Plateau to Support Idle Internet In MDAs To Provide Free Access In Public, Innovation Spaces
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong has given approval for the use of all government Internet access at off peak hours in public and innovation spaces as the State begins its new Internet 4 Innovation Policy to widen digital access to more citizens and small businesses.
Under the new deal, all Plateau State ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) are mandated to broadcast or allow Internet access when not in use to designated hotspots in order to spur positive social and economic changes among young people and struggling small businesses.

The State has significantly improved Internet access within government administrative machine as many MDAs have already deployed internet infrastructure with relatively robust access. But it is largely under-utilised after work hours.

The new move by the Lalong administration provides a framework to deliberately support a threatened ecosystem largely driven by private tech hubs and also open the digital spaces to thousands of young people in schools and training centres across the state.

New policy to spur innovations with multiplier effects


One of the goals of the Internet 4 Innovation Policy is to leverage this internet infrastructure when idle. The endgame is to take off the heavy cost of internet access to a huge and strategic number of the virile young population by about 80% or more and spur innovations with the expected multiplier effects.

As the scheme goes into operation, the Plateau State Information and Communication Development Agency (PICTDA) is expected to provide a strong security protocol for innovation hub owners and digital space managers granted such access.

Lalong, Nigeria’s ICT Governor of the Year 2020, recently launched a scheme to protect tech freelancers and software developers against harassments by security officials as part of the moves to make Plateau state a top destination for techies, innovators and digital investments.

Unaffordable Internet slowing economic growth


While Nigeria has recorded impressive internet access in the last five years, many of its young and vibrant population still struggle with unaffordable internet. Outside of major cities like Lagos and Abuja, Internet is slow, costly and unaffordable significantly stunting economic growth and potential of millions of Nigerian youths to engage in the digital economy.

Statista notes that in 2020, Nigeria had 99.05 million internet users. This figure is projected to grow to 131.7 million internet users in 2023. The internet penetration amounted to 46.6 percent of the population in as at January2021 and is set to reach 65.2 percent in 2025.27 Jan 2021.

Through the Internet 4 Innovation Policy, Plateau state wants to instigate the growth of digital innovation hubs and affordable smart spaces for work, education and social mobility.

“The Internet 4 Innovation Policy captures Governor Simon Lalong vision to build digital capacity in young people, provide limitless opportunities to encourage innovation and ultimately, make Plateau state the cost-effective destination for tech enterprises – the hub for Nigeria’s digital economy,” said Director General, PICTDA, David Daser.

While the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include provisioning universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries (LDCs) by 2020, the challenge has remained how to expand access in the highly under infrastructure economies of developing countries including Nigeria.

In 2015, the United Nations declared that access to the internet is a human right because access is critical for doing business, networking with the rest of the world, improving education, accessing and sharing information as part of a global community.

But not many governments have been able to creatively work round the challenges to provide access to millions of citizens and help close the digital divide.

Plateau set to close digital gaps
Plateau, in central Nigeria, appears set to close the digital gaps. The Internet 4 Innovation Policy is targeting to further support digital responses of young people spurred by the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic; and also empower the innovation spaces for young Nigerians

The new scheme will be implemented under the larger vision of the Plateau State ICT Policy to create and boost a digital economy by making digital inclusion more realistically achievable without further overburdening the government, said Daser.

Once in full operation, Plateau state expects the scheme to offer increased opportunities for youth empowerment, improved access to education services, help to foster social development of communities where such hot spots exist and expand the reach of task-based work through online outsourcing platforms.

Source: ITEdgeNews

Feminism is not about the strength of Women – women are already strong. It is about how the world perceives their strength. I, Nde Victor David Dimka fsi, in agreement with this year’s theme for International Women’s Day, # *ChoosetoChallenge* ; Sexual and Gender Based Violence in our society, and Lack of Women voice in decision making processes. Happy IWD to the good women of Plateau State and Nigeria.

*Nde Victor David Dimka fsi Congratulates Distinguished Senator Hezekiah Dimka on his Birthday*

Nde Victor David Dimka fsi, on behalf of the DVD Movement has congratulated the Senator representing the good people of Plateau Central Senatorial District on his birthday celebration.

He described the Senator as an elder brother who distinguished himself while serving this nation.He also commended him for holding forth the mandate given to him by the good people of Plateau Central at the National Assembly.

He therefore, called on the distinguished Senator to remain focus no matter the challenges that comes with legislative representation.

While wishing the Distinguished Senator good health,God protection and many fruitful years ahead, he expressed confidence that he will continue to serve the good people of Plateau Central Senatorial District

Boniface Kassam
DVD Media Head.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY PRINCIPAL, DISTINGUISHED SENATOR HEZEKIAH A. DIMKA

On behalf of myself, family and the entire commissioned and noncommissioned aides, we join other well wishers in wishing you happy birthday and many prosperous years with abundant blessings and divine grace.

Your sterling qualities of integrity, uprightness, meticulousness, generosity and love for humanity would continue to be admired by all of us close to you.

Your passion and commitment to accountability is exemplary and unassuming. As your aides, we are so proud of you and your firmed appeal on us to be exemplary in our public conduct.

While wishing you all the best, it is our sincere prayers that God should grant you more wisdoms, capacity and ability to live up to the expectations of our constituents.

Congratulations Sir!

ND Shehu Kanam
Your Senior Legislative Aide for and on behalf of all of us working with you.

𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 | 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑶𝒇 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI CELEBRATES VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO AT 64, DESCRIBES HIM AS A RELIABLE AND DEDICATED DEPUTY.

President Muhammadu Buhari has described Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as “a reliable and dedicated deputy who is not only admirably competent, but also exudes confidence and passion in the performance of his job.”

In a message to celebrate the Vice President on his 64th birthday Monday March 8, President Buhari said “I’m proud to have selected Osinbajo as my running mate and he has given a good account of himself since our journey began in 2015.”

According to the President, “the Vice President is a cool-headed gentleman who puts the interest of Nigeria above other narrow considerations.”

President Buhari also noted that “Vice President Osinbajo is an incredibly patient politician who demonstrates remarkable intellectual and mental energy in the discharge of his duties.”

He wished him many more prosperous years and Almighty God’s continued guidance.
 
Garba Shehu,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,
March 07, 2021.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS SALUTE VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO AT 64

The Northern States Governor’s Forum has felicitated with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as he marks his 64th birthday.
In a statement, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong described the Vice President as a patriotic Nigerian who has combined character, professionalism and pragmatism in handling national issues.

Governor Lalong said the Vice President has exhibited high level of faith and loyalty to the nation and the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as he continues to give his best to the success of the Government and the upliftment of Nigerians.

He said “as Northern Governors, we have enjoyed tremendous cooperation of the Vice President who does not only give us a listening ear at individual and collective levels, but also engages us on how best to tackle the challenges of our region and the nation as a whole. Among other things, we cherish his leadership of the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP) which seeks to usher Nigeria into the threshold of modern livestock business that is capable of ending the negative consequences of open grazing in the country. We assure the Vice President of our continued collaboration as he supports the President to deliver his promises to the people.”

Lalong wished the Vice President well and urged him to continue to mentor and support young Nigerians particularly in the area of law where he has vast experience as a Senior Advocate, Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as a Professor of Law.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum.
8th March 2021.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

The All Progressives Congress Caretaker Committees in Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Local Government Areas of Plateau State have endorsed the Member of the House of Representatives Representing Pankshin/Kanke/ Kanam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi for reelection in 2023, saying the lawmaker has perfomed credible well within a short period of representation at the National Assembly.

The APC officials made the endorsement in Kanam, Kanke and Pankshin respectively when the lawmaker imspected ongoing constituency projects and held an interaction with the Wards and LGC EXCOs of the party at the weekend and presented his scorecard of representation at the National Assembly from 2019 to date.

The Chairman of APC of Kanam Local Government Area Hon. Nuhu Gamabari while welcoming the Hon. Yusuf Gagdi in Dengi together with House of Assembly member representing Kantana Constituency, former Commissioners and other stakeholders said the lawmaker has keep in touch with the grassroots since he was elected and the APC has unanimously agreed and adopted him for reelection in 2023 to represent them again.

“We are proud of Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam since we elected him to represent us at the National Assembly has been doing very, keeping in touch always providing dividends of democracy to his people, we have seen projects in our communities, employment and empowerment to our youths and women and the APC Leadership in Kanam, Kanke and Pankshin have unanimously agreed and adopted him for reelection in 2023 to represent us again”.

Executive chairman of Kanke Local Government Council Hon. Emmanuel Lar who welcome Hon. Gagdi together with all the officials of APC in the locality decribed the lawmaker as true representative who has touch the lives of the people of kanke.

He said the people of Kanke Local Government will continue to stand strong to support the National Assembly member to continue with the good work.

“We are indeed bless with Hon. Yusuf Gagdi as our representative in the House of Representatives Abuja, of the truth we have felt the impact of his representative within a short period, even children now know his name because of his Good representation, and we will stand strong behind him always”.

Gagdi who is the Chairman House committee on Navy in the Federal House of Representatives was also welcome at Pankshin Youth Centre where he interacted with over 300 Wards EXCOs from the 12 Federal wards of the local government including the LGC Party officials.

Chairman of APC in Pankshin Hon. Timothy Yilmuwa affirmed that the party is ever united to reelect the lawmaker for the second term in office come 2023 in fulfilment of the zoning arrangement of PKK.

He said the House of Reps member has performed credibly well, adding that people of Pankshin would still vote him overwhelmingly to represent them in house of Reps come 2023 general elections.

“From the gathering of party officials from Ward, Local Government and APC Stakeholders, you have seen here today, it is crystal clear that Hon. Yusuf Gagdi is on the ground in Pankshin and PKK Federal Constituency”.

Also Speaking the Council chairman of Pankshin Local Government Hon. John Damap pledged his support for his second term bid of Hon. Yusuf Gagdi

He expressed confidence in the representation of the lawmaker for demonstrating his capacity as a good representative.

The Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency Hon. Yusuf Gagdi who also visited his ongoing constituency projects across the three Local Government Areas while Speaking with Journalists said his focus, zeal and desire is to give back to the people who elected him to represent them in the National Assembly.

The lawmaker said he was on inspection of capital projects in his constituency and also use the opportunity to interact with his constituents to inform them of what he has been doing at the National Assembly.

“There is nothing as important as the spirit of getting back to the people who elected you to represent them at the National Assembly and I have pledge to be the serving of the people of PKK Federal Constituency in the National Assembly”.

Gagdi added that he will continue to work in good relationship with his people, because they are the one that elected him to represent them at the National Assembly.

GAGDI ROUNDS OFF PROJECTS INSPECTION; INTERFACES WITH EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATURE AND APC WARDS AND LGA EXCOS OF PANKSHIN, KANKE, AND KANAM

The servant representative of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam federal constituency, Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi had continued his tour round the constituency for projects inspection, starting with Amper District Head palace.

He was accompanied to the project site by leaders and political supporters within the Federal Constituency.

The member, with his entourage, proceeded to Kwal, the headquarters of Kanke Local Government Area to inspect rods Maintainance taking place in front of the Local Government secretariate, from where he headed to inspect similar road work from Chigwong village to Mwel junction, both in Kanke Local Government Area.

Gagdi also visited the ongoing Pankshin District head office palace, Ner, where expressed satisfaction with the progress of the works and urged the contractors to maintain the quality of the works so far done.

Earlier, the lawmaker interfaced with APC party excos of Kanam Local Government Area in multi-purpose hall in Dengi.

Gagdi took his time to parley with Kanke and Pankshin Local Government Areas APC party excos as well, after the projects inspection.

At Kanke Local Government Area, Gagdi got emotional before addressing the mammoth crowd in appreciation of the warm reception from the Local Government Council Chairman, Councilors and thousand of mammoth crowd, who thronged in droves to welcome him. He described Kanke as his second home.

During his parley with the three(3) Local Government APC party excos which was done separately at the various LGA headquarters, the member gave summary of his stewardship in less than two years to include; the building of classroom blocks and offices at GSS Kor, Belning ward Pankshin LGA; building of classroom blocks, office and furnishing of a community secondary school at Dungung, Kanke LGA; an examination hall at KADA Special Academy, Dengi, Kanam LGA; building of traditional rulers palaces; general roads Maintainance to make the road safer for driving from Pankshin/Kabwir to Dengi, Kanam LGA; many phases of intervention during the lockdown due to Covid 19; provision of millions of naira worth of food support to his constituents during Sallah and Christmas festivities; provision of non-interest loan to businesses as a form of support against the dwindling economy due to the corona pandemic, empowerment of constituents with pesticides, insecticides, water pumps, fertilizer, Cash in Pankshin youths center, facilitation of permanent and pensionable appointments to constituents in different MDAs, appointment of over 80 personal aides, empowerment of youths and women in the constituency with motorcycles, granting machines and sawing machines and many other laudable interventions and projects, amongst many others too numerous to mention.

He explained the reason behind the challenge faced by 36 individuals out of the 284 people he was able to secure employment for. Their inability to report to their places of work at Federal Universities Wukari and Lafia was due to their inability to get captured by IPPIS, due to the Universities exhausting their budgeted personell cost, adding that he was making frantic efforts to see the problem being rectified.

He maintains that he is not relenting in his effort to scout, lobby and secure more job opportunities to his constituents, and other Plateau indigenes.

The Danmalikin Kanam while addressing the excos, debunked rumors of him contesting for Governor or Senator in the forthcoming 2023 elections, but expressed keen interest in seeking re-election to continue in the same capacity, if the people of PKK are convinced that he would perform even better with another mandate.

He directed that at each Local Government, the party and the Local Government Coucil should submit names of 10 persons in each of the polling units for the purpose for the purpose of his upcoming empowerment program.

The Hon. member promised the party exco at Kanke that the collapsed Gugur bridge will be reconstructed by him within the shortest time and a grading and surface dressing of road from Amper to a Neighboring village of kalanshi.

He broke the news of construction of befitting youth and townhall centers in most of the geo-political areas of PKK. Work have already commence in Tankwal Geo-political area of Kanam LGA from his personal pocket.

Fielding questions from newsmen after the day-long inspection which rounded off in in almost completed Constituency office in Pankshin, Gagdi reiterated his commitment to serving the good people of PKK and urge his constituents to support him with prayers and action.

GAGDI MEDIA TEAM

NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS HONOURS GOVERNOR LALONG WITH AWARD FOR PEACE & INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

It is yet another recognition for Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong as the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) recognized his efforts in peace and development with an award for Peace and Infrastructural Development.

The NIPR at its national workshop on “Lobbying and Social Change” holding in Calabar, Cross Rivers State said Governor Lalong has remained a shining example in peace building, harmony and tolerance which is the foundation for development.

The Governor was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang who received the award at the Transcorp Hotel Calabar.

NIPR President and Chairman of Council Mallam. Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo said Governor Lalong was carefully chosen for the award because of the qualities that have embraced every segment of the society for development.

He said Governor Lalong is a marketable product who has utilized public relations tools of persuasion, dialogue and lobby to bring people of various interests to the table that today have assisted Plateau State to regain its position as the Home of Peace and Tourism as well as a preferred destination for Nigerians and foreigners.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, Mr. Dan Manjang said Governor Lalong has been a man of peace and a quiet achiever that has addressed development needs based on equity, justice and fairness.

Governor Lalong said “My experience as the Governor of Plateau State gives me confidence that lobbying can greatly assist in calming frayed nerves and reducing tension in the society. When I came on board, there was so much violence, mistrust and lack of confidence among various groups in Plateau State. Rather than impose peace using force, I decided to engage stakeholders in fostering dialogue through lobbying. Practically, I lobbied them to see the reason to agree to sit together and talk event when many of them had sworn that they would never sit with each other based on ethnic and religious differences. With consistent lobby and persuasion, they eventually agreed to sit and dialogue. This was a very slow and tortuous process, but eventually we succeeded in having them understand that peace lies with them and not with law enforcement agencies.”

He advocated for the institutionalization of lobbying as a standard practice in Nigeria backed by law.

Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor Dr. Makut Simon Macham and the Personal Assistant to the Governor Mr. John Naandoet who are both members of the NIPR accompanied the Governor’s representative to the workshop.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
5th March 2021.

PROFESSOR TYODEN REFUTES 2023 GUBERNATORIAL DECLARATION.
The attention of His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden has been drawn to posters being circulated in the social media on his purported declaration to contest the Governorship of the state in 2023.

Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden being a humble and loyal Deputy, would not resort to the use of the social media to declare his political ambition. This is the handiwork of some political jobbers whose activities are capable of affecting the existing very cordial relationship between the Deputy Governor and his principal, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Rt Honourable Simon Bako Lalong.

The Deputy Governor shares the same ticket with His Excellency, Governor Simon Lalong and will not allow his political interest to override the success of this government, bearing in mind their collective effort to deliver dividends of democracy to Plateau people.

To put the records straight. The Deputy Governor Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden as a citizen of Plateau State is by every standard qualified to contest the number one seat in the state. He would not want to be detracted from his constitutional responsibilities as the Deputy Governor of Plateau State. Moreover, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the body that regulates political activities in the country has not lifted on electioneering campaign in the country ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

He, therefore, unequivocally dissociates himself from the posters trending in the social media and calls on Plateau citizens to ignore them in their entirely.

Doman Wetkum.
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor.