GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR PLATEAU CHIEF JUDGE; URGES HIM TO SUSTAIN JUSTICE AND RULE OF LAW

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has tasked the Chief Judge of Plateau State Hon. Justice David Mann to continue to reform the Judiciary in order to further deepen the rule of law and justice delivery to all.

The Governor spoke at the Special Thanksgiving service in honour of the Chief Judge held at the Church of Christ in Nations, Abbatoir Jos.

He said the appointment of the Chief Judge which was a devine order, carries along heavy burden to ensure that humanity exists in harmony and under order and tranquility.

He commended him for serving the people without fear or favour and in line with his oath of office and dictates of his calling.

Lalong also prayed God to continue to give the Chief Judge the grace to fulfill his responsibilities to the best of his abilities and for the good of the citizens.

In a Sermon, Rev. Luka Damilep dwelt on the supremacy of Christ where he said God bestowed upon him every power and authority to redeem mankind so that his purpose will be fulfilled on earth.

The Pastor appreciated the Chief Judge for being closer to God even now than when he had not attained the status of the Chief Judge. He called on members to emulate the posture of the Chief Judge by submitting to the Authority of God at all times and positions they find themselves.

Lead Pastor of the Church Rev. Chuwang Moses Gyang speaking on behalf of COCIN President appreciated the Chief Judge of Plateau State for not allowing his position to take him away from the presence of God.

He commended him for also contributing to the growth of the church and participation in the spiritual and physical rejuvenation of members.

Grand Children of the Judge were dedicated where their father Barr. Peres Mann said it is thing of Joy to celebrate the grace of God upon his family for perfect healing of the children whom at delivery were discovered to have some medical challenges.

The Chief Judge Thanked God for the grace given him to rise to the rank of a Chief Judge in journey that started way back in 1983 as a Magistrate.

He appreciated the Governor, Speaker and all other Nigerians that have contributed to his professional growth and have supported him to discharge his duties with fairness and justice.

Donations were made towards completion of the Church auditorium with the Governor, Chief Judge and other invited guests participating.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
24th October 2022.

TINUBU, SHETTIMA, LALONG IN KANO; MEET KANNYWOOD AND APC SUPPORT GROUPS

As part of his visit to Kano, Presidential Candidate of the APC Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima, and the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong have met with top entertainers from Kannywood as well as all Kano APC Support Groups.

During the meeting with the Support Groups held at the Indoor Sports Complex Kofar Mata, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his delight at the enthusiasm and support demonstrated by the support groups who mobilised in thousands to receive him and his delegation.

He said his passion to serve Nigeria will change the lives of the people positively in all sectors as outlined in his manifesto recently unveiled entitled “Renewed Hope”.

Tinubu described the Support Groups as key to the victory of the APC at the polls and said he had no doubt that they will work assiduously to ensure that Kano delivers huge votes for the APC.

He thanked Governor Abdullahi Ganduje for planning the visit which he said represents a test of the campaigns that will soon kick off officially.

DG APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong also elated with the huge turnout of supporters from all parts of Kano said the APC is clearly the party on ground in the largest voting State of the country which confirms its leadership in Nigerian politics.

He said with what Governor Ganduje and the support groups have demonstrated ahead of the official flag off of the Presidential Campaigns, APC will sweep the votes of Kano as well as other parts of the country.

He described the support groups as the foot soldiers of the APC who will be adequately mobilised and supported to take the message of hope and renewal of Nigeria by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to all the nooks and crannies of the State.

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said Kano is set to deliver the highest votes to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu not only because it is an APC stronghold, but because of the passion they have for the candidate who is the most qualified.

He said Tinubu has the experience and track record of performance which is evident in Lagos, the commercial capital of the country.

When events shifted to the Coronation Hall at the Government House Kano, it was a gathering of top entertainers from the northern part of the country.

Under the umbrella of Kannywood, the film stars, musical artistes and other performers put up various presentations to affirm their support for the APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Veteran film actor Sani Muazu and the Chairman Khalid Musa said Kannywood has chosen to go with Tinubu and Shettima and will therefore be available to participate in the campaigns throughout the Northern part of the country and elsewhere.

They requested that Kannywood be given a slot in the Presidential Campaign Council under the entertainers so as to enable them concentrate on the area they have dominance which will be more effective in the long run.

DG APC Presidential Campaign Council Governor Simon Bako Lalong who responded on behalf of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the candidate has approved the request of Kannywood and will also ensure that they have a hub for their activities once elected into office.

He announced a donation of 50million naira to Kannywood and appreciated their show of love and support which was captured in the various performances they staged.

Governor Ganduje while thanking Kannywood for the night of glamour said the APC has done well in Kano which makes it an attractive brand that the highest artistes in the Northern region could identify with.

The Governor assured them that with Tinubu as President, Nigeria will witness tremendous progress and also usher in a new phase of progress for the entertainment industry in Nigeria and in particular the North.
The APC Presidential Campaign and his team had earlier met with leaders of some religious groups including Tijjaniyya Sect, Ahlus Sunnah, Kadiriyya Movement, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and DG, APC Presidential Campaign Council.
24th October 2022.

“WE WILL DELIVER VICTORY FOR ASIWAJU”, GOVERNOR LALONG, DG APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL DECLARES

Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has disclosed that the APC will run a clean campaign based on issues rather than propaganda and falsehood.

Lalong who was speaking during official inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council and unveiling of the Action Plan by President Muhammadu Buhari said the APC is poised for victory and will therefore not be distracted by toxic campaigns no matter the provocation.

The DG said the PCC is elated by the zeal and desire of party members across the nation and the diaspora to serve in one position or the other during the campaigns, explaining that the PCC devised a strategy to ensure that everyone is captured across the various levels of the party structure.

He said “with the blessings of Mr. President and the endorsement of the Party and our Candidate, we have chosen to carry out a bottom-up approach to the campaigns. In other words, members will work to deliver the party and its candidates from the unit to the national level and not the other way round. Therefore, we have carefully planned the structure to give roles to all members from the Unit, Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal, Regional and Federal Levels. That way, we are sure of not only getting everyone on board, but also able to easily track the roles played by each member in the campaign process. At the end of the day, we can conveniently address any challenge and even reward excellence while harvesting maximum votes. For the PCC, the days of people flying letters in Abuja while work suffers at the grassroots is over”.

The Director General said the PCC was aware that the composition of the leadership and membership of the various Committees may not have satisfied the yearnings of everyone but everything possible has been done to come up with a list that captures virtually every interest. The structure adopted will give room for those whose names do not appear, to be given roles at the Regional, Zonal, State Local Government, Ward and Unit levels. That way, everyone is captured in the campaigns.

“Our campaigns will therefore be issue-based and devoid of propaganda or falsehood. We shall tell the electorate what our party has done and also remind them of the enviable records set by our Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima during their previous assignments. They have demonstrated the capacity, experience, composure, exposure and acceptance to take Nigeria to greater heights from May 29th 2023”.

National Chairman of the APC Abdullahi Adamu appealed to all party faithful to be committed to the task ahead and remain focused on the goal of ensuring that APC retains power at the Federal and State levels.

He said since no army goes to war fragmented, the task ahead requires a lot of sacrifices by members of the PCC and the entire party structure. He urged them to put aside personal or sectional interests and focus on the important goal which is to win the elections with an unprecedented wide margin in the history of elections in Nigeria.

In his remark, Vice Presidential running mate Senator Kashim Shettima said the APC remains the party with the best intentions for uniting and developing Nigeria into a great nation that meets up its potentials.

APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu while speaking on his plans for Nigeria said he brings hope and renewal as he will give the nation the leadership that will focus on assembling the best minds and giving them the support and direction to confront the challenges of the country head on.

In unveiling his manifesto entitled “Renewed Hope”, the APC Presidential Candidate said President Muhammadu Buhari has done a lot to take Nigeria higher in areas such as education, security, agriculture, infrastructure among others.

These he said will recieve a boost whenever he comes on board as he will tackle insecurity frontally by ensuring that no part of Nigeria is threatened by bandits and other criminals.

Asiwaju said he will work hard to unite Nigeria and ensure that justice, equity and fairness prevails irrespective of the faith, tribe, religion and other considerations of the citizens.

He thanked APC supporters and Nigerians for their overwhelming show of love and support demonstrated towards him since he emerged the party’s Candidate.

President Muhammadu Buhari while inaugurating the Council said he was happy to be at the forefront of the campaign as the future of Nigeria is safer with the APC.

He said the 2023 General elections is as important as the one that brought the party to power in 2015 hence the need for party members to work hard in ensuring that the APC wins at all levels.

He described Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a visionary leader whose political journey has been full of success and turnaround just as it was recorded in Lagos during his government and in the subsequent administrations of his successors.

While congratulating the party members and candidates of the party at various levels, the President commended the spirit of unity and oneness demonstrated by other aspirants who donated their structures and other facilities to those who emerged as candidates.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the
DG, APC Presidential Campaign Council & Governor, Plateau State.

21st October 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES DR. POKOP BUPWATDA OVER APPOINTMENT AS CMD JUTH

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Dr. Pokop Bupwatda over his appointment as the Chief Medical Director of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Governor Lalong who received the new JUTH CMD at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja said he was delighted that the appointment of Dr. Pokop was based on merit and his track record of service in the hospital and throughout his medical career.

Lalong oberved that Dr. Pokop has built a good relationship with his colleagues across various fields of the medical profession and has demonstrated competence and capacity in managing human and material resources.

While wishing him a successful tenure and God’s wisdom to run the hospital and take it to greater heights, Lalong charged him to critically evaluate the current state of the hospital and work towards improving efficiency, quality service delivery and capacity building for staff among others.

He said as the foremost tertiary health institution in Plateau State, it is important that JUTH continues to build more synergy with State-owned and private health institutions as a way of improving the health of the citizens.

He reminded him that the President recently approved a National Orthopedic Hospital for North Central to be cited in Jos as well as a Federal Medical Centre Wase. He also told him that the plans by the Plateau State University Bokkos to commence a Faculty of Medical Sciences which will also lead to the take off of a Teaching Hospital will greatly benefit from the partnership and experience of JUTH.

Lalong assured him of his support and asked him to also see to do his best in ensuring that the National Cancer Centre recently approved by the President to be domiciled in JUTH takes off and becomes the reference point for cancer care in Nigeria and beyond.

The Governor also appreciated the support of the Minister of Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire and Board Members of the hospital.

Dr. Pokop Bupwatda had earlier thanked the Governor for his support and recommendation towards his appointment saying he will not disappoint him and the people of Plateau State and Nigerians at large.

He assured him that his leadership will focus on building capacity, research and motivating the workforce towards effective service delivery and excellence.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th October 2022.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FELICITATE WITH GEN. GOWON AT 88

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with elderstatesman and former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon on his 88th birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message of felicitation described Gen. Gowon as one of the most refined and patriotic leaders that Nigeria has produced.

Lalong said Gen. Gowon apart from fighting to keep Nigeria one, has remained a father to the nation many years after leaving office and continues to support successive administrations through prayer, counsel and strategic engagement towards addressing the nation’s challenges.

He said as an elderstateman, Gen. Gowon has devoted his time, energy and resources in mobilising help for the less privileged in society just as he has mobilised funds and attracted the attention of local and global partners to tackling diseases, illiteracy, poverty and hunger among others.

Governor Lalong noted that through the Yakubu Gowon Foundation, the former Military Leader has touched the lives of the most vulnerable persons in society by bringing succour to their plight and ensuring that the attention of Government, donor agencies and non governmental organisations is drawn to neglected but important issues.

The Northern Governors Forum Chairman specifically appreciated the role that Gen. Gowon has played in his interventions with members of the Forum towards addressing the issues of insecurity, peace, unity and religious harmony within the Northern Region and the entire country.

He said Gowon epitomises humility, humanity, and goodwill as he has remained apolitical, but always interested in supporting causes that work for the interest of the people.

The former Nigerian leader was also commended for instituting and sustaining a national spiritual intercession program “Nigeria Prays” which has relentlessly prayed for the unity, progress and stability of Nigeria over the years.

While wishing him many more years of good health, wisdom and God’s protection, Lalong said the former Head of State will continue to remain a worthy Ambassador for the region and Nigeria with his sterling qualities that attract goodwill from within and outside Nigeria.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum.
19th October 2022.

DG APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL, SIMON BAKO LALONG RECEIVES EU DELEGATION

Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong on Tuesday 18th October 2022 recieved a European Union Delegation at the Tinubu Campaign Headquarters in Abuja.

The EU Delegation led by Naret Hricka were at the APC PCC as part of their engagements with political parties and stakeholders preparatory to the deployment of an election observer mission for the 2023 General elections.

Hricka told Governor Lalong that the EU Election Observer Mission is primarily going to be in the country to observe the conduct of the elections without any form of interference.

She assured the DG that the team will operate according to the guidelines of INEC and laws of Nigeria in the spirit of partnership for sustaining democracy in the country and globally.

While receiving the team, DG APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the APC as a party was open to receiving and working with all foreign and domestic observers who are considered as key partners in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

He said the APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a democrat who plays by the rules and believes that politics is about the people whose will and choices must be respected.

He said together with his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima, the APC Presidential Candidate Bola Tinubu has continued to reach out to the electorate across the nation with the message of hope and restoration, while shunning every act and utterance that negates the fundamental principles of democracy.

He told the team that the APC led administration under President Muhammadu Buhari has assured time and again that elections will be free, fair and credible as part of its legacy to deepening democracy and building confidence among the people.

The DG highlighted the passage of the Electoral Act and its signing by President Muhammadu Buhari as one of the key actions that validates his commitment to ensuring democratic growth and good governance.

Lalong also told the team that the APC has consistently abided by the outcome of elections even when it loses to other parties.

The DG received the EU Delegation in company of the DD Operations Adams Osiohmole, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu- Director, Stakeholders and Hon. Uju Chinenye, Hon Abiodun Faleke, PCC Secretary and Hon Yakubu Dati, Chief of Staff to the DG.
The European Union Delegation was led by Naret Hricka, Media expert, Hannah Roberts, Political and Electronics Experts, Frederik Sohumann, Wette Bakken and Osaro Odemwingie.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and DG APC Presidential Campaign Council.
18th October 2022.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

Sloganeering and symbolism are very effective and critical tools used by marketing experts to attract and retain the attention of their targeted audience. They are conceived with a view to ingraining messages into the memories of the targeted audience through catchy or clever appellation.

As such, it is not by sheer happenstance that the most globally recognizable products and services such as the iconic Coca-Cola had ‘Coke is it’ as its slogan; much the same way that Nike–the foremost sportswear firm–had ‘Just do it’ while Citibank had ‘Citi never sleeps’ and Zenith Bank has ‘In your best interest’ as their slogans at one point or the other in the development process of the brands.

A critical study of the slogans and symbols would reveal that they conveyed unambiguous messages to their target audiences hence the products and services became famous.

When you juxtapose the art of selling products and services in the world of commerce and industry with the arena of politics and politicking, you would realize that trying to convince a constituent to vote for a particular politician entails identifying a common issue/cause and then marketing the leadership and competence qualities of the candidate that would provide solutions to the identified challenges to the electorate.

Like what obtains in the commerce and industry space, it involves the crafting of slogans and the design of symbols that would best deliver the vision and mission of the politician succinctly.

‘GAGDI WUS GAK’ slogan emerged when Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi paid a surprise visit to Tuwan in Kanke LGA on October 4, 2022.

Being Ngas in origin, ‘GAGDI WUS GAK’, when translated in Hausa, means ‘GAGDI WUTA KAWAI’. Impliedly, it is his supporters’ call for him not to backpedal in his second term bid no matter the challenges until he arrives at the National Assembly in 2023.

Being fanned and propelled by the majority of his constituents, it is a confirmation that their faith in him has never waned; rather it is increasing daily. This signals the much-anticipated victory for this quintessential legislator ahead of the 2023 election.

As Gagdi’s re-election bid continues to gain momentum and acceptability in the constituency, it is our collective prayer that; may God makes it easy for him in 2023 and beyond. Amen.
Our dear Gagdi, WUS-WUS GAK only to stop at the Green Chamber again!

GOVERNOR LALONG OPTIMISTIC OF A GREATER NIGERIA AS APC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU ADDRESSES NORTHERN GROUPS

Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau Simon Bako Lalong says there is hope that Nigeria will continue to remain united and prosperous under a leadership that gives equal opportunities for Nigerians to thrive.

Governor Lalong who spoke at the presentation of APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to Northern Groups at the Arewa House Kaduna on Monday said Nigeria needs a leadership that is focused on sustaining the legacies of the founding fathers of Nigeria such as Sir Ahmadu Bello.

He said as Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, he understands the importance of the opportunity provided to Presidential Candidates to speak to Northern interest groups as a way of assuring them of the plans to improve the region and the nation at large.

He said Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is one of the aspirants that represents the ideals of the founding fathers of the North and the nation because of his ability to unite people and embrace diversity while pushing for excellence.

Earlier, APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu had outlined his vision for Nigeria where he touched on critical areas such as education, power and energy, human resource development, security, agriculture and national cohesion among others.

He said if elected President, the North should be assured of robust impact on all areas through creative thinking and implementation of policies that will tackle corruption, fight poverty, improve the economy and create jobs for the youths.

Tinubu also used the opportunity to appreciate the role played by Northern Governors within the APC under the leadership of Governor Simon Lalong who insisted on power shifting to the Southern part of Nigeria during the National Convention of the party where he emerged as the standard bearer.

Kaduna State Governor Nasir Elrufai welcomed Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to Kaduna and told him that the North does not pretend or fail to keep its promises.

This he said is evident from the stand taken by the Northern Governors under the leadership of Governor Simon Bako Lalong during the APC Convention where they kicked against attempts to see the emergence of a Northerner as Presidential Candidate.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
17th October 2022.

GAGDI ROUNDS

For the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, it was a robust 6-day engagement in Washington DC, USA, where he was engrossed in a World Bank/International Monetary Fund, IMF, workshop aimed at ameliorating the economic quagmires of the world nations.

Gagdi, who was among the Four (4) man Nigeria’s parliamentary delegation at the World Bank/IMF sponsored event, said the experience garnered and the privilege to present Nigeria in the world event has broadened his horizon on viable steps to alleviate poverty among Nigerians; more particularly, the downtrodden masses of the communities of PKK.

The workshop spanned through Monday 10th to Saturday 16th October, 2022.

The workshop, which had various topics peculiar to the myriad of problems bedeviling third world nations and the entire globe took place at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC, had participants in attendance ranging from World Central Bank Governors, world finance ministers, as well as parliamentarians across many European and African countries.

Gagdi is due to land at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos on Sunday, October 17, he is expected to proceed to his constituency to continue his political engagements, haven been out of the shores of the country for two weeks.

Speaking through a video chat, Gagdi said he had cause to travel out of the country for official engagements to many countries of the globe, but he had never found any of those engagements to be of direct benefit to his constituents than this; having gained more insights into new global avenues to alleviating poverty among downtrodden citizens.

This, he said, forms the crux of his representation of the people of PKK, which he has remained committed to.

GAGDI STRATEGIC MEDIA TEAM
October 16th, 2022

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE GOVERNOR FAYEMI OVER A SUCCESSFUL TENURE

The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated outgoing Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum Dr. Kayode Fayemi for a successful tenure and a record of achievements.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said Governor Fayemi discharged his duties with passion, commitment and excellence during his tenure.

He said Fayemi carried out many people-oriented projects that impacted the citizens of Ekiti State and put the State on the path of progress.

This he said assisted in ensuring a smooth transition with the emergence of Hon. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji who he hopes will carry on with the building process began by Fayemi.

Lalong also said the former Chairman of the Governors Forum took the body to a higher level by mobilising and galvanising all Governors irrespective of their party affiliations towards addressing the security, economic and political challenges of the nation.

He recalled among other things how Governors Fayemi worked assiduously with his colleagues to collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling the impact of Corona virus pandemic, global economic crisis, insurgency, and other national issues.

The Chairman also commended Governor Fayemi for also ensuring that State Governments partner with development agencies towards addressing health, education, empowerment and energy challenges among others for the benefit of their citizens.

While wishing him well in his future endeavours, Lalong assured him that the Northern Governors Forum will continue to leverage on his experience, wisdom and knowledge in working for the interest of its people and Nigerians at large.

Meanwhile, the Northern Governors Forum has congratulated new Ekiti State Governor Hon. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as he assumes office, urging him to continue in the footsteps of his predecessor by pursuing practical development and also building bridges across the nation. He assured him of the willingness of the Forum to collaborate with him.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum.
16th October 2022.