GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS APC STAKEHOLDERS MEETING AHEAD OF WARD CONGRESSES

Ahead of the ward congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has called on members of the party in the State to come together and ensure a peaceful and smooth conduct that will further strengthen the party.

Governor Lalong while addressing the stakeholders in Jos, said the ward congress elections are meant to give the party a stronger foundation for the consolidation of its successes in the State and across the country.

He called on members to be transparent and conduct themselves in a manner that will build harmony, peace and equity among members and also make the party maintain its position as the largest party in the country.

The Governor advised the members to abide by the guidelines for the conduct of the primaries and also ensure that all avenues for consensus are exhausted for the emergence of ward officials. Where such is not reached, elections should be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere and without any rancour.

Lalong urged those saddled with the task of conducting the elections to ensure that only registered members are allowed to participate in the process.

Acting Caretaker Chairman of the APC in Plateau State said the stakeholders meeting is meant to prepare the members for the task ahead which is very crucial. According to him, the party is working to ensure that all arrangements are done on time to provide for a smooth exercise.

He said lessons have been learnt from the recently conducted Local Government primaries as aggrieved persons are being heared by the reconciliation committee.

Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase appealed to the stakeholders and party officials to be fair to all the members of the party who are aspiring for offices during the ward congresses.

Also contributing, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly Saleh Shehu Yipmong expressed optimism that the party will come out of the process stronger because of the leadership of the Governor who has been fair to all and always willing to lead by example.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th July 2021

GOVERNOR LALONG FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS AT EID EL-KABIR

As muslims in Plateau State join other faithfuls across the world to mark Eid-el-Kabir, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed warm felicitations and admonished them to embrace the lessons of the exercise and work for a better society.

Governor Lalong particularly described the growing spirit of tolerance and religious harmony in Plateau State as a welcome development which he said was enhancing confidence and improving the economy.

He said the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir presents another opportunity for the Muslim community to reach out to indigent members of society and people of other faiths by extending the blessings of the moment.

On security, the Governor expressed happiness that religiously-motivated insecurity has been largely tackled in Plateau State, saying attention now is on criminality that borders on vices such as banditry, kidnapping, destruction of crops and livestock as well as attacks on innocent citizens.

This he said the Government is fighting with all its might to overcome as it has recently procured 200 security motorcycles and 50 patrol vans to boost the capacity of security agencies to deal with crimes in all parts of the State.

The Governor also commended security agencies for working round the clock to secure the State before, during and after the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th July 2021

GOVERNOR LALONG SHOWERS MILLIONS ON PLATEAU CONTINGENT TO EDO 2020; DIRECTS HOSTING OF PLATEAU SPORTS FESTIVAL

It was a night of jubilation at the Banquet Hall of the New Government House, Little Rayfield as Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong hosted the State Contingent to the National Sports Festival, Edo 2020 where he doled out cash gifts to the athletes who won medals and their coaches.

Governor Lalong said their efforts at the games were worth celebrating and remains a source of pride which reinforces the rich sporting history of Plateau State.

He said “After intensive competition at the 12-day National Sports Fiesta in Edo State, Plateau contingent took the 13th position and came home with 37 medals comprising of 8 gold, 13 silver, and 16 bronze. Although our aim was to emerge top, we are nevertheless proud of the efforts of our contingent who gave their best. I congratulate the athletes, coaches and other supporting staff for making us proud as the second best team in the North and the best in the North Central.”

Lalong then showered the athletes and their coaches with cash gifts by announcing that “all gold medalists will receive the sum of 1 million Naira each; Silver Medalists 700 Thousand Naira each; and Bronze Medalists 500 Thousand Naira each. Medal winning Coaches will also receive a flat rate of 300 Thousand Naira each; while other athletes will get ‘Thanks for Coming’ to be delivered by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development.”

The Governor said his administration is determined to continue to develop sports particularly by developing grassroots sports which identifies, and projects future stars. He directed the Commissioners for Sports, Education as well as Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs to work together in restoring and reinvigorating the various school competitions, community games and other engagements that have huge benefits for talent discovery.

“I want the situation where each year, we should put together our own version of Plateau Sports Festival where we can comprehensively identify, harness and package our sporting talents who can go out to fly the flag of the State. This will be a springboard for their journey to the global stage” he said.

Commissioner for sports Mr. Victor Lapan praised the Lalong administration, which has continued to pay attention to developing sporting talents particularly at the grassroots through various youth programmes that discover, groom and showcase hidden potentials. According to him, since assuming office, Governor Lalong has sponsored Plateau sportsmen and women to various Championships and Tournaments which resulted in winning a total of 170 gold; 157 silver; and 170 bronze medals.

Lapan said the Lalong Rescue Administration has not lonely emphasised prioritization in project implementation, but has also opened its doors to the private sector to continue partnering with Government by sponsoring various sporting events and assisting in developing facilities.

Team Captain Ifeoma Juliet said the contingent was overwhelmed by the magnanimity of the Governor who surprised the athletes with such handsome financial gifts.

She appealed to the Governor to look at other issues of the welfare and logistics of the athletes, assuring that they will do more to deliver more victories to the State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th July 2021

GAGDI DISTRIBUTES #31 MILLION WORTH OF RAMS, RICE AND CASH AS SALLAH PACKAGES. WISHES MUSLIM COMMUNITY A HAPPY EID-EL-KABIR

In his usual tradition of reaching out to his constituents with packages during festivities, the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has distributed one trailer load of 50kg rice, 332 rams and #10 million cash to Muslims in his constituency as Sallah package to commemorate the Eid-el-kabr celebration.

Personally supervising the distribution of the items in Jos and Dengi on Sunday and Monday 17th and 18th July, 2021 respectively, the lawmaker maintains that he is determined to meet the needs of his constituents in all aspects of their lives, adding that giving out such packages at such moments of religious festivity will help in no mean ways in ameliorating the plights of some downtrodden families in the society.

The lawmaker said he is really perturbed by hardships people are faced with in their daily lives, with some hardly having a meal on their tables in a whole day. Distributing such items, he said, will definitely put smiles on some faces; which is why he has made it a duty to embark on such activity during every festive period, regardless of its financial burden on him.

Religious leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders, politicians youth groups, associations and women groups all benefited from the lawmaker’s benevolence.

60 Village heads and 106 non-salaried ward heads in Kanam LGA benefitted cash and rams Sallah packages, while Imams of 245 mosque in the local government area received cash packages ranging from 10k to 20k each.

All the ward excos of APC in the 20 state wards in Kanam local government area were given 30k per ward, whereas the LGA excos got rice and rams plus 10k cash packages per exco.

115 chambers in Dengi got 1 bag of rice and 10k each, while persons living with disabilities were also generously considered in the lawmaker’s generosity.

The atmosphere in Dengi, Kanam LG headquarters was in a frenzy mood as people from all walks of life were seen trooping in and out of the lawmaker’s residence with their Sallah packages.

Gagdi uses the opportunity to congratulate Muslim faithfuls on the celebration of EID-EL-KABIR and urges them to celebrate in unity, peace, love and forgiveness to one another.

Gagdi Media Team

NORTHERN GOVERNORS SALLAH MESSAGE

The Northern Governors Forum is felicitating with all the Muslim Ummah and Nigerians on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State in a statement says that the occasion calls for sober gratitude to God and more prayers for God’s protection and deliverance of the nation from its current challenges.

Lalong said the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir stresses the call for sacrifice by Nigerians particularly leaders who have been saddled with the responsibility for managing the affairs of the nation and ensuring that unity, peace, justice and development is achieved.

He said Nigerians are a largely loving and peaceful people who have respect for one another irrespective of their differences. Despite the activities of a few that are desperate to propagate a negative narrative of discord and acrimony, the Governor said most Nigerians are tolerant and compassionate.

According to him, this realization has made the Northern Governors Forum to intensify synergy and collaboration with stakeholders and engagement with citizens in addressing the security challenges of the nation that are prevalent in the region and a major source of concern to all.

He said the situation cannot be allowed to bring the citizens to despair and hopelessness as no tough situation is permanent and above redemption, urging the faithful and all Nigerians to remain steadfast in working and praying for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria and extending God’s blessings with each other irrespective of religious, tribal, political or other affiliations.

The Northern Governors Forum also used the occasion to congratulate the National Assembly for passing the long waited Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which will facilitate the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas resources in other parts of the country the economic benefit of the entire nation.

They wish the nation a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum,
19th July 2021.

NDE VICTOR DAVID DIMKA fsi CONGRATULATES AND REJOICES WITH THE ENTIRE MUSLIM UMMAH ON THE CELEBRATION OF EID-EI-ADHA :

Nde Victor David Dimka fsi congratulates and rejoices with the entire Muslim Ummah on the celebration of the Eid El-Adha.

Nde Victor David Dimka fsi uses this medium to stress the need for sober reflection and prayers as we continue to concentrate on what unites us and build bridges of unity and hope.

Nde Victor David Dimka fsi wishes the entire Muslim Ummah well as they celebrate this important day.

DVD Media Team

PRESS RELEASE

ALPHA JET AIRCRAFT CRASHES IN ZAMFARA STATE, PILOT RESCUED

On 18 July 2021, at about 12.45 pm, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft, returning from a successful air interdiction mission between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna State, came under intense enemy fire which led to its crash in Zamfara State. Luckily, the gallant pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, successfully ejected from the aircraft. Using his survival instincts, the pilot, who came under intense ground fire from the bandits, was able to evade them and sought refuge in nearby settlements awaiting sunset. Using the cover of darkness and his phone set for navigation, Flight Lieutenant Dairo was able to elude several bandits’ strongholds and maneuvered his way to a Nigerian Army Unit, where he was finally rescued.

It is instructive to note that upon receipt of the news of the crash, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, had directed that all efforts must be emplaced to rescue the pilot. Accordingly, NAF Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and helicopter gunships provided close air support to NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops who were able to locate the crash site and the pilot’s parachute, while also combing nearby locations for any sign of the pilot. It is gladdening to note that while in hiding, Flight Lieutenant Dairo confirmed that the presence of NAF aircraft within the vicinity of the crash site helped in scaring the bandits who were after him, thus enabling him to find refuge and escape to a safe location.

It is important to also recall that only recently, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, had directed the Armed Forces of Nigeria to do all it takes to flush out criminal elements in Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States. It is in fulfilment of this directive that the NAF, in conjunction with surface forces, has in the last 2 weeks mounted intensive day and night air interdiction operations against bandits and their hideouts, especially in these 3 states. Through these intensive air operations, hundreds of bandits have been neutralized and several of their hideouts destroyed.

Despite the setback of yesterday’s crash, the NAF remains committed towards fulfilling Mr President’s mandate as well as other constitutional roles assigned to it. The willingness, readiness and tested ability of the NAF remains unshaken and unwavering as it continues to carry out its assigned roles.

Kindly bring the information to the awareness of the general public. Thank you.

Edward Gabkwet
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

19 July 2021

NDE VICTOR DAVID DIMKA fsi CONGRATULATES NDE DANJUMA NENDIK:

Nde Victor David Dimka fsi congratulates and rejoices with Nde Danjuma Nendik on his coronation as the Galadima Langshi.

Indeed the Langshi Traditional Council have seen in you great virtues and the many lives you have impacted positively,it is not a surprise that such confidence has been bestowed on you as the Galadima Langshi.

it is on the note that Nde Victor David Dimka fsi and the entire DVD Movement congratulates you.

DVD MEDIA TEAM

BUILDING MATERIALS ARRIVE ABWOR DYIS COURTESY GAGDI,
WORK TO COMMENCE IMMEDIATELY.

In line with his promise to take over the rehabilitation of the Abwor Dyis Community Town Hall, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, the Member Representating Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency has despatched building materials for the commencement of work at the construction site.

A truckload of One Hundred Bags of Cement, One Hundred and Fifty pieces of quarter rods, Fifty pieces of 12mm,Ten pieces of 16mm and a bundle of binding wires have been dropped at the site.

A truck is also billed to arrive the community immediately after the Sallah break for the conveying of other building materials such as sand to the site.

According to Rt Hon Gagdi, work will commence immediately so as to meet up with the time he promised; God willing, to deliver a quality project to the community.

He appreciated the youths of Abwor Dyis Community who were readily available to offload the materials into the warehouse and promised to guard it jealously.

GAGDI MEDIA TEAM

GOVERNOR LALONG CONDOLES WIDOW OF FORMER KADUNA DEPUTY GOVERNOR BANTEX & FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NDPHC MOHMMED MAHMOOD

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has visited the widow and children of the former Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Barnabas Bala, to comfort them and register his deep regrets over the sad incident.

The governor who visited the deceased’s residence in Abuja on Friday said the death of Late Barnabas Bala popularly known as Bantex is a personal loss to him and the people of Plateau State.

He said “He is one person that I don’t know whether to call a Kaduna or Plateau son. He spent a lot of his time in Plateau and considered it home. Even as Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, he was always passionate about happenings in Plateau State and contributed to finding solutions to many of our challenges. The same way he also came to us to see that we also collaborated with Kaduna State whenever there are challenges. I have lost a brother but I will not query God on what He has done. Bala lived a good life and I received the news with great shock”.

The deceased’s son, Mr. Banta Bala thanked the Governor for his visit and the friendship he had with his father, saying he personally saw their close relationship and also knew how the Governor supported his late father and also showed true friendship even during this difficult time.

Special prayers were conducted for the family and the soul of the deceased.

Similarly, the Governor was at the residence of the Late Executive Director Legal of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) Mohammed Mahmood in Abuja to condole with the family. The Governor described the death of Mahmood as shocking and painful.

However, he said the deceased lived a life of compassion, hardwork, sincerity and commitment. He prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
16th July 2021