DENMARK TO SUPPORT PLATEAU STATE IN REVIVAL OF JIB/BARC FARMS

The Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria Jesper Kamp has expressed his country’s desire to work with Plateau State Government towards reviving the Jos International Breweries (JIB) and Brewery Agro and Research Company (BARC FARMS).

The Danish envoy gave the indication when he received Governor Simon Lalong who paid him a visit at the Embassy in Abuja.

He said his Mission will work to facilitate the interface between Plateau State and Danish investors who have a lot of experience in agriculture, Brewery and manufacturing among others.

He said since Danish investors were involved in setting up JIB and BARC Farms which attained national and international many years ago, there is a strong basis for his country to join hands with the Plateau State Government to revive the two companies for Job creation and employment.

On livestock business and dairy production, the Ambassador said his country has enermous expertise in modern ranching practices which it has already committed to share with Nigeria through an MOU that was signed between the two countries.

He said his Mission is particularly interested in joining hands with the Plateau State Government towards actualising the National Livestock Transformation Program. He said having done a pilot ranching program in Kaduna State, the next destination is Plateau where the weather, land, and other incentives are conducive for livestock and dairy business.

Governor Lalong told the Ambassador that his visit was primarily to seek collaboration towards revival of the two moribund companies which have a huge potential for job creation and poverty alleviation.

He said the State Government acquired BARC Farms which was sold many years ago and still maintains majority shares in JIB which it is ready to divest to core investors.

He said the Government has also provided the basic infrastructure, security and incentives for investors, and is willing to go into public private partnerships where necessary to be able to achieve its objectives of boosting the economy of the State.

He expressed excitement of the possibility of Danish companies keying into the National Livestock Transformation Program which will soon be implemented in Plateau State on its reserves in Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas.

The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Managing Director of the Plateau Investment and Property Development Company, Mr. Chrysogonus Yilzak and some of his aides.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
18th March 2021.

Operation Safe Haven Neutralizes Notorious Armed Robber Terrorizing Jengre Bassa LGA, Plateau State

In line with the operational directives and continuous determination to step up the operations against criminal element and restore lasting peace across the Joint Operational Areas, Operation SAFE HAVEN has neutralized one of the notorious armed robbers operating within the Joint Operational Areas.

Operatives of Operation Safe Haven on night Patrol having received a distress call at about 11:45pm on Wednesday 17 March 2021. The distress call involved an incident of armed robbery incident at Kutaya Street, Jengre Area of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. The troops swiftly mobilized to the scene, where a Shop owner, one Mr Reuben was robbed of his personal belongings.

In the process, one of the armed robbers was neutralized, while the other 2 armed robbers escaped with gunshot injuries.

Items recovered include 1 AK 47, 1 Fabricated Riffle, 1 Automatic Pistol, 16 of 9mm rounds ammunition and a Cell Phone.

The corpse of the killed in action armed robber has been deposited at the Plateau State Hospital, as the gallant troops are still intensifying the search of the escaped robbers.

News of the breakthrough was made known by the Commander of the Security Outfit, Maj. Gen. Dominic Onyemulu.

Operation SAFE HAVEN reassured the general public of its determination to bringing lasting peace across its Joint Operational Areas and is soliciting for support and cooperation of the general public.

US AMBASSADOR VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG

United States Ambassador to Nigeria Mary Beth Leonard has visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Rayfield Jos to reiterate the commitment of her country to supporting Plateau State in areas of health, peace, security and economy.

The Ambassador told Governor Lalong that she was in Plateau State for the Launch of the HIV Treatment Surge Light Campaign aimed at further reducing the burden of people living with the virus as well as preventing further infections.

She said the partnership between the United States Government through its agencies such as the USAID, APIN, PEPFAR will continue especially now that the world is dealing with other health challenges such as COVID-19.

She also assured the Governor that the United States will continue to deepen its support for peace building and dialogue in the State in support of the restoration of substantial peace in Plateau.

Governor Lalong appreciated the visit of the Ambassador to Plateau State which he said reaffirms the commitment of the United States to supporting various initiatives for development in the State.

He specifically thanked the United States for the support towards establishing the Plateau Peace Building Agency which has become a model in the country.

On HIV Aids, the Governor said a lot is being done to ensure that those infected have access to treatment while those who are not infected remain negative.

He assured Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard that the efforts of the US Government in tackling HIV and other diseases will not be allowed to waste as the State is making huge investments in hospitals, personnel and infrastructure.

He also told the Ambassador that Plateau State remains a viable investment destination for agriculture, tourism, solid minerals, technology and human capital development and said US investors are welcome.

Lalong said the delayed Plateau State Economic and Investment Summit which was halted by COVID-19 will still hold hopefully by the end of the year.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
17th March 2021.

WHY I STOPPED PRESENTATION OF PETITION DURING PLENARY – DEPUTY SPEAKER

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, said his decision to prevent a member of the House, Mark Gbilah, from laying a petition last Thursday “was strictly based on rules of parliamentary procedures”.

The deputy speaker disclosed this in a statement by his media aide, Umar Puma, on Monday.

Mr Wase was reacting to a trending video, showing him preventing Mr Gbilah from laying a petition while he (Wase) was presiding during plenary session.

Mr Gbillah, who represents Gwer East-Gwer West constituency of Benue State, was presenting a petition by a socio-cultural association based in the United States but was disallowed from doing so by the deputy speaker.

The lawmaker explained the synopsis of the petition that some indigenes of his state had been sacked from their ancestral lands.

The video had since been trending with many Nigerians criticising the deputy speaker for not allowing Nigerians in diaspora to air their views.

Defence
But Mr Wase said the House could not grant him the leave to present the petition “because the petitioners were faceless and based outside the shores of Nigeria”.

Explaining his action further on Monday, the deputy speaker alleged that the reports in circulation had been “doctored, slanted and bent to give political and ethnic coloration to an event that was otherwise strictly based on parliamentary procedures”.

He said he prevented the lawmaker from presenting the petition “based on the identity(ies) of the petitioners and not based on the fact that they are based outside Nigeria.

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“Whilst it would have been unnecessary to respond to such a show of clear mischief by mischief-makers with malicious intents, it has, however, become imperative to clear the air on the matter in order to educate the ignorant and reassure the enlightened,” Mr Wase said.

“To set the records straight, let it be categorically stated that the crux of the encounter between the Deputy Speaker, presiding as Speaker, and Honourable Mark Gbillah was on the LEGAL IDENTITY (and flowing from that, the LOCUS) of the Petitioners and not on the whether Nigerians in diaspora have a right to petition the House or not.

“The House of Representatives belongs to all Nigerians and can be accessed by all Nigerians wherever they may reside. However, like other arms of Government, (such as Courts of Law), Petitioners must follow laid down rules and procedures in presenting their petitions to the House, otherwise there would be lawlessness, disorder and chaos.”

He explained that as a rule, every petition must be presented by a sponsor on behalf of an identifiable petitioner who can either be an individual/groups of individuals or registered corporate entity.

He said, “In the current incident, the Sponsor of the Petition read the Petitioners as: ASSOCIATION OF TIVS RESIDENT IN THE UNITED STATES. For any experienced Parliamentarian, this very coinage raises a lot of technical questions. Are the Petitioners represented here in Nigeria via a Nigerian Office or a Legal Practitioner or are they totally absent from the scene? Are they registered as an Association with the Corporate Affairs Commission? If they are absent and a hearing were to be organised, who would the members of the Committee on Public Petition be addressing, questioning or interrogating? Would the Petitioners be able to give first hand witness testimony as to the issues raised in their petition?

“These and other technical complications were what the Deputy Speaker tried to interrogate, to which sufficient answers were not provided thus stalling the presentation of the Petition.”

He said he premised his action on Order 8, Rule 3, para. 5 (a)-(f) of the House rules which says, “Every petition must be signed by at least one person, followed by the addresses of the persons signing and a corporation should sign in a petition with its Common Seal.”

He said as a fourth term member of the lower legislative chamber and an old member of the committee on public petitions, he did nothing but bring to bear his experience in guiding the sponsor of the petition on the proper procedure to adopt in presenting the said petition.

“Note that the House has over the years entertained petitions from Nigerians in diaspora. However, those petitions were properly presented before the House without any ambiguity as to the identity of the petitioners or as to their locus and availability to speak to the issues raised in such Petitions,” he said.

HYPADEC BOARD VISITS PLATEAU GOVERNOR LALONG

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has challenged the Board and Management of the Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) to work assiduously towards addressing environmental and infrastructure challenges arising from hydropower generation in the country.

Governor Lalong stated this while receiving the Board and Management of the Commission who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

Lalong said the taking off of HYPADEC is a long overdue expectation that will hopefully address the suffering of the communities located in areas where hydro power is generated across the country.

He said that the neglect of the areas in the past has led to despondency and suffering which has metamorphosed into criminality and crises such as was witnessed in Kurra Falls and Gashish in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.
He advised the HYPADEC Board and Management to learn from the mistakes of similar Commissions in order to avoid the derailment of the body from its vision and mission.

The Governor reminded the team that hydropower generation started in Plateau State in the 1920s during the era of tin mining.

He assured them of the support of the Plateau State Government and the Northern Governors Forum in all their activities.

Chairman HYPADEC Governing Council Hon. Ityav Joseph Tarfa said they were at the Government House Jos, to thank Governor Lalong for his role in the takeoff of the commission both as Plateau State Governor and Chairman Northern Governors Forum.

He said the Commission will focus on its mandate and also ensure that communities where power is generated do not only get the necessary attention, but have their environmental and infrastructure needs improved.

The Commission’s delegation later visited some hydropower sites in the State.

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

NEW AG. GOC 3RD ARMOURED DIVISION VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG

The new acting GOC of the 3rd Armoured Division, Jos, Brig. Gen. Bello Abdullahi Mohammed has assured Governor Simon Bako Lalong that the officers and men of the division will do everything within their power to sustain the security and peace of Plateau State.

The new GOC gave the assurance when he visited Governor Simon Lalong at the Government House Rayfield Jos.

He said his visit was to formally present himself to the Governor having taken over from his predecessor after the recent change of leadership in the army which resulted in some postings including his deployment to the Marxwell Khobe Cantonment as GOC.

He said “I want to assure you and the people of Plateau State that we shall continue to operate professionally for sustainable peace and security in the State. We will work with other security agencies and loyal citizens to ensure that the peaceful environment in the State is improved upon. We cannot do it alone. We work with all to get the best”.

Governor Lalong while welcoming the new acting GOC said he was delighted to have Gen. Mohammed in Plateau State which has enjoyed cordial relationship with the army and other security agencies.

He said “Peace and security is our cardinal priority in Plateau State and the security forces particularly officers and men of the 3rd Armoured division have been of great assistance. As a Government, we will give you all the needed support to succeed even more than your predecessors”.

Lalong said it has been his policy to work with and open mind with every security head posted to the State for the general good of the people.

He challenged the new GOC to do his best in bringing his experience to bear so as to sustain the peace prevailing in Plateau State and also deal with criminality.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
15th March 2021

Prince Sekat, Jos

A Peoples Democratic Party’s reconciliation meeting held in Abuja on the instance of a former Senate president, Bukola Saraki ended up in a deadlock as the Ex-Chairman Hon Damishi Sango camp refused to entertain the reconciliation process “.

Our source disclosed that the Chairmanship aspirant of the PDP Hon Bitrus Kaze vehemently argued that the conduct of the congress that produced the leadership of Hon Chris Hassan led Exco was a kangaroo exercise so they should be dissolved and fresh primaries be conducted.

It was alleged that Former Governor ,Senator Jonah David Jang in that meeting has agreed that the sacked Jos South Exco should share 50-50 in the Exco and that should extended to the few LGAs with aggrieved members raising concern and claiming dominance but the two top leaders refused to sheath their swords to give peace a chance.

Meanwhile, the case filled by a faction of the People’s Democratic Party ,PDP, in Jos East Local Government Council of Plateau State led by Hon Ishaya Izam Adamu challenging ,Hon Markus Useni Nyam ,Yakubu Ashom ,Plateau state PDP, National PDP,Hon David Wayas ,Capt Munda ,INEC and Prof Maxwell Gidado has been adjourned to 23-03-2021 for ruling on objections raised by the defendants counsel ,Barr Niri Darong .

Prince Sekat, Jos

Rep. Yusuf Gagdi Urge Citizens to Ignore Purveyors of COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories as he Takes Vaccine
The Member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency today urged the Citizens not to give in to the antics of purveyors of the COVID-19 Conspiracy theories aimed at discouraging people from taking the vaccine despite the risk associated with the Virus saying the disease has adversely affected the World.

He made these known shortly after taking the vaccine today.

“I wish the World never witnessed such pandemic” Rep. Gagdi posited.

The Federal Lawmaker said as the Member representing his Federal Constituency and Nigeria at the National Assembly, it was incumbent on him to take the vaccine and encourage his Constituents and other Citizens to do same.

“If the President, Vice President, our Governor, myself and others are taking the vaccine, there is nothing wrong with the vaccine as we will not mislead the people” he said.

The Lawmaker said he will continue to accord the needed support the programmes and activities of the State Government as well as attend events whenever he is available.


Earlier the Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong flagged off the COVID-19 vaccination at the New Government House Clinic Little Rayfield Jos.

The Governor, his Wife, Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Commander Operation Safe Haven Maj. Gen. Dominic Onyemulu, Emir of Kanam HRH Alh. Muhammad Muazu, Plateau State Chairman of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, Chairman House Committee on Health Plateau State House of Assembly Hon. Daniel Nanbol Listick and others were vaccinated.




In his remarks, Governor Lalong said the day marks another important milestone in the fight against the Corona Virus Pandemic which has negatively impacted human lives in many ways.
He hinted that the commencement of the administration of the first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine today is a clear progress in tackling the disease in Plateau State.

He said as he promised severally, he is the first to take the vaccine in Plateau State not only because he is the Governor, but because of the need to show example and reassure the citizens that there is nothing to fear about the vaccine.

“I am aware of the conspiracy theories being propagated by some people particularly in the social media aimed at discouraging people from accepting the vaccines”
“Although this is almost a common pattern associated with the introduction of many vaccines in history, there is yet to be any scientific evidence of foul play on the COVID-19 vaccines being introduced” he said.

The Governor assured that the vaccine had been approved by the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organization based on global clinical trials involving 23,000 participants.

PLATEAU GOVERNOR TAKES COVID-19 VACCINE
Governor Simon Bako Lalong and his wife Mrs. Regina Lalong have taken the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19.
The Governor along with Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Chief Judge, religious and traditional rulers as well as heads of security agencies took he vaccine at the clinic of the new Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.
Below are the remarks of the Governor at the event.
REMARKS BY H.E. RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE AT THE FLAG-OFF OF VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19 HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE CLINIC, LITTLE RAYFIELD, JOS.
Protocols

1. Today marks another important milestone in our fight against the Corona Virus Pandemic which has negatively impacted our lives in many ways.
2. The commencement of the administration of the first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine today is a clear progress in tackling the disease in Plateau State.
3. As I promised severally, I am the first to take the vaccine in Plateau State not only because I am the Governor, but because of the need to show example and reassure the citizens that there is nothing to fear about the vaccine.
4. I am aware of the conspiracy theories being propagated by some people particularly in the social media aimed at discouraging people from accepting the vaccines.
5. Although this is almost a common pattern associated with the introduction of many vaccines in history, there is yet to be any scientific evidence of foul play on the COVID-19 vaccines being introduced.
6. It is important to note that the vaccine had been approved by the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organization based on global clinical trials involving 23,000 participants. In addition, Nigerian regulators such as NAFDAC evaluated the vaccines upon arrival in the country. All of these evaluations have concluded that the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective.
7. That is why as a Government, we have to work hard on the issue of sensitization and awareness among our people to ensure that the rumours and unsubstantiated conspiracy theories do not gain ground.
8. COVID-19 remains a real threat to many people not only in our State but around the country and the world at large. This is time for proactive measures rather than complacency and fear.
9. That is why even before we received our first consignment of the vaccines totaling 105,600 doses, the Government began preparations for the smooth storage, distribution and administration of the vaccines across the 17 Local Government Areas.
10. For the first phase, we have designated 102 locations where the vaccines will be administered in all the Local Government Areas of Plateau State. Those to be covered are frontline health workers, and those on essential duties.
11. The second phase will capture the elderly (50 years and above) and people with underlying illnesses. Every other eligible person will be captured in the third phase. We hope to increase the vaccination centres in the State to about 700 in subsequent phases.
12. Let me reiterate that no one will be compelled to take the vaccine as the administration is totally voluntary. However, I wish to remind our citizens that the law criminalizing the denial of COVID-19 in Plateau State is still in force. Therefore, those who want to engage in spreading conspiracy theories and mobilizing others against taking the vaccine will not be allowed.
13. I want to reassure our people that as your Governor, I will not subscribe to anything that will harm you nor affect your well-being. Rather, my number one priority is to ensure your safety and good health.
14. That is why I, His Excellency the Deputy Governor, the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Chief Judge, traditional and religious leaders, as well as heads of medical institutions in the State are taking the first doses to show that there is nothing sinister about the vaccine.
15. As a member of the Nigerian Governors Forum Committee interfacing with the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, I stand to tell you that I have followed the process religiously and asked all the possible questions on the impact of the vaccines on human beings.
16. So far, there is no evidence to suggest that there is any adverse effect on those that have taken it particularly in Nigeria. However, we must adhere to the advice of medical experts who are managing the process.
17. Let me again appeal to our religious, traditional, political and community leaders to continue to sensitise the people not only to accepting the vaccines but adhering to laid down protocols for COVID-19.
18. Taking the vaccine should not be a licence to abandoning the protocols such as wearing facemasks, observing social distancing and keeping to hygiene practices. We should not increase the risk.
19. This is more so when the vaccine supply to cover the entire population will come gradually and not at once. We have to continue to keep ourselves safe and also safeguard others.
20. It is important to state that the vaccines are absolutely free and no one should be charged for it. Anyone found to be extorting people for the vaccines will be dealt with according to the law. I encourage our citizens to register for the vaccine by visiting http://www.nphcdaict.com.ng for easier and faster scheduling for the vaccine.
21. Finally, it is my hope that while we are continuing with this vaccination, NAFDAC will give approval to the submission by the Plateau State COVID-19 Medical Research Team so that we can have our homegrown remedy for containing the pandemic.
22. I wish us all a successful vaccination exercise and look forward to taking the second dose of the vaccine to complete the process.
23. God bless Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
    Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong
    Executive Governor of Plateau State.
    15th March 2021.

MUCDA VISITS PARAMOUNT RULER,PROMISE HIM SUPPORT.

The Mupun Cultural And Development Association,MUCDA,has paid a solidarity visit to the newly appointed Acting President Pankshin/Kanke Joint Traditional Council,His Royal Highness,Da Yusuf Walle Fwangbring with assurances to offer him the much needed support to succeed in the onerous task ahead of him.

Leading a delegation of the National Executive of MUCDA,its President, Chief Pedro Ardiyel Dafur said the visit became necessary as a back up to the initial congratulatory message sent to the Mishkom along side best wishes on his appointment unto the exalted position.

He said the appointment no doubt came at the right time as bringing together the people of the two LGAs as well as resolving the various challenges bedevilling some communities in the aspects of selecting their traditional rulers can best be addressed at this time.

The MUCDA President described the Mishkom Mupun as a man with impeccable character worthy of trust stating that he will carry everyone along as he has done with the Mupun Nation.

Dafur promised that they will support him in prayers and called on the hospitable people of Pankshin and Kanke to do same saying this was shown by the recent visit of the Ngas Nation to congratulate him on the appointment.

The MUCDA President said this show of support will spur the Paramount ruler to unify the people and work towards resolving all pending issues which will give way for the emergence of a new Ngolong Ngas.

Responding, the Acting President Pankshin/Kanke Joint Traditional Council who is also the Mishkom Mupun, His Royal Highness, Da Yusuf Walle Fwangbring thanked the delegation, appreciating his subjects for always standing with him in prayers and other form of support.

He showered accolades on the leadership of MUCDA and assured that he will put the trust of the people of Pankshin and Kanke first before anything and work towards a more unified people of the areas.

He said his doors are open for engagements on best ways to move along with the people.

KENZY NGUPAR
NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY
MUCDA.
15-3-2021