LORD AS WE ENTER THE LAST HALF MONTHS OF THE YEAR 2020 SHOW US MERCY
Good morning! And welcome to the second half months of the year 2020.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. (8) He is like a tree planted by the water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV).

Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 17:7-8 both compare a man or woman who trusts in God and meditates on His law to a tree that is planted near the waters.

Faithful people are like trees that grow beside a river and their roots extend to its deep parts where there is continuous source of water to nourish them. Such trees are not disturbed by heatwaves or drought conditions because they are deeply rooted in the river. They are like a house built upon the rock.

Thus, God’s faithful people can withstand the vicissitudes of life because they have grown deep roots in God, His Word and His promises, and he becomes their source of life and of others too, as they bear fruits of the Holy Spirit and proclaim His salvation.
The call today, this week and months is to put our faith and trust in God for He has been our shelter in the time of COVID – 19, Kidnappers and other worrisome storms that have bedeviled our country and society; a very present help in the time of trouble and our refuge and strength in times of weakness.

Trusting God does not mean that we cannot be tempted with denial of the truth or danger, but when they come, we should place them before God and have faith in Him to work them out on our behalf.

When our trust is in the Lord our God, the rain may pour, the storm may rage, the winds may be strong, the waves may be high and beat against us, but we will not be moved for our feet are planted like a tree by the rivers of water.

Trusting the LORD blesses us with a sustaining supply of blessings in the parched times of adversity in our lives. Our lives can endure (as we have) troublesome times without anxiety, because we know of, and have experienced the LORD’s goodness in times of difficulties of life.

Trusting the LORD even when life hurts, will give us the ability to have peace that goes beyond all our understanding. We must remember that the LORD will always do what He said he will do.
Psalm 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.
We are warned in Psalm 146:3 saying, “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.”

May these last six months of the year bring us to the end of COVID-19 Pandemic. May the church witness a great revival, transformation and renewal. May there be new spirit in governance, revival of the economy and new hope for a better Nigeria in Jesus name.
Certainly from the experiences of COVID – 19 if at all we learn any lesson, THE WHOLE WORLD WILL NOT REMAIN THE SAME AGAIN, THERE WILL BE NEW NORMAL.
May Habakkuk 3:2 be fulfilled
“O Lord, I have heard Thy speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Thy work in the midst of the years. In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.”
Have a great day.
Signed:
Rev Dr. Soja Bewarang

56 HEARTY CHEERS TO Rt. Hon AHMED IDRIS WASE, DEPUTY SPEAKER HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

I join millions of well wishers, family, friends, colleagues and associates to felicitate with you on the occasion of your 56th birthday.

They were indeed Years truly lived in great service to humanity and the pursuance of social justice, good governance and communal development.

Your zeal and believe in the promotion of the Nigerian developmental strides is inspiring same with Your commitment to the sustainable prosperity, peace and unity of Plateau State.

Your personal disposition of excellence, maturity and statemanship have impacted so much in many of us that have a reason to be close to you as a honorable colleague and younger brother.

Wishing you many more years in good health, Allah’s guide and protection.

Happy birthday to a worthy Prince and leader.

Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi
Dan malikin kanam/Dan majen Jahr
Member Representing PKK and Chairman House committee on Navy.

PRESS RELEASE

COVID-19 LOCKDOWN IN PLATEAU STATE: A REMINDER.

In view of the Executive order issued by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong, KSG, Executive Governor of Plateau State, I wish to remind the citizens of the state as follows:

1. That the lockdown which is now a standing order, begins a second past 12.00 midnight of Sunday 31st May, 2020 till 12.00 midnight of Wednesday 3rd June, 2020.
2. That the curfew imposed on the nation by the President and Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, between the hours of 8.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m., is still in force and should be adhered to.
3. That All passes earlier issued by the State government are no longer valid from the 1st of June, 2020. New passes will be issued by the relevant issuing authority as earlier announced.
4. That the wearing of face masks is mandatory and defaulters are liable to a fine of not less than N1,000.00 only, when caught.
5. That unless otherwise stated, all matters and restrictions related to the previous order as it affects COVID-19, remain in force and should be strictly observed, failure of which defaulters will have themselves to blame.

In the light of the above therefore, the Security personnel who have been saddled with the responsibility of enforcement have been detailed to ensure total compliance of these orders please.

His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Simon Bako Lalong, KSG, appreciates the understanding and sacrifices of all and sundry in this regards.

LET US ALL THINK AND ACT PLATEAU.

Dan Manjang,
Commissioner of Information and Communication,
Plateau State.
30/5/2020.

The Police Command in Plateau has paraded one John Ladong of Gero community of Jos South Local Government Area of the state, for personating as a Captain of the Nigeria Army.

Mr Edward Egbuka, the Commissioner in charge of the command, paraded the suspect before newsmen on Saturday in Jos.

The commissioneer explained that the suspect was arrested and handed over to the police by operatives of ‘Operation Safe Haven’ (OPSH), a special task force maintaining peace in the state. Egbuka explained that the suspect,who was arrested on May 18 at Riyom, was also putting on a full army camouflage uniform, and driving an army coloured Peugeot 206 vehicle.

“After arrest, the personnel of OPSH transfered the suspect and handed over to our Area Command in Bukuru.

“Upon interrogation, it was established that suspect was not a military personnel,” the CP said. Egbuka said 15 sets of army and Air Force uniforms, 15 forcecom sim cards, two pairs of military boots, one jack knife, and other items were found in the suspect’s possession.

The commissioner said the suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

Speaking to NAN, the suspect regretted his act and pleaded that justice be tampered with mercy. He also confessed that he was once a personnel of the Nigerian Air Force but was dismissed from service as a Lance Corporal for mutiny.

PRESS STATEMENT

The local administration in Jos North has officially handed over thirty hectares of land to the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Jamaa,atu Nasril Islam as burial ground.

The gesture according to the Chairman, Hon. Shehu Usman is in line with Governor Simon Lalong’s directive of 2017.

The burial ground Committee which comprised of CAN and JNI Jos North branches was chaired by Hon Shehu Usman who was then the Council Secretary.

Performing the handing over ceremony at the Local Government Secretariat, Management Committee Chairman of Jos North, Hon Shehu Usman said the thirty thousand hectares of land is divided into two , with fifteen each to the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Jama,atu Nasril Islam.

He commended the maturity of the two major religious groups in the area in ensuring the success of the exercise and reminded the citizens of the LGA that his administration will continue to accommodate people whose ideals and visions would add value to the growth and development of the locality.

Responding separately, Chairman of CAN in the Jos North Reverend Nenman Gowon and his JNI counterpart, Sheikh Lawal Adams through Sheikh Ghali Adam commended the council chairman for having the interest of the people at heart.
They stressed that humanity is one with different ways of serving God and assured him of their support to enable him succeed.

In another development, the Duala Youth Forum Jos has bestowed an award of appreciation to the Chairman, Management Committee of Jos North Local Government for his doggedness in the enlightenment and education of the inhabitants of the area on the menace of Covid 19, despite their earlier stiff resistance to contact tracing of COVID 19 patients.

Leader of Duala Youth Forum Baba Shuabu delivered the Award of appreciation when he led Community leaders and the leadership of the forum on a solidarity visit to the Managment Committee Chairman of Jos North at the Council Secretariat in Jos.

Baba Shuabu commended the role played by the Chairman in the fight against COVID 19 pandemic and maintained that the people of Duala are now partnering in war against the disease and assured of their loyalty to the Rescue Administration of Governor Simon Lalong and the Local Administration in Jos North.

Responding, Management Committee Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council Hon Shehu Usman said he is elated to receive them and informed them of the Council’s plans to constitute an enlightenment unit committee on COVID 19 in all the polling units of the Local Government Area
The Chairman assured citizens of the Council’s determination of ensuring that their well-being is catered for.

Philip Eplong
Senior Information Officer.

PRESS RELEASE

NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURN FORMER NNPC GMD, DR. MAIKANTI KACHALLA BARU.

The Northern Governors Forum says it is shocked and distressed by the news of the death of the former Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Kachalla Baru.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong in a message of commiseration described the sudden death of Dr. Baru as a very big loss to the nation.
Lalong said “The late Maikanti Baru was a thorough bred professional who distinguished himself in his career where he contributed immensely to the growth and development of the oil and gas industry. He championed the implementation of reforms that left the sector more responsive to the energy needs of Nigerians especially as it relates to the supply and appropriate pricing of petroleum products”.
Governor Lalong also recalled the role the former NNPC GMD played a key role in the exploration of crude oil in other parts of Nigeria, particularly the Northern region which only recently found oil and gas in commercial quantity that is awaiting further exploitation.
Lalong conveyed the heartfelt sympathies of the Northern Governors Forum to the family of the deceased, the people and Government of Bauchi State, the NNPC, as well as friends and associates of the late Dr. Baru.
He prays that the almighty Allah will receive the soul of the deceased, forgive his sins, grant him eternal rest, as well as comfort all who mourn him.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR,
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
May 30, 2020.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently announced vacancies and planned rerun elections in three States, including Plateau, The polls might not hold immediately due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, interests are building up for the Plateau Southern Senatorial seat.

For the first time, a potential candidate has arisen from the academia – a female first timer in conventional politics, but an old hand in public administration, community development and humanitarian service.

Mrs. Nora Ladi Dadut, a Professor of French in the University of Jos hails from Qua’pan Local Government Area in the Southern Senatorial District of the State. She’s a member of the Lady Knight of St. John’s Int’l and the second Supreme Vice-President in the whole world.

She has been Principal and Education Director for years. While holding those civil service positions, Nora set up a nongovernmental organization, “Society for Community Concerns” in 2004 to help communities utilize their local potentials for self-development.

The nongovernmental organization, Plateau State has executed several programs – water and sanitation hygiene, adult education and among others, agricultural training through community mobilization and participation, a globally recommended model for sustainable development.

Nora’s hoped representation of the people of Plateau South in Parliament, would expand the network and impact of her NGO for improved health, education and wealth in rural communities, she said in a media chat, Friday. Plateau South, Nora said, faces both social and economic deprivations. But as she puts it, “I can change that if given the opportunity.”


Prof. Nora
Nora is married to Mr. John Dadut, blessed with four children, Jonathan Dadut, a Civil Engineer in Canada, Jumai Apata, a Medical Doctor in Morgan University, Maryland, Noah Nanet Dadut, A pilot and a Check Pilot in Florida and Judith Dadut, a Lecturer with the University of Jos. “I hate to see women and children growing without education or opportunities to excel in life,” she said.

Nora perhaps has fierce battles ahead to clinch the Senatorial position and carry out her dreams, but she might be the gold to look out for. Being largely in Civil Service and Academia, Nora knows nothing but service, with no records of mismanagement or failure.

In fact, her educational career started in 1961 in R.C.M School Kwalla when she willingly followed her older siblings to school. Despite being under-aged, Nora’s class records were so impressive that at Primary 2, when she was due for promotion to primary 3, she was promoted to Primary 4. Those excellent records continued till she obtained her Doctorate in 1991.

Failure for her, though inevitable, should never be a result of one’s failure to strive for perfection. She is therefore going all-out, starting from the Senate position, to join other anti-corruption and development advocates to inspire positive change in all of Africa.

SPEECH BY THE HON.COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT DR. HOSEA ISTIFANUS FINANGWAI ON THE OCCASION OF THE FLAG-OFF/LAUNCHING OF SALES OF SUBSIDIZED AGRIC INPUTS FOR 2020 FARMING SEASON AT MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE FERTILIZER STORE BUKURU EXPRESS WAY JOS SOUTH L.G.A ON THE 28TH MAY,2020.

PROTOCOL

Once again in the tradition and culture of the Ministry of Agriculture, I heartily welcome you all to the flag-off/launching of sales of farming inputs for the year 2020.

This is an unusual launching due to the global Corona Pandemic and so we had to curtail the number of our appreciated farmers in line with the Government guidelines in curtailing the spread of the dreaded disease.

Permit me to first appreciate His Excellency and his team of Northern governors for exempting Farmers from the general lockdown and also permits given for the movement of food and agro related goods. This has in great way reduced post-harvest losses for perishable crops and livestock product such as eggs.

As a ministry,we also appreciate the Governor for giving Agriculture priority by enlisting it as first in the Economic rebirth policy thrust. We shall also remain committed to ensure the goal of this strategic action plan is achieved.

The State payment of counterpart funding for several projects such as the Potato Value Chain Program,Rural Access and Marketing Project (RAAMP)and collaboration with research institutions have yielded commendable results. These results are seen in the adaptability trials carried out on potato ,wheat and barley.

Other efforts and progress made Worthy of mention are:

• The proactive approach to constantly improve the processes of farm inputs procurement and distribution.
• The development of a medium-term strategic plan.
• The committed effort.to revamp the ailing Agriculture Services and Training Company (ASTC).
  This is to mention but a few.

In other to ensure a safe distribution amidst the Covid-19 challenge,the ministry also will adapt a safety sales mechanism by ensuring all fertilizer stores used for the sales have running water and soap,face mask are worn by all workers and buyers of the inputs and also minimum population and observance of social distance.

The subsidized Agric inputs for 2020 farming season includes: Fertilizer UREA and NPK 20:10:10 at N6,500 and N5000 respectively.

Others include high breed seed of maize,cotton,rice and tomato, and seed dressing/Growth boosters to go with.

As our amiable Governor flags off this 2020 sales of agro inputs, I wish all our farmers a bumper harvest.

Thank you and remained blessed.

PRESIDENT BUHARI EXTENDS APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICE DONGBAN-MENSEM AS ACTING PRESIDENT OF THE COURT OF APPEAL

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal (PCA) with effect from June 3, 2020, for a further period of three (3) months.

This is pursuant to Section 238(4) and (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 29, 2020

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the creation of 5 new Zonal Command Headquarters, 2 Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (FCIID) Annexes, and others.

The five newly created Zonal Commands Headquarters are Akure consisting of Ondo/Ekiti Commands; Awka made up of Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi; Yenagoa made up of Bayelsa, Rivers Commands; Maiduguri consisting of Yobe, Borno Commands; and Katsina, Kaduna Commands have new headquarters in Katsina.

In this new reform, the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) which was a section under the FCIID, is now a full-fledged Department of the Force to be headed by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG). With the addition of the FIB as a department, the Nigeria Police Force now has a total of 8 departments.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the Chairman of the Nigeria Police Council also approved the decentralization of Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (FCID). FCID now has an annex office in Enugu, which is saddled with the responsibility of dealing with the investigations of major crimes rising from the South-East and South- South geo-political zones.

The Gombe annex office would deal with investigations of crimes from the North-East geo-political zones.

The President added that the offices would be headed by an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) who is to report to the Deputy-Inspector General of Police in-charge of the FCID, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Adamu expresses his gratitude to the President. He also noted that this reorganization would help in the entrenchment of the community policing strategy as approved by the Federal Government.

According to him, this reorganization would improve the response time of the Police to incidents across various areas of the country and generally promote efficient service delivery.