GOVERNOR LALONG TASKS SECURITY AGENCIES TO STOP ATTACKS IN BASSA AND RIYOM LGAs; SUMMONS EMERGENCY SECURITY MEETING.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has tasked security agencies to take all necessary measures to stop the deteriorating security situation in Bassa and Riyom Local Government Areas which has led to the loss of lives and destruction of houses, properties and farmlands.
Governor Lalong has been in touch with all the heads of security agencies including the Police, Operation Safe Haven, Operation Rainbow, DSS, NSCDC and others with a clear mandate to move into the areas and apprehend perpetrators behind the wanton destruction of lives and properties, as well as restore normalcy to the affected areas.
He has also summoned an emergency Security Council Meeting today (2nd August, 2021) where he will receive further briefings and conduct detailed reviews to determine the next step of action.
The Governor is very saddened by the development and sympathizes with those affected. He assures that Government will engage all stakeholders in addressing the matter with a view to bringing an end to the unfortunate and unacceptable attacks on innocent citizens aimed at disrupting the peace of the affected areas and the State at large.
The Governor has in the meantime directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Peace Building Agency (PBA) to immediately deploy immediately to the affected communities to provide humanitarian assistance and sue for Peace.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State 2nd August 2021
GOVERNOR LALONG PRAISES SMOOTH CONDUCT OF APC WARD CONGRESSES IN PLATEAU
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has commended members of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State for their peaceful conduct and maturity during the Ward Congresses of the party’s held throughout the State.
Governor Lalong who went round some wards in Jos North Local Government alongside the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, Minister of Women Affairs Dame Pauline Tallen, Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, State Party officials and other political leaders, witnessed a peaceful exercise.
The Governor’s first point of visit was the Gangagare Ward where the elections were conducted through consensus and officials emerged by affirmation.
A similar scenario played out at the Ibrahim Katsina and Jos Jarawa Wards where the exercise also went smoothly without any rancour.
At each of the Wards, the elected party officials pledged to work hard for the unity, progress and peace of the party, making sure that it does not only win elections, but provide quality leadership for the people. They affirmed their loyalty to all hierarchy of the party and to Governor Lalong as the leader of the party in the State.
Governor Lalong in a remark said he was delighted with the reports emanating from the 17 Local Government Areas of the State where the ward congress elections were conducted peacefully.
He said the fact that most wards reached consensus to elect their leaders showed that there is maturity, tolerance and understanding amongst members of the party irrespective of the various interests prevailing.
Lalong said the exemplary conduct of the APC members is a pointer to the fact that the party remains strong and will continue to wax stronger and also maintain its dominance of the political environment in Plateau State. He said it will ensure that the fortunes of the party continue to soar higher in forthcoming elections.
Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase praised the leadership Governor who has brought the party together by insisting on fairness, justice and inclusivity. He urged the party members to rally round and take the party to the next level.
For those that might have any grievances, the Governor assured them that in the spirit of reconciliation and harmony, their concerns will be addressed through the party’s internal mechanisms.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 31st July 2021
PLATEAU EMBARKS ON MASSIVE REVENUE DRIVE AS GOVERNOR LALONG PAYS GROUND RENT TO FLAG OFF EXERCISE
Weeks after signing the newly passed Revenue Law and Property and Land Use Charge Law as well as the Plateau Geographic Information Systems Law, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has flagged off a high powered revenue drive with a target to raise the monthly revenue base of the State to about 3 to 5 billion monthly.
While flagging off the exercise at the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service Headquarters in Jos, the Governor Lalong said the revenue drive is aimed at changing the income of the State to pave way for funding more projects and programmes which are hampered currently because of lack of funds.
Lalong who paid the ground rent charges for his personal property, said he decided to lead by example in order to demonstrate to the citizens that nobody is above the law or will be left out in the process. He said ” I am not asking the citizens to do as I SAY, but to do as I DO. I am not only the Governor, but also Chairman of the Plateau State Revenue Council as stipulated by law. Like the saying goes, leaders lead from the front. Having personally demonstrated this level of civic responsibility as the number one citizen of the State, it means that there is nobody that will default. All of us are subject to the law and those who run against the law will bear the consequences. I therefore expect all citizens particularly political leaders (both elected and appointed) to line up behind me and do same. The time to show leadership has come”.
The Governor said he will not intervene on behalf of any tax defaulter ” I plead with every citizen particularly the “big men” to comply because I will not entertain anyone begging me to intervene when the law catches up with you. This is not about me or anyone, but about the law. It is because I do not want to beg anybody or be embarrassed that I am paying my own today” he said.
He explained that he recently signed into law the Plateau State Revenue (Consolidation) Law; Plateau Property and Land Use Charge Law; Plateau Geographic Information Services Law amongst others aimed at giving legal backing to all revenue generating activities and improving the tax environment.
The Governor however warned against default as very soon, those wishing to access some services of the Plateau State Government shall be required to show evidence of payment of their taxes. This is very important because we cannot enjoy and claim rights and benefits without corresponding responsibility.
Executive Chairman of the PSIRS Dashe reaffirmed that the exercise which involves taxpayer sensitization; awareness creation; on-the-spot inspection of registration licenses and permits; is a continuous one that will be sustained. He called on all stakeholders to fulfill their civic responsibility of voluntarily paying all taxes, levies, fees and fines to grow our IGR. According to him, after the period of sensitization and persuasion elapses, the Government shall begin enforcement and whoever fails to comply, will face the law.
After symbolic payment of his ground rent, the Governor and other top government officials paid visits to some business premises to sensitise them and seek their cooperation in the high powered revenue drive. These include First Bank, UBA and Onigbinde Stores all on the Ahmadu Bello Way Terminus. The organisations assured the Governor that they will do their best to ensure that the revenue drive succeeds.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 29th July 2021
PLATEAU GOVERNOR VISITS RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AGENCY, CANVASSES LIGHTING MORE COMMUNITIES
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has advocated for the lighting of more rural communities in the State through the deployment of Solar Mini Grid system.
Governor Lalong who visited the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Abuja to meet with the Managing Director Engr. Ahmad Salihijo and his management team, commended the Agency for carrying out the 234 KWp Shemankar solar mini grid that has become a successful venture lighting up communities and improving the lives of the people.
He said his visit to the REA was to make another passionate appeal for a Solar Mini-Grid Deployment to Ajikamai, the community hosting the newly established Federal Polytechnic N’yak, Shendam LGA of Plateau State. According to him, as the new Polytechnic takes off, power is a major challenge because currently, the area is not connected to the national grid.
While appealing for urgent intervention, he said “Specifically, we shall appreciate if the REA program through the World Bank/Central Bank CARES initiative can be extended to the newly established Plateau State Energy Corporation as a means to enable the State government’s desire to deliver power to the Polytechnic and surrounding communities through the off-grid energy approach.”
Lalong said Plateau State energy sector is undergoing reforms with the establishment of the Plateau State Energy Corporation which is being positioned for synergy and policy implementation. He craved the assistance of REA in equipment supply and technical capacity building for the new Corporation.
He presented other requests to the Managing Director of the REA, urging the agency to partner with the Plateau State Government in expanding NESCO’S power generation capacity both in the existing hydro or exploring other renewables.
Responding, Managing Director REA Engr. Ahmad Salihijo appreciated the Governor for the visit and assured him that the agency will be captured under various programmes that are ongoing.
He cited the interventions that will soon be done in 3 markets in Jos namely: Building Materials, Rukuba Market and Katako. Other initiatives that the State is expected to benefit from are the Solar Power Naija program which has five communities. Others already implemented are the 5KW Health Centres project in five primary healthcare centres in the State under COVID-19.
Salihijo appealed to the Governor to nominate a State focal person that will liaise with the REA in carrying out some of the requests presented to the agency.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 28th July 2021.
WASE EQUITY PROJECT CONGRATULATES THE PEOPLE OF PLATEAU, NORTH CENTRAL AND NEIGHBOURING STATES ON THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PASSAGE AND PRESIDENTIAL ASSENT OF THE BILL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF JOS ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITAL.
27/7/2021
Wase equity project congratulates the people of Plateau, North central and the neighbouring States on passage by the National Assembly and the assent of the bill for the establishment of Jos orthopaedic hospital by President Muhammadu Buhari
The bill which was sponsored by our dynamic Deputy Speaker House of Representatives RT HON AHMED IDRIS WASE was signed into law on the 26th July, 2021 by Mr President at the presidential villa
We believe that this project will impact positively on the health needs of our people.
We wish to acknowledge the efforts of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency, Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase who leveraged on his personal and official contacts to get the bill passed by the national assembly and subsequently ensured its assent into law by Mr President.
We appreciate Mr President for making this dream a reality despite the obvious financial difficulties government is passing through as a result of the negative effect of COVID-19 on the economy.
We are therefore, calling on Plateau, North Central Zone and Nigerian citizens to continue to support the Federal Government, as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) for ensuring more dividends of democracy.
GOVERNOR LALONG RECIEVES PLASU GOVERNING COUNCIL, ASSURES OF GREATER ATTENTION TO DEVELOPMENT
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has assured of greater commitment of his administration for the rapid development of the Plateau State University, Bokkos (PLASU).
The Governor who is the Visitor to the University, gave the reassurance when he recieved members of the new Governing Council for the University led by the Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman, Monsignor Prof. Ibiora Ike during a courtesy visit to the Government House Rayfield Jos.
Lalong said the University has continued to grow rapidly after his Rescue Administration revived it on assuming office by making various interventions in academic reform and research, infrastructure, administration, staff welfare and higher student population.
The Governor said the Government is aware of the challenges of the Institution and has been doing its best to meet them based on available resources. He said COVID-19 has affected the funds of the State, making it difficult to fulfill all commitments including the demands of ASUU.
He however assured the Council that the Government will do its best for the institution, hoping that revenues will rise soon to enable the Government attend to other outstanding issues. The Governor also said he will continue to lobby and make contacts at the Federal Government and through the private sector for interventions that will facilitate research and teaching in the University.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman PLASU Council, Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike appreciated Governor Lalong for appointing him and other members of the Council, assuring that they will do their best to ensure that the University is taken to greater heights.
He said the council had held its inaugural meeting where some of the challenges of the Institution were highlighted. These according to him include staff welfare, more infrastructure, and other amenities to expand the scope of academic progress of the school.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 27th July 2021
GOVERNOR LALONG CONDOLES DEPUTY SPEAKER HOUSE OF REPS, IDRIS WASE OVER DEATH OF SISTER.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has visited the residence of the Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase in Jos to commiserate with him over the death of his elder sister, Hajiya Maryam Idris Abdullahi Maikano who died recently.
Lalong described late Hajiya Maryam, wife of the late Emir of Wase Alhaji Abdullahi Maikano as a virtous woman who demonstrated exceptional humility, generosity, kindness and honesty during her lifetime and lived an exemplary lifestyle.
Governor Lalong accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, Chief of Staff Noel Donjur, Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Hyat as well as Commissioners of Transport, Information and Communication, and Special Duties.
While urging the Deputy Speaker and members of the family to accept her death as the will of God, Governor Lalong said her legacies will remain a point of reference for a very long time.
Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Idris Wase thanked the Governor for his words of comfort, support and personal visit which affirms his humility, compassion and kindness.
Elder brother to the Deputy Speaker Retired Justice Yakubu Idris also welcomed the visit of the Governor, describing it as another gesture that has characterised inclusivity and non discrimination of the Lalong administration.
He urged the Governor to remain firm in his passion for peace and security which is the basic requirement for development. He said the efforts of Governor Lalong have yielded good results, making Plateau one of the relatively safe states in the country.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 26th July 2021. Photos; Josiah Jenvulu
WASE EQUITY PROJECT WELCOMED THE SIGNING INTO LAW THE BILL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF JOS ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITAL.
26/7/2021
Wase equity project welcomed the signing into law the bill for the establishment of Jos orthopaedic hospital by President Muhammad Buhari
The bill which was sponsored by The Deputy Speaker House of Representatives RT HON AHMED IDRIS WASE was signed today the 26th July, 2021 by Mr President at the presidential villa
We believe that among many competing demands across states, the Federal government looked the way of Plateau State with this yet another project that will impact positively in the life of our people.
We wish to acknowledge the efforts of the Deputy Speaker of house of representatives His Excellency, Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase who leveraged on his personal and official contacts to get the bill passed by the national assembly and subsequently signed into law by Mr President at this critical time,which when taken off will impact positively on the health needs of Plateau State and the North Central Zone at large.
We appreciate Mr President for making this dream a reality despite the financial difficulties government is passing through, to the extent of cutting down on budgets and suspending some projects as a result of the negative effect of economic realities.
We are therefore, calling on Wase, Plateau,North central Zone and Nigerian citizens to continue to support the Federal Government,as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) for more gains of democracy in the form of projects and appointments.
GOVERNOR LALONG LAUDS PRESIDENT BUHARI FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITAL JOS
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed deep appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board (Amendment) Act, 2021, which amends the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board Act Cap. O10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to provide for the establishment of the Orthopedic Hospital Jos Plateau State.
The Hospital which is under the control of the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board, will be affiliated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital to provide specialised orthopedic treatment and medical services.
Governor Lalong said he received the cheering news of the President’s assent to the amended Act with excitement and profound gratitude because of the impact it will have not only on people of Plateau State, but other neighbouring States.
Lalong also praised the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase for sponsoring the bill and following through with its passage and assent.
He thanked the leadership of the National Assembly, members of the Plateau caucus in the National Assembly and other legislators who played a great role in supporting the passage of the amended Act.
He said the establishment of the Orthopaedic Hospital Jos will bring great relief to patients within Plateau State and other surrounding States who for now have to travel far distances to access orthopaedic treatment.
The Governor expressed hope that the Hospital when fully operational will take care of accident victims along the Jos corridor which is a major transit route linking many States in the North and Central parts of the country.
He assured of the cooperation of the Plateau State Government towards the successful take off and operations of the Orthopaedic Hospital.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. July 26, 2021
GOVERNOR LALONG PRAISES FORMER VC, UNIJOS PROF. MAIMAKO FOR LIFTING INSTITUTION
Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has described the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Seddi Sebastian Maimako as a scholar of repute and resourceful administrator whose tenure ushered in a great era of academic and infrastructural achievements for the institution.
Governor Lalong who was among thousands of guests that joined the former Vice Chancellor for the Thanksgiving Mass at the St. Mary Catholic Church, Lu’ukwo, Bakin Chiyawa, Quan-pan LGA of Plateau State said Prof. Maimako left a legacy of excellence, hardwork, inclusivity, and progressive leadership in the University of Jos.
He said under Professor Maimako’s leadership as the 9th Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, so much was achieved in research, teaching, Infrastructural development, campus harmony and breakthroughs in academic grants.
Lalong said the testimony of both staff, students, regulatory bodies and many who have had contact with the institution during his stewardship affirm the fact that he was prudent, transparent, fair, kind and just to all manner of people which enabled him propel the institution to the pedestal of greatness it has been placed today.
The Governor said this has brought pride to the Government and people of Plateau State and demonstrates the capacity of the citizens of the State to hold higher responsibilities and discharge them diligently. He wished the Vice Chancellor more years of higher service to the nation and humanity.
In a homily, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Gowok citing Bible references from 2 Kings 4:42-44; John 6:1-15; among others said Christians are supposed to be concerned about what name they acquire in every responsibility they are given rather than acquiring wealth that does not last.
Fr. Gowok however acknowledged the testimony of Prof. Maimako whom he said has been variously described as a humble, professional and honest administrator that carried people along and preferred to leave behind a good name rather than riches.
Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Rev. Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu said God gives people assignments as a way of attracting their diligence and productivity. He commended the former Vice Chancellor for returning to thank God for his tenure, an attribute that is encouraged in the Bible and obeyed by those who fear God and acknowledge his love for them.
Prof. Maimako in a remark expressed gratitude to God for lifting him up from a humble background and entrusting him with a huge responsibility such as the leadership of one of the prominent Federal Universities in Nigeria.
He thanked both the Management, staff and students of the University of Jos for supporting and challenging him to give his best in the last five years. Maimako also expressed deep appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Lalong, Minister of Education, among others for backing him throughout his tenure.
Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Gray Ejikeme described the era of Prof. Maimako as very productive and inspiring, with tangible academic and physical development results that have made teaching and research easier.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 25th July 2021.
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