*KOMSOL MOURNS AS RT. HON. GEORGE DAIKA LOSS HIS WIFE TO THE COLD HANDS OF DEATH*
*WEDNESDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2021*
Hon. Komsol Alphonsus Longgap, Reps Member Representing Mikang Shendam Qua’anpan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, yesterday Tuesday the 14th of September 2021, visited the Abuja residence of Rt. Hon. George Edward Daika, to commiserate with Daika over the demise of his wife Mrs. Anna George Daika.
Mrs. Anna George Daika passed to the great beyond on Monday 13th September 2021, in Abuja after a brief illness.
Receiving the news of her demise with topmost shock, the Reps Member recalled with nostalgia the virtues of late Mrs. Anna Daika; as a mother who represented the ideals of motherhood while alive and a pillar behind the successes of his bossom friend Rt. Hon. George Edward Daika.
Consoling his friend, Rt. Hon. George Daika, Komsol enjoins his friend to remain strong amidst this irreplaceable lose; praying that God gives him the strength to stand strong amidst this vacuum created in his life by the cold hands of death, believing that the host of angels will receive Mrs. Anna George Daika with warm reception and be kept at the right hand side of God almighty.
GOVERNOR LALONG SYMPATHIZES WITH FORMER PLATEAU SPEAKER, GEORGE DAIKA OVER LOSS OF WIFE.
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has commiserated with the former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. George Edward Daika over the demise of his wife, Mrs Ann George Daika who was called to glory recently.
Governor Lalong described as very saddening the death of Mrs. Daika who was a very strong woman with great attributes of patience, love, humility and fear of God.
He said her death is not only a great loss to her husband and children, but to many people who had benefited from her good heart and generosity.
The Governor recalled that the deceased was a great pillar of support to 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.
While urging the family to accept the sad incident as the will of God, Governor Lalong said her legacies will continue to endure as she lived a godly life and served humanity.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 15th September 2021.
Suspected Fulani herdsmen have killed 548 people in repeated attacks on Irigwe communities of Bassa local council of Plateau State in four years.
An advocacy group, Stefanos Foundation, which gave the figure in its fact-finding report on attacks on the community, said about 7,576 houses and 5,801 farms were also destroyed between 2018 and 2021.
It added that between July 30 and August 4, 2021, about 70 people were killed and over 250 houses burnt by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Its Programme Coordinator, Mark Lipdo, said the organisation was concerned about labeling Irigwe people as the perpetrator of the recent attacks on 22 travellers without a conclusive investigation or evidence.
“Sadly, these attacks are not peculiar to Irigwe communities or Plateau State alone. This situation is replicated in many communities all over the country.
“Therefore, rather than allowing conflict merchants and trouble makers take advantage of situations like this, we call for a united stand in response to this criminality,” he said.
Speaking, the President of Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Robert Dodo, alleged that there was a plot by “Fulani nihilists” to wipe out Irigwe people from their ancestral land without any intervention by those whose primary responsibility was to protect citizens.
He denied reports that the community had signed a peace accord with the Fulani, noting that the Irigwe people had no grievances against peace loving Fulani people.
Insisting that Irigwe youths were not responsible for the recent attack on 22 travellers along Rukuba road, Dodo accused the police of fueling reprisals that resulted from the unfortunate incident.
GOVERNOR LALONG PAYS LAST RESPECT TO LATE UNCLE, COL. MAIGIDA
Governor Simon Bako Lalong, First Lady Regina Lalong and members of his family were in Ny’ak, Ajikamai, Shendam LGA of Plateau State to pay last respects to his late uncle, retired Colonel Martin Maigida who died at the age of 73.
The funeral mass was held at the St. Stephen’s Catholic Church Ny’ak where Rev. Fr. Tobias Damen in a homily read from Matthew 25:31-46 and Romans 5:5-11, where he admonished Christians to be focussed on life after death rather than acquiring earthly possessions and positions as everything on earth will pass away.
He reminded the congregation that everyone will stand before God for judgement where he will give account and receive reward according to his deeds. This he said should make people do good and respect humanity and sanctity of life, rather than discriminate and act wickedly against others who are also God’s creation.
Governor Lalong in a tribute described the late Col. Martin Maigida as a fine officer, gentleman and a caring father who served his family with love and gave so much to society, particularly his immediate community, using his training as a health worker and soldier.
He recalled how the late uncle mentored them and stood in for them through generosity, sound counsel and exemplary conduct. This he said spurred many of them to aspire for greatness and also contribute to the society.
Lalong said though they are pained by the loss of the late Colonel Maigida, they are nonetheless comforted by his testimony and good legacies which will remain indelible and a source of inspiration for the younger generation.
Son of the deceased, Air Commodore Wapkerem Maigida also eulogised his late father describing him as humble, honest, godly, disciplined and patriotic. These attributes he said have been deposited in them and have propelled them towards making impact in the society.
He thanked sympathizers who paid personal visits and sent various messages of commiseration to the family.
The late Colonel Maigida was a Knight of St. Mulumba (KSM).
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 10th September 2021
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.
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
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
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.
Freelance Reporters 