BIRTHDAY FELICITATIONS TO RT HON. SALEH SHEHU YIPMONG
You have been a brother, more like a twinny, with whom I have formed a formidable partnership for the liberation of the people of Kanam Local Government Area from the shackles of underrepresentation from our days as members representing the two state constituencies of Kanam LGA.
Even as a House of Representatives member now, with you still at the state legislature, our relationship continues to soar and waxes stronger by the day.
You are indeed a brother and a partner in progress. The best I could wish for you on this auspicious occasion of your birthday is Allah’s sufficient guidance and protection as you continue to give your people a purposeful representation.
Once again, “I WISH YOU WHAT YOU WISH ME” and more prosperous years ahead.
Signed: Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, (Dan Malikin Kanam and Dan Majen Jahr) Member Representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION:NURTW KANKE LGA BRANCH VISITS NDE DAVID VICTOR DIMKA, SHOWERED ACCOLADES ON HIM
Members of Nigerian Union of Roads Transport Workers (NURTW) Kanke LGA branch paid a courtesy visit on Nde David Victor Dimka fsi to congratulate him on his retirement and celebrate Christmas with him, Chairman NURTW Kanke Branch Hon. Danjuma Nendik while introducing his members thank Nde David Victor Dimka fsi for paying for Drivers License for more than 15 of his members and other Assistance dole out to the group, the Chairman intimate Nde David Victor Dimka fsi on their plans to work for him during his Governorship campaign comes 2023, that his members are fully ready to kick start campaign for him as soon as possible. In response, Nde David Victor Dimka fsi thank them for the visit and urge them to play politics without bitterness and promise to assist them with fund to procure more licenses for those who do not have so as to enable them operate without hindrance or harassment. Deputy Chairman, Kanke LGA, Hon. Luka Vengji thank Nde David Victor Dimka fsi for his time and moment despite not feeling too well, he admonished the NURTW members to be law abiding and to corporate with relevant authorities for smooth running of the organization. Mrs Moureen Dimka, wife of Nde David Victor Dimka entertain the NURTW members with Christmas food and assorted drinks, and thank them for their prayers and support to her husband and family, she prayed for continued synergy between her family and the union and ask to always feel free to visit the house.
NDE DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi. CELEBRATES HIS FIRST CHRISTMAS AFTER RETIREMENT IN KANKE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
It was a great moment of joy and happiness when Nde David Victor Dimka, retired comptroller of Customs celebrated his first Christmas at home in Kabwir District of Kanke LGA, Plateau State with families, friends and well wishers who came from far and near to celebrate the dogged, no nonsense and prudent former comptroller of Customs who served the country diligently, faithfully,and without compromise from 1988 to 2020 when he retired meritoriously. At Kanke Resort, venue of the Christmas celebration, Nde David Victor Dimka fsi, and his adorable wife,Maureen Dimka treated their guests with sumptuous food and assorted drinks ,and cut the Christmas cake with his family, friends and well wishers. In appreciation, Nde Victor Dimka fsi,said he is delighted,and overwhelmed with joy to have retired succesfully from a tedious Federal Government work without, query, injury or deformity,and meeting his family, friends and well wishers like this and celebrate the first Christmas with them.He further thank them for their prayers and support while in service, saying they are truly people whom he hold in high esteem. At the end of the cake cutting, prayers were offered for the protection, guidance and well being of the Victor Dimka family while Christmas celebrations continues…
Troops of Operation Safe Havens (OPSH) have continued to dominate the Joint Operational Area with aggressive patrols and sustained coordinated operations against kidnappers, armed robbers and bandits.
On 24 December 2020 at about 8:00am, troops of OPSH following a tip off arrested a notorious armed robber, Mr Samaila Bayers at Bayan, Gidan Waya in Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Similarly on the same day, at about 11:11pm, the gallant troops also swiftly responded to a report of sporadic shootings around Kamuru Chawai Ward, Damakasuwa District in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The timely response by the troops forced the bandits attempting to attack Angwan Rimi Village to abandon their mission. The clearance operation is still ongoing to deny the armed bandits freedom of action
In a related development, on 24 December 2020, at about 8:00pm, troops of OPSH on patrol responded to an armed robbery attack on a private Sharon Vehicle heading from Abuja to Dogon – Fili, along Aboro Road in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The armed robbers ran out of luck as the troops neutralized one of them while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the escaped armed robbers. Sadly, the criminals had shot the driver of the vehicle, Mr Richard Sabo before arrival of the troops.
All major routes in and out of the operational area are manned by troops and dominated by patrols to prevent attacks and robbery incidents as much as possible.
OPSH therefore assure the populace within its JOA of its determination ensure peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations in its operational area. Law abiding citizens are encouraged to give timely information to help the troops respond effectively .
The Northern Governors Forum has joined in sympathizing with the family of Late Sheikh Ahmed Lemu who died at the age of 91.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the demise of the renowned Minna-based Islamic Scholar is a great loss to the nation.
Lalong described late Sheikh Ahmed Lemu as a renowned Islamic Scholar, intellectual, Author and Educationist who impacted the nation in many ways and mentored various persons that are making huge impact in the country.
He said the deceased apart from serving as the first Grand Khadi of Niger State, also made his mark as a moderate who fostered religious tolerance, cooperation and peaceful coexistence among people of diverse backgrounds. His mediation efforts according to the Northern Governors Forum also assisted in reconciliation and peace building particularly when he was appointed as the Chairman of a Presidential Committee on Post-Election Violence in 2011.
His deep involvement in Islamic humanitarian activities as well as advocacy for the rights of women was also praised because he contributed to the improvement recorded in carrying more women along in the development of Nigeria, particularly the northern region.
While praying God to forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest, Lalong said the nation will miss his good works and selfless service.
He also prayed God to comfort the family and also ensure that his legacies are carried on.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 25th December 2020.
GOVERNOR LALONG SIGNS 2021 BUDGET/ANTI-KIDNAPPING, LAND GRABBING & CULTISM BILL
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong on Thursday night signed into law the 2021 Appropriation Bill of N147.53 billion naira passed by the State House of Assembly. This consists of N90.19 billion as recurrent and N57.34 billion as capital expenditures.
The Governor while signing the bill into law said the 2021 budget will focus on areas that will stimulate economic growth and recovery particularly as the year begins under a second wave of COVID-19 which has affected the economy adversely.
He said “With the successful passage of the 2021 budget within record time, we shall now settle down to implement the budget vigorously. As we face the second wave of COVID-19, we shall continue to appeal to our people to observe all protocols so that we do not have any reason to lock down again and further hurt the economy”.
Lalong said the Government will in the 2021 fiscal year support businesses that will hopefully grow and in turn pay taxes especially now that the State has signed into law the new tax law for development.
The Governor also signed into law the anti-kidnapping, anti-land grabbing, cultism and other anti-violence related matters bill also passed by the House of Assembly.
He said the law is long overdue because of the increase in kidnapping, land grabbing and other violent crimes within the State.
The Governor said “as a responsible Government, we cannot fold our arms to see people being terrorized by criminals who are clearly out to cause mayhem. This new law will deal with anyone caught in the act and I urge security agencies to be on their toes and ensure that culprits are apprehended and made to face the law”.
He called communities to rise up to the challenge by identifying and fishing criminals within their domains and passing relevant information to security agencies to act.
The law provides death sentence for those convicted for kidnapping while those found guilty for cultism shall be jailed for a minimum of 7 years. Others involved in meteng out violence on anyone risk spending up to 10 years in jail upon conviction.
While wishing the citizens of the State a merry Christmas, the Governor again appealed for adherence to COVID-19 protocols saying his experience in the past one week confirms the reality of the pandemic.
He recognised the patriotism, sactifice and diligence of front line medical personnel who continue to risk their lives in fighting the pandemic, asking them not to be deterred in saving lives.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Executive Governor 24th September 2020.
As part of his effort to celebrate with the people and identify with the needy, the Member representing Jos South Constituency in Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Fom Dalyop Gwottson has distributed Chicken to over 1,500 widows, less privileged, aged, people within and outside his Constituency.
In his brief remarks, the Member appreciated God for providing what he is distributing to the people and thanked the people for receiving the token from him as gift for the Christmas celebration.
He said the gesture was to the people irrespective of their political, tribal and ethnic affiliations.
He said he has been carrying out same gesture for over a decade. He said times are hard and their is need to share with others what one has in empathy and love. He called on the people to be more security conscious and adhere to all Coronavirus Health Protocols.
He said as a representative of the people, he will continue to provide quality and people-oriented leadership.
Those who spoke at the occasion appreciated the Lawmaker for the laudable humanitarian gesture and for identifying with all categories of people in the society with the gift.
Beneficiaries of the gesture described the Lawmaker as “God sent”, a philanthropist and a credible representative who understands the plights of the people. They prayed for open doors to him and God’s protection.
It will be recalled that the Member on Wednesday 22nd December, 2020 distributed empowerment items to over 800 Constituents, mostly Women and Youths to improve their living condition and enhance their economic status.
Tension is brewing in Langtang North and Langtang South Local government areas of Plateau State over the purported burial arrangement of the Ponzhi Tarok Late Gen. Domkat Bali, by the Military without recognising Langtang North and Langtang South LGC’s joint traditional council.
The former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bali died recently and it was alleged that the military has taken over the burial arrangements without involving the custodians of the culture of Tarok people , upon which the people still see him (Bali) as their traditional ruler, (Ponzhi Tarok) and have insisted on giving him his final traditional burial rites.
Recalled that the Ngwang Ishi O’Tarok (NIO) the Socio-economic and Cultural Development Organization of Tarok Nation in a press statement issued in Jos vowed that the late Ponzhi Tarok HRM Gen. Domkat Bali rtd must be accorded full traditional burial rites as a First class Chief and President Langtang Joint Traditional Council as affirmed by the Federal Court of Appeal Jos Division
Addressing newsmen on behalf of the Taroh Nation at the palace of the Ponzhi Taroh, the chairman of Langtang North Dr. Joshua Ubandoma Laven and his counterpart from Langtang South LGC Nimchak Rims said anarchy is looming should the military go ahead with the burial arrangements without respecting the culture and tradition of Taroh people.
According to them, the burial arrangement should have been an exercise which should includes the Military, Langtang North and Langtang South LGC, join Traditional council, the state government, the family of the deceased and critical stakeholders in Taroh land .
Ubandoma further said the chief priests of Taroh’s Land who are not suppose to come out anyhow came out in their numbers from the hill and marched straight to the palace of the Ponzhi Taroh to register their displeasure over an attempt to subvert the custom and Tradition of the Taroh people.
According to the duo, there are not saying that Gen. Bali should be given a full Military honour but however they too should be allowed to perform their own Traditional rites then, the Military can take over, because he was a first class Chief that can not be buried like that without their own cultural and traditional input as Taroh custom demand.
Our correspondent report that the Chief Priests were seen gnashing their teeth, some who spoke to newsmen at the palace of the Ponzhi Taroh in Langtang North LGC vowed to resist with their blood the attempt by the military to tarnish their age long cherished tradition and custom of the people.
Ubandoma appeal to the state and federal government to as a matter of urgency intervene to avert the looming danger, as the people have also resolved that their culture will not be jettisoned in the cause of the burial.
Speaking in the same vein, the Acting Ponzhi Tarok, who is also the Ponzhi Zinni HRH Nimnan Langnim sad Taroh’s land is facing a sad experience in the history of their land adding that the land is mourning following the demise of Gen. Bali .
According to him, events preceded the funeral rites of this Icon did not go down well with the people as it seriously violated the custom and tradition of the Taroh’s Nation.
As Christians celebrate Christmas to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says this year’s event calls for the demonstration of love, compassion and sacrifice which are key attributes of Jesus Christ.
Governor Lalong in a message said this year’s Christmas celebration comes at a time that appears difficult and challenging, but because of the love and mercies of God, there is no reason to despair and be despondent.
He said, “the world and indeed Plateau State has gone through tremendous challenges occasioned by the Corona virus pandemic which has significantly altered human interaction and impacted negatively on the economy. This has resulted in hardship to both Governments and citizens. Nevertheless, we have collectively demonstrated resilience and hope. This should continue especially as we mark the birth of Jesus Christ who primarily came to give hope to mankind”.
The Governor therefore urged the Christian faithful to not only be hopeful, but also use the period of Christmas to show love to one anothet as well as work for a more united, peaceful and tolerant society.
He said his administration will continue to give the needed leadership that will fast-track economic recovery and stimulate empowerment of youths, women and the entire citizenry.
While wishing the citizens a merry Christmas, Lalong again appealed to them to be careful and observe all COVID-19 protocols so as to curtail the impact of the pandemic which is on the rise due to the second wave.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 24th December 2020.
One week after Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong tested positive to Corona virus, the Governor is now free of the disease after his latest test returned negative.
The Governor’s negative status was communicated to him on Wednesday night.
Lalong who has been on isolation since 17th December 2020 appreciated God for healing him of the virus and also thanked the people of Plateau State, his friends and associates all over the country for praying for him.
He again called on the citizens of Plateau State to take the pandemic very seriously by observing all protocols for prevention of infection and transmission.
On stigmatisation, the Governor said “having contacted the virus and undergone treatment myself, I wish to reiterate that COVID-19 is not a death sentence as early detection helps to address it and reduce chances of death. We should not stigmatise against anyone who tests positive or is suspected of having the disease. Rather, such people should serve as motivation for others to voluntarily test in order to improve the safety of all”.
Only yesterday, the Governor convened a stakholders meeting presided over by the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu where far reaching decisions were reached on combating the virus during the the yuletide and beyond.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 24th December 2020.
Freelance Reporters 