""""" Ordinarily i wouldn't want to join the trending arguments on Social for or against those who worked one way or the other to bring about the Establishment of Federal Polytechnic SHENDAM . For the record , the said Federal Polytechnic Shendam , a bill was sponsor by Sen Joshua C. Dariye Senator Representing Plateau Central at Hallow Chamber of the NATIONAL ASSEMBLY to be sited in KANAM LGA , the same Bill Sen J.T. Useni to be Sited in Langtang North , Hon Beni Lar Member Representing Langtang North and South in the Green Chamber , Hon Johnbul Shekarau former member Representing Shendam, Mikang and Qua'anpan at the green Chamber Sponsor the same Bill , Hon Alphonsus L. Komsol Reintroduce the same the Bill , Hon Musa Dachung Bagos Sponsor the same Bill of Federal Polytechnic to be Sited in ZENDI in Jos East.. My Dear Social Media Warriors , the Above List of Senators and Reps members who Sponsor or reintroduce the bill for the Establishment of Federal Polytechnic in different Sites within Plateau state.. Dear brethren , sitting an Institution in any locality in Nigeria is the discretion of the Executive base on political consideration/patronage and Superior Lobbying .. Below is the statement credited by the Rep member Hon Alphonsus L.Komsol

“His Excellency, Governor Lalong is a Major Contributor to Approval of Federal Polytechnic Shendam”–Hon. Komsol Longgap @Unity FM Jos, Tuesday 3rd February 2021 So social media Warriors can you now Sheath Your Swords and Celebrate the Good news.. ?

After all , the Fed Poly is a victory for PLATEAU ..
If ask me the Argument is NEEDLESS .. Stop over heating the Polity

I REMAIN PEACE AMB SIR TONY BAKO(KSM)
GOD BLESS PLATEAU OF OUR DREAM

PRESS STATEMENT

GOD IS ANSWERING THE PRAYERS OF PLATEAU- GOVERNOR LALONG

Governor Simon Bako Lalong says God has continued to answer the prayers of the people of Plateau State and other friends of the State across the world who have interceeded for the peace and progress of the Home of Peace and Tourism.

Lalong who was speaking at the 6th annual Plateau Prayer Day held at the Government House Chapel Rayfield Jos said the State is gradually leaving its past experience of instability which almost robbed it of the God given potentials.

He said “When we look back at where we are coming from particularly before our administration came on board, we have every reason to give thanks to God and continuously depend more on the Lord even at this critical time of our history”.

He thanked Christian and Muslim faithfuls in the State for not only praying consistently for Plateau State, but also participating in preaching love, unity, forgiveness and tolerance which has engendered tranquility that is the basis for any development.

Lalong said the choice of the theme for this year’s prayer day which is “By His Grace” is very apt because it captures the grace of God towards the people of Plateau State and Nigeria who have had to contend with difficult challenges occasioned by COVID-19 and other issues.

He emphasized the determination of his Government to do its best in providing purposeful leadership that inspires confidence, supports peaceful coexistence, delivers basic services and infrastructure as well as leave behind lasting legacies for generations yet to come.

Guests speaker Rev. Yakubu Pam, Chairman Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission who spoke on the topic “By His Grace” said the grace of God gives hope, joy and patience to wait for the manifestation of His power among people.

He admonished the people of Plateau State not to take the grace of God for granted by returning to the past experience of bitterness, intolerance, violance and incitement which undermined the progress of the State.

As this year’s Prayer Day coincides with the 45th anniversary of the State, he urged them to continue to support and pray for Governor Lalong and all other officials of the State as well as the President for God’s divine wisdom to do more in taking Plateau State and Nigeria to higher heights.

Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria Rev. Fr. Polycarb Lubo appreciated the Governor for setting aside the 3rd of every February as Prayer Day for the State, saying this has demonstrated that the Government and its people depend on God for direction.

Speaker of the Plateau House of Assembly, Nuhu Abok Ayuba, Chief Judge Gyang Dakwak, Commissioner of Police Edward Egbuka and Long Gamai of Shendam Miskoom Martin Shaldas III all appluaded the Prayer meeting and said the event was another sign of hope for the State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press &Public Affairs to the Governor, Plateau State.
3rd February 2021.

THE LALONG ENIGMA

By Jonathan Ishaku

Be careful how you judge people. 2015: The Rt. Hon. Simon B. Lalong, a former state legislator rose from an underdog candidate to be a winner in the gubernatorial polls. 2019: Written off because he was competing against a candidate who was a military Governor when he was only a pre-university student at SPS Keffi he won again! 2021: from an orchestrated campaign as under-performer (or so rated by a local radio station) among Southern Plateau politicians he transmuted within weeks to one of the greatest achievers for attracting Federal development projects to the zone!!
Lalong appears to be an enigma. The more he is villifed the more he seems to excel. From his biographical background, from youth, he appears to always exceed people’s modest expectation of him. Yes, he became a state legislator but who ever thought he would be the longest occupier of the seat in the state or even voted twice as Chairman, Nigerian Conference of Speakers by his colleagues from all the 36 States of the federation.
I thought his life history should inspire our youths with similar humble background and the enduring belief that with with God’s help one could excel notwithstanding and to begin to emulate his example. Rather I see some being recruited into a patently destructive path of mindless hate! Some through narrow party partisanship while many others by way of unbridled tribal sentiments.
I will say that under the democratic dispensation in Plateau State other past governors have made their marks in the state leveraging on their various individual strengths and opportunities. I count it a blessing that I have been privileged to serve in the two previous democratic administrations of their excellencies, Gov. Joshua Dariye and Gov. Jonah Jang so I have some knowledge of their inner workings.
My point here is to appeal for moderation in the manner of correcting our leaders. I’m concerned because I see a lot of venom spewing from our young people on social media when commenting on political matters.. I believe that the hate building up within our community is not only detestable but ominous to our future as a peaceful society.
I have been a government critic most of my career life (don’t forget the early days when we had to confront military governments) and I know my views are still subject of discomfort in some circles. I believe therefore that criticism is a healthy habit in a society. However, I believe such should be constructive, healthy and hate-free. Partisanship may be unavoidable but it should be reasonably objective and constructive .
My fellow compatriots, we don’t know what more goodies Plateau State will win through Gov. Lalong’s style, so we should give him the support. Where we think he’s crossing the red line we can sound the alarm but this mindless hate mongering must stop please.
In matters of gubernatorial legacies, as some people lately seem concerned, always let posterity be the judge!!

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS FORMER PLATEAU LEGISLATORS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says former members of the legislature have a great role to play in profering solutions towards addressing the challenges of the nation and promoting natonal unity.

Governor Lalong said this while addressing the meeting of former members of the Plateau State House of Assembly at the Government House Rayfield Jos Tuesday 2nd February 2021.

Lalong said the Forum of former legislators is necessary to harness their experiences and knowledge in handling some of the challenges that the State and nation is contending with.

He said “as former members of the legislative arm of Government, we have to come together and discuss the progress of Plateau State. This is the moment for us to work across party lines which is a common practice in the floor of the house especially when it affects critical issues. We can also practice this even if we are no longer legislators”.

The Governor said the former members of the legislature should always put the interest of the State above any other consideration as they champion the consolidation of peace and progress in Plateau State.

He called for synergy between past and serving legislators at both the State and Federal levels across party lines in the interest of State, citing the example the newly established Federal Polytechnic Shendam whose bill was initially spearheaded by Hon. Johnbull Shakarau, a former member of the Plateau State house of Assembly who later went to the House of Representatives and collaborated with other elected representatives to champion the cause.

Acting Chairman of the Forum Hon. Maimako Bello congratulated Governor Lalong for his achievements especially his doggedness for the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic Shendam, thanks to the support of President Muhammadu Buhari who has continued to give the Governor a listening ear by acceding to many of his demands.

Hon. Maimako Bello said the former legislators appreciate the Governor as he has paid attention to their welfare by settling their outstanding entitlements and reaching out to them at personal levels.

Other members also commended the Governor for his vision of completing inherited projects and also implementing new ones throughout the State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
2nd February 2021.

PRESS STATEMENT

NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURN LATE PRINCE TONY MOMOH

The Northern Governors Forum has commiserated with the people of Auchi Kingdom, Government and people of Edo State and the Nigerian media industry over the demise of Prince Tony Momoh who passed on at the age of 81.

In a statement, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the death of Prince Tony Momoh is a great loss to the nation considering the impact he made in various aspects of Nigeria’s polity.

Lalong said Prince Momoh was a man of many parts who started as a teacher before making his mark as one of Nigeria’s versatile journalist, administrator, politician and lawyer.

He said the former Minister of Information and Culture was a giant in the Nigerian Media industry and played a great role in promoting freedom of the press as well as the opening up the media space which eventually culminated in deregulation that saw the emergence of many media outlets.

Governor Lalong also described him as a political strategist and mobiliser who at various times coalesced with politicians from across the country to push for improvement in the political process and governance in general. His emergence as the Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the role he played in the subsequent formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) according to the Governor accords him a special place in Nigerian’s political history.

Lalong also commended his leadership and achievements as Pro-Chancellor & Chairman of Council, University of Jos where he led a leap in the academic performance and general development of the institution which is now a leading University in Nigeria and Africa.

While praying God to grant his soul eternal rest, Governor Lalong asked his family to be consoled with his testimony of honesty, hardwork and patriotism.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
2nd February 2021.

Approval has been granted by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Education for the establishment of Federal Polytechnic Shendam, Plateau State.

The approval was contained in a letter dated 29th January, 2021 titled “Approval for the establishment of Federal Polytechnic Shendam, Plateau State” signed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Engr. Sonny Echono and addressed to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Gov. Simon Lalong.

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alh. Muhammadu Buhari also approved a takeoff grant of N2 billion for the commencement of the Polytechnic.

The letter reads;

“l write to inform Your Excellency that, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Ngeria, has approved the establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Shendam, Plateau State.”

“Mr. President also approved a takeoff grant of N2 Billion for the new Polytechnic from the funding resources of TETFund for the provision of core facilities for immediate take-off. This has been duly conveyed to TETFund for implementation”

“In view of the above, A Technical Team from Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) will soon visit your State to Identify the site in Shendam and assess its readiness for commencement of academic activities in October 2021.

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG APPLAUDS PRESIDENT BUHARI OVER ESTABLISHMENT OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC SHENDAM

Governor Simon Bako Lalong is full of praises to President Muhammadu Buhari for his approval of the establishment of Federal Polytechnic Shendam, describing it as cheering news for citizens of the State and a catalyst for the development of the State and the nation.
Governor Lalong who received a letter from the Federal Ministry of Education conveying the approval of President Buhari for the establishment of the Polytechnic, said the gesture shows the love that the President has for Plateau State and the desire to ensure the technological development of the State and nation at large.
Lalong said “the establishment of Federal Polytechnic Shendam comes at a time when we are redefining education in Plateau State and focusing on technical education to give our youths skills that can help them use their talents to create jobs and solve day-to-day problems of the society. We are excited that this new institution will connect seamlessly with the new Technical Schools we are building in Pankshin, Shendam and the upgrade of the Technical School in Bukuru, all meant to move our students away from education that leaves them stranded after graduation”.
Governor Lalong also expressed delight that approval has also been given for the release of N2 Billion naira through the TETFund for the provision of core facilities towards the take-off of the school within the shortest possible time. He promised that the Plateau State Government will play its part by giving all necessary support for the commencement of the institution, assuring the host community will also be mobilised for support and collaboration.
He also thanked the leadership and members of the National Assembly especially those representing Plateau State who pushed for the passage of the bill for the establishment of the Polytechnic. Others are the Minister of Education Mallam Adamu Adamu, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education Arc. Sonny Echono, and all those who in various ways supported the establishment of the Polytechnic.
It will be recalled that Governor Lalong recently visited President Muhammadu Buhari to appeal to him for intervention over various issues concerning Plateau State including funding for the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
1st February 2021.

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT THERE IS GOD
I thank God Almighty for bringing us to witness the second month of the year 2021. As we reflect on the past month, we should thank God for his sustaining grace as well as continuing in prayers to him to comfort those whose loved ones transited the mother earth to be with the Lord in Heaven.
As we travel the unknown road and seek to relate to God through Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit, I pray that; “Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert” as said by Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 35:6, NIV.
There may be times in the new month when things will appear to go contrary to your expectations; business might be down, the medical report might not be good, and it may look as if it is not going to be your season. Be reminded and encouraged, the good news is that God specializes in doing things out of season. He doesn’t wait for the perfect circumstances to line up for you to have the training, or for the right people to believe in you. He does things unexpectedly. He’ll make water pour out in your dry places and cause you to blossom out of season this month of February.
Do you feel out of season as though you’re stuck in some areas? Stay encouraged. God has you in the palms of His hands. Get ready for an “out of season” blessing, for a beyond imagination” healing, for an “unexpectated promotion. God is about to do something unusual, something that’s bigger than you dreamt of, and you’re going to say, “Wow, God! I didn’t see it coming!”
“Father, thank You that You are not limited by seasons or the right conditions to be in place in order for You to do what You want. Thank You that You’re always working behind the scenes on my behalf. I believe that You will bless your children out of season. “May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you”. Psalm 25: 21
Rev Dr Soja Bewarang

TELESCOPE
HOW BAD IS THE APC IN PLATEAU? PHASE III (Shabul Mazadu)
Governance does not begin and end with the executive arm (s), but the legislature and judiciary too.
In Plateau State the All Progressives Congress (APC) has a Minister, two senators, and five House of Representatives members.
MINISTER
The Minister is Dame Pauline Tallen of the Ministry of Women Affairs.
Prior to her nomination and ascension to the Ministerial position, Dame Pauline Tallen has contributed immensely to women empowerment in the state. In 2018, one thousand six hundred widows (1600) at her instance, benefitted from the Federal Government ten thousand naira (N10, 000) for Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) disbursed by NDE.
In 2019, one thousand women in Plateau were trained in Cosmetology through the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), and each went home with a starter pack and six thousand naira (N6, 000).
Coming on board as the Minister of Women Affairs, she has projected Plateau in good light with her hard work and commitment to duty.
Under her watch her Ministry has embarked on the distribution of Seven hundred and seventy four (774, 000), gas cooking cylinders to the entire local government areas of Nigeria. That is, one thousand gas cooking cylinders per local government.
Under the Covid-19, Dr. Aisha Buhari, our First lady, sent palliatives through the Ministry of Women Affairs which Tallen did not hoard to Plateau State in May, 2020 and was distributed.
Tallen sent trailers load of palliatives to Plateau on three occasions. The third time she brought them along side with the Minister of Disaster Management. But unfortunately terror was unleashed on the palliatives by vandals.
She has been a great contributor to orphanages, school for the Deaf in Jos and so many organisations and groups.
Her advocacy and fight against: rape, domestic violence and child marriage are remarkable likewise her efforts in the domestication of Violation of Vulnerable Peoples Rights Act, Child’s Rights Act and the quest for girl-child education.
She is shouldering the international mantra of the HeforShe in Nigeria as Minister of Women Affairs.
Tallen has trained hundreds of people through NDE in various ways to handle their businesses in preparation of Central Bank of Nigeria’s loan of the social intervention program of the Federal Government. Some have gotten the loan, while others are yet to.
The nature of her ministry and jurisdiction, when compared to what she does in bettering the lives of women and children, she deserves the utmost respect of all Plateau citizens.
RT. HON. IDRIS MAJE
Maje is the member representing Wase Federal Constituency and also the Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives in the National Assembly.
Maje is doing remarkably well in his legislative affairs and empowerment of his constituents.
He empowered his constituents with tricycles running to hundreds of thousands, likewise grinding machines, motorcycles, sewing machines and tractors in their hundreds.
Maje also constructed roads, provided boreholes and bridges to his constituency.
He secured employment to thousands of Plateau citizens without recourse to political party, religion and local government.
Maje raised a bill which was passed for the creation of a Federal Medical Centre in Wase.
HON. ALPHONSUS LONGGAP KOMSOL
Komsol is the member representing Mikang/Shendam/Qua’an Pan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly. He is the first APC member of the House of Reps of the constituency.
Komsol passed bills for the creation of a Federal Polytechnic in Shendam, Federal Medical Centre in Piapung and Federal University of Agriculture, Namu.
He constructed three classroom blocks and three others undergoing construction.
Project of installing solar panels in some communities in his constituency are ongoing, likewise road construction.
Komsol sponsored recruitment of some of his constituents into the Police Force, paid JAMB fees for many students seeking admission into the university and purchased hundreds of grinding machines, motorcycles and sewing machines to be distributed soon.
During the raining season last year, he provided hundreds bags of fertilisers to farmers, provided relief materials to victims of floods and palliatives during the lockdown for his constituents.
He also secured employment in the federal civil service to many of his constituents.
HON YUSUF GAGDI
Gagdi is the APC member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
Gagdi built Dr. Sunday Jacob Examination Hall at KADA Special Academy Dengi, a school that is providing free Secondary Education to orphans and children of the less privileged.
He completed the building/renovation of the Palaces of some Traditional Rulers across the constituency and some are ongoing.
Gagdi constructed three classrooms block with complete furnishing at GSS Kor in Pankshin, secured over 284 permanent federal appointments to his constituents, empowered constituents with Water Pumps with suction hoses for irrigation farming, Grammazone insecticide, Rice Herbicides, Fertilizers, Grain storage Bags and cash Stipends worth Millions of Naira to over 300 beneficiaries within Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency; and amidst COVID19 pandemic, he distributed foodstuff to constituents worth 10 million naira as palliatives.
He distributed palliative worth (N700,000.00) to 70 selected social media influencers and bloggers across Party and Constituency lines on the Plateau and N300,000.00 to some selected pressure groups.
As part of efforts to sustain Small and Medium Scale Enterprises after the COVID 19 Pandemic, Gagdi distributed refundable soft loan to Entrepreneurs within PKK worth N45 million.
He had also paid the medical bills of more than 100 constituents across the three Local Government Areas.
He lobbied for COVID 19 loan of N475,000 to 24 constituents each across the three Local Government Areas of the PKK through the Central Bank of Nigeria, empowered constituents with over 20 motorcycles, sewing machines and grinding machines across the three Local Government Areas, and supported People living with disability with 50 wheelchairs.
Gagdi built and furnished three class room blocks at a community secondary school at Dungung, Kanke LGA.
He is set to empower constituents again with 400 motorcycles, 400 grinding machines and 400 sewing.
These are but a few of the achievements of the APC minister and federal legislators in the National Assembly.
Add their achievements to that of the Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong and judge how bad is the APC on the Plateau.

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS APC NATIONAL REGISTRATION COMMITTEE FOR PLATEAU STATE, OPTIMISTIC OF MORE MEMBERS WILL JOIN PARTY.

The APC National registration and revalidation Committee for Plateau State has visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong to brief him on the preparations for conducting the exercise in the State.
Chairman of the Committee Hon. Musa Mahmood said the Committee is committed to conducting the exercise within the guidelines issued by the party and will supervise the conduct in all the local governments to ensure that the registration and revalidation is credible and hitch-free.
He commended the Governor and the State Caretaker Working Committee for being proactive and carrying out sensitization among members of the party, a situation that will enhance the smooth conduct of the exercise.
Governor Lalong welcomed the Committee to Plateau and assured that the APC family in the State was ready for the exercise as the members are eager to revalidate their membership and also welcome new members into their fold in order to ensure that the party continues to grow from strength to strength.
Lalong said “this is the time to demonstrate true loyalty and commitment to the party and to increase the fortunes of the APC going forward. There is not going to be manipulation and intimidation in this exercise as those who are found to be pursuing any agenda outside that of the party will not be allowed to succeed. We want more members and this is the time to open our doors and welcome everybody that wants to join the largest party in Nigeria”.
The Governor also assured that more members will join the party because of the performance of the APC led administration which has put the interests of Plateau people above parochial interests. This he explained was why apart from initiating various people oriented projects, his administration chose to complete inherited and abandoned projects rather than abandon them like in previous governments did with their predecessors.
He said just like the example set by the President, he will be going to his polling unit in Ajikamai, Shendam LGA to register, urging all government appointees to mobilise their people to also register and revalidate their membership, saying that anything short will cast doubt about their loyalty to the party.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
1st February 2021.