road network and bridge at the cost N375 million naira.

The State EXCO also approved a Bill to Establish the Plateau State Erosion and Watershed Management Agency and other Matters Connected, 2021.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
8th September 2021.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Fatima Waziri- Azi,Ph.D as Director General of the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) .
This is sequel to a recommendation of the Hon. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, who expressed the “urgent need for the Ministry to intensify on the existing capacity in the NAPTIP in order to achieve its Key Result Areas as identified.”
She added that the recommendation of Fatima Waziri-Azi was based on her “pedigree, vast experience and proven track record to drive the agency forward and consolidate on what has been achieved so far.”
A former Head of Department of Public Law at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Waziri-Azi is a Women’s Right advocate, a campaigner against domestic and sexual based violence and an expert in Rule of Law.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 08, 2021

PLATEAU EXCO BIDS FAREWELL TO THREE COMMISSIONERS AS THEY CONTEST FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

Three Commissioners in Plateau State have resigned their appointments to enable them contest for the positions of Local Government Chairmen in the forth coming Local Government Elections scheduled for next month.

The Commissioners are: Barrister Zulfa Bitrus, Commissioner for Housing who is vying for the Chairman of Lantang North; Alhaji Dayyabu Garga, Commissioner for Urban Development contesting for the Chairmanship of Kanam LGA; and Kakmena Goteng, Commissioner for Higher Education, seeking to become Chairman of Pankshin LGA.

Briefing newsmen after the State Executive Council Meeting, Commissioner for Information Dan Manjang said the Council held a valedictory session in honour of the three Commissioners who have served the people of the State meritoriously and assisted the Rescue Administration in delivering on its mandate to the people.

He said Governor Lalong appreciated their services and wished them well in their political journey, praying that they emerge victorious and again deploy their vast experience in serving people at the grassroots.

Manjang said the Governor approved that pending the appointment of new Commissioners, some serving Commissioners will oversee the running of the three Ministries.

Commissioner for Environment Mr. Usman Idi will take charge of Urban Development while Commissioner for Secondary Education Mrs. Helen Wapmuk handles affairs at the Higher Education Ministry. The Ministry of Housing will henceforth be supervised by the Commissioner for Special Duties Mr. Jerry Werr.

While appreciating the Governor for the opportunity to serve, former Commissioners for Housing Bitrus Zulfa and Dayyabu Garga, former Commissioner for Urban development said they had a great opportunity to serve the State and contribute to the success of the APC led administration ably led by Governor Simon Lalong.

They assured that they will continue to work for the success of the APC and also serve the people diligently when elected into office.
Other highlights of the EXCO Meeting include the approval for the procurement and installation of hospital equipment at the newly constructed General Hospitals in Kwall, Kanke LGA, and Mabudi, Langtang South LGA at the cost of 957, 285, 059.48 each.

There was also variation for the ongoing construction of Angwan Rogo road network and bridge at the cost N375 million naira.

The State EXCO also approved a Bill to Establish the Plateau State Erosion and Watershed Management Agency and other Matters Connected, 2021.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
8th September 2021.