This takes a critical look at governance in the state under Governor Simon Lalong, especially in view of the protracted state of insecurity and its grave implications on peace and socioeconomic activities in Plateau before the present administration came into power.

On assumption of office for his second term, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State vowed that his administration would consolidate on its gains and achievements in the past four years, and also review and fine-tune some of its policy thrust into a “new normal and more result-oriented”.
He immediately after his swearing in for  for his second term told newsmen that  his determination is to move the state away from the civil service perception, through the creation of many economic opportunities that are only found in an industrialised and entrepreneurial environment. He said the idea was to use the development plan to empower the people.
Lalong said he  hoped to consolidate on the  gains and achievements, in the light of increasing demands and development priorities amidst resource challenges. The governor further pledged to finish uncompleted projects initiated by his predecessors and to complete the good works he started in his first tenure. He said that his Policies and programmes of the rescue team, Phase 2” with focus on a three-point policy thrust framework.
The three-point policy, according to the governor while marking the Democracy Day at the Banquet Hall, New Government House in Jos, would focus on peace, security and good governance; Physical infrastructural development and Sustainable economic growth. Lalong explained that his administration has deliberately resolved to review the vision into three policy thrusts from five to enable him focus and concentrate on the limited resources at his disposal in order to achieve more service delivery.He said, “We have carefully woven all the critical sectors of the Plateau economy and society into three-point policy direction to ensure that we lay foundation for sustainable growth and development for the future of our dear state.”

In the second term, the governor promised to ensure the full take-off of the Mobile Police Force Barracks in Gashish, Barikin Ladi LGA and in Longvel, Shendam LGA. The governor also pledged to generate N50 billion per year as internally generated revenue (IGR) in the next four years. He said, “Although we were able to increase our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N6.9billion per annum in 2015 to N12.7billion per annum in 2018, almost 100% increase.

“Yet this level of IGR is grossly inadequate to meet what the Rescue administration needs to fund our recurrent and capital expenditure in the next 4 years. We shall therefore re-invigorate our IGR machinery to ensure that we generate a minimum of N2.5biilion per month or N50billion per annum in the next four years.”

Our Correspondent reports that as Governor Lalong has achieved a lot  since he took over mantle of leadership 5 years ago which includes the  construction of over 270 roads across the state, as well as the completion of inherited infrastructural projects, renovation of hundreds of schools in the state, creation of Small and Medium Scale Agency (PLASMIDA) that has trained thousands of youths on variety of entrepreneurial skills, revival of the moribund State Fertilizer Blending Plant located in Bokkos, which has made fertilizer readily available to farmers and in turn, encouraged many more youths to return to farming which has led to the drastic reduction in the number of idle youths.
Speaking while inspecting his legacy and other projects at Riyom Local Government Area, the governor vowed to leave begin a lasting legacy for the state. Under the Governors Legacy projects, there are 7 Model secondary schools, 6 hospitals, and 8 model primary schools, under construction and spread across the LGA’s of the state.
The legacy projects which are already at advanced stage contractors to put more grease to their elbows to meet the deadline. The governor, who equally spearheaded the renovation and equipping of the Riyom Trauma Hospital which was initiated in 2005, by the former Governor Joshua Dariye led administration in the state and among other projects scattered all over the three senatorial zones in the state  said he would complete projects initiated by his predecessors no matter how long they have been abandoned by past administrations. “I was a government after others but they didn’t complete some of these projects. But I will not allow them to waste because government is about continuity. I will complete the projects started by my predecessors”, Lalong said. The hospital, which has already been completed with equipment installed in the wards, delivery room and theatre among others, is ready for commissioning”. Our correspondent also reports that Plateau state, especially Jos North and South are now very peaceful. Prior to the election of Governor Lalong in 2015 under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Plateau State was bedeviled with all manners of crises. It could be recalled  that before 2015  several residents living in Plateau  had  relocated  to other states in the country, as several  business owners who felt their investments were no longer safe. But on assumption of office, the governor restored  the dignity and prosperity of the State to what it has all along been known for “the Home of Peace and Tourism”. At the moment, five years after he took over oath of office,  the state has been witnessing a tremendous influx of both people from different works of life and businesses. Also the  tourism sector has received a boost and   efforts and initiatives/approaches adopted by Governor Lalong to restore peace to the state are paying off. Gang Bitrus a citizen of Plateau state from Riyom Local Government of the state commended Governor Lalong for his efforts in restoring peace in the state saying that “there is an unusually high traffic in many parts of the State as a result of the surge in population. Lalong has done well in road construction  and completing of projects inherited by previous administration. I also  commend Lalong  for the installation of streetlight in Jos, the state capital”. He said that almost all  the streets in Jos  including Mango Road Wild Park, Taen Junction to D Medical Junction, Polo Round About to Farin Gada, Jishe Round About to Rantiya Low Cost, Yakubu Gowon way all have streetlights. “See how lasting peace has been restored to Plateau, I commend Governor Lalong and called on him to continue to do more for Plateau. Linda  Ajang, said “As a proactive government, the Lalong Rescue Administration is taking necessary measures to expand existing structures to meet the increasing demand on the lean existing ones to prevent them from being overstretched. Prominent sectors are education, transportation and the health. This is at the heart of the design and implementation of the Governor Simon Lalong Legacy projects initiated across the three senatorial districts of Plateau State”. Remark Ditep, a citizen of Plateau who spoke to our reporter said that ever since Lalong  assumed the mantle of leadership as the Executive Governor of Plateau, he has been up and about to ensure primarily, the restoration of peace on the Plateau. He said that Lalong,s   efforts ultimately culminated into the creation of admirable sustainable peace initiatives, engagement of regular and robust dialogue sessions with the creation and empowerment of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) to ensure contact amongst all stakeholders on the importance of peace and unity in the state. Ditep also said that the Lalong-led  government cleared the backlog of inherited salaries of civil servants and eight months of pension to pensioners. It has sustained the payment of workers monthly since then. The government successfully hosted a trade fair after 10 years suspension by successes administration due to civil unrest. The Direct Data capture exercise, Bank Verification Number (BVN) and physical verification of staff were introduced the tackle the problem , also The government recovered looted funds of about N2.7 billion from the State UBEC. Peter Biyal another citizen of Plateau from Shendam Local Government commeded Governor Lalong for his efforts at bettering the lives of Plateau citizens. In his words “immediately after securing his second term mandate, Lalong engaged the famous Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to work on the five year development plan for the state. The State’s development roadmap for the next four years is therefore hinged on a three-pillar vision that revolves around: peace, security and good governance; infrastructural development; and sustainable economic rebirth. As a result of the outbreak of COVID-19, Lalong also  directed all civil servants from Grade Level 12 and below, to remain at home. The state government also  planted Closed-circuit television CCTV cameras at major land  borders in the state to check the entrance of persons to the state. In a related development  Chief Executive Officer of Anista Marketing Ms Bolcit Barshep, has commended the Plateau State Governor, Barrister Simon Lalong for the strict measures taken so far to contain the spread of the dreaded Covid-19. She further commended the  state Government for  planting Closed- circuit television CCTV cameras at major land  borders in the state to check the entrance of persons to the state. According to her  the restriction is to further help curb the spread of the virus in the state and country at large. Barshep noted that the lockdown was the best way to go in order to contain the spread of the pandemic. She commended the governor for providing qualitative leadership to Plateau citizens  at a time the Coronavirus was spreading exponentially across the globe. She said  “So far, the Governor has taken frantic efforts to contain the spread of the virus in the  state. The lockdown and close of borders to restrict movement of persons into the state who may be carriers of the COVID-19 was timely and the governor deserves commendation”. Also Owing to the serious impact of the Corona Virus pandemic on the global economy as well as its effect on Nigerian economy and by extension the Plateau State economy, Lalong also directed the State Economic Advisory Council headed by Chief Ezekiel Gomos, to immediately brainstorm and come up with practical and comprehensive strategies on the sustainability and continuation of the State Economy under COVID-19. He also directed the Council to put together a post-COVID road map for the Plateau State economy especially for its revival and recovery.” Lalong said to achieve this task, the Governor has mandated the Council to liaise and consult extensively with all Ministries, Department and Agencies; Local Government Councils; key  private sector players in the State in the manufacturing, agriculture, banking and finance; hospitality and entertainment; trade and commerce; ICT; mining sector; and other important stakeholders like the MSMEs; the informal sector; Trade Associations; Chambers of Commerce; development partners  NGOS and CSOs, Labour Unions etc. He said that the Council is expected to submit periodic policy and strategic recommendations to the Governor on the State economy under COVID19 and beyond. Jerry Alan another citizen of the state who spoke with our correspondent commended Lalong for procuring  400 tractors for farmers inorder to boost agriculture in the state. Also another aspect the Governor has done well  since assumption of office for  his second term is the rise in the Internally Generated Revenue of the state. Dashe Arlat, the Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS),  said that  the service generated over N7.2 billion from January to March 2020. Arlat told newsmen on  in Jos, that the state’s  Internally Generated Revenue(IGR) for the first quarter of 2020 surpassed that of first quarter 2019 which was N3.3 billion. He attributed the feat achieved in revenue generation to various strategies deployed by the service. He listed the stategies to include enhanced data collection, aggressive enforcement of tax laws against defaulters and enforcement in the transport sector in the state.

Democracy Day: Rep. Simon Mwadkwon, Ph.D Charge Nigerians to Remain Optimistic For a Brighter Future, Lauds Their Contributions to Nation Building

As Nigerians celebrate the Nation’s 21 years of uninterrupted democracy, the Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency Plateau State, Rep. Simon Mwadkwon Ph.D has admonished all Nigerians to remain optimistic and positive for a better, stronger and greater future.

Rep. Mwadkwon lauded what he termed the unflinching loyalty, commitment and immense contributions of Nigerians to Nation building. Dr. Mwadkwon said the sacrifices of Nigerians remain critical and urged them not to relent in contributing their quota to national unity, peace, cohesion, prosperity, growth and development.

“Since our return to democracy in 1999, our democracy & electoral system have been characterized by cases of vote-buying, ballot snatching, and stuffing, disenfranchisement, child voting, voting by proxy and other electoral malpractices trail elections in the country which have adversely affected the integrity of the electoral processes and getting credible leadership in many cases” the Federal Lawmaker posited.

Dr. Mwadkwon called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sign into law the long awaited Electoral Act which was amended by the National Assembly before the 2019 General Elections and awaiting his assent. He said when signed into law, the amended electoral Act will bring sanity, integrity and confidence in the electoral system and democracy at large.

Dr. Mwadkwon urged Nigerians to have faith in the Country and work for its prosperity.

“In the face of the present global COVID-19 Pandemic which has presented public health threat, I urged all Nigerians to stay safe and adhere strictly to health protocols and government directives aimed at curtailing the scourge” he said.

He charged those in leadership positions to make welfare of the citizens their priority and provide credible leadership at all times.

The Federal Legislator said as a Representative of the people, he will continue to provide credible representation through effective legislation that will impact not only Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, Plateau State but Nigeria at large.

While calling on the people to always pray and support their leaders to succeed, Rep. Mwadkwon urged them to hold their leaders accountable at all times and critique constructively when the need arises saying that is the beauty of democracy.

He prayed for a hitch free celebration across the Nation.

Cmr. Friday Bako
Director, Media & Publicity to Rep. Mwadkwon, Ph.D

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CAN PRESIDENT

Dear All,
COVID-19 Worship Regulations

We are discussing with the federal government on the re-opening of the churches nationwide. We know the danger of COVID-19 is not over yet but we are thinking that if we engage this method of congregational cry unto God over the pandemic, God would hear our prayers.
The government from our discussions wants us to draw up suggested guidelines for worship in keeping with COVID-19 containment requirements and submit for approval.
Below is a draft which I want you to see and possibly add to, if there is any remaining.
Quick response is important because I and the Sultan of Sokoto would hold a zoom meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation this week.
We hope that latest by the first week in June, we would be back in churches nationwide.

The suggested guidelines.

1. Churches should disinfect their premises first before they are reopened for services .
2. Churches should provide alcoholic sanitizers, temperature readers, soap and water in their Premises to be supervised by medical professionals in the Church.
3. Every worshipper must either use soap to wash their hands or apply sanitizers.
4. The temperature  of every worshipper must be taken before admission into the church and people with the high temperature should not be allowed into the church but be advised to go and see their doctors. 
   5. Every worshipper must wear facemask. 
   6. Social distancing should be observed in the sitting arrangement with one meter gap between two worshippers.
   7. One and a half hour service is enough for a start.
5. There should  be a gap of 25 or 30 minutes between one service and another where there are multiple services to avoid crowd.
6. Churches can make use of classrooms and multipurpose halls for services where available, especially in big churches in order to accommodate more worshippers at a go. TV circuit and speakers can be used for those who are not inside the main auditorium.
   10. Handshaking and hugging should be avoided before, during and after the service. 
7. Prayers should be offered to God for a speedy end of COVID-19 and quick recovery of all that are afflicted by the pandemic. Prayers should also be offered for those frontline workers for divine protection. 
   12. CAN in each state and local government should constitute a committee together with law enforcement agencies in their area to enforce full compliance. Such civilian compliance officials should be given backing by the governments to apprehend those who contravene the worship regulations and hand them over to law enforcement agents.
8. Churches observing Holy Communion service should use separate cup for each participant.

Thank you for the anticipated prompt response.

For the King,
Rev. Dr. Samson O. A. Ayokunle 
CAN President

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.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 1st YEAR IN 2ND TERM IN OFFICE

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State Chapter, congratulates Governor Simon Bako Lalong for a successful first year of his Second Term in office as Plateau State Governor.

The church commends your determination of leaving Plateau State better than you met it by executing so many projects for the betterment of the citizens.

Your efforts in restoring and consolidating peace, wiping out potholes on roads in the state, execution of your legacy projects, boosting of: agriculture, security, health and many more are worthy of commendation.

We commend your too for the all-out war your administration declared on Covid-19 pandemic, proactive steps taken to secure our borders in order to control the spread of COVID-19. CAN commends the manner how Government Palliatives and those given by patriotic Plateau citizens are being distributed.

As you enter your second year we wish to draw your attention to some dilapidating structures such as Government Colleges; Jos, Jingre, Amper and Kanam. If these structures collapse to raise them again will require billions of naira, but they can be saved by being refurbished and some can be converted to higher institution of learning.

CAN wishes you more sound health, divine wisdom and knowledge as you work hard to satisfy the mandate reposed on you by the citizens at the polls last year.

Signed:
Rev. Dr. Soja Bewarang
CAN Chairman

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT WARNS AGAINST STIGMATIZATION OF COVID 19 PATIENTS – Manjang

All human beings are equal irrespective of their social status.
There is therefore no need to stigmatize anyone who is found to have contracted the Coronavirus or any other disease for that matter.
Plateau state Commissioner of Information and Communication Dan Manjang in a statement said COVID nineteen though could be deadly is not a death sentence
Manjang explained people are recovering from COVID 19 like any other illness and should not be stigmatized.
He said the Plateau state Government takes exception to the stigmatization of COVID-19 patients and would therefore not tolerate the act.
The Information Commissioner therefore ask citizens to be pillars of support to anyone diagnosed with the disease or treated of it and embrace them as one big happy family.
Rather than stigmatize and discriminate against persons suspected or indeed infected with the virus, the Commissioner reminds the public of the consistent charge by Governor Simon Bako Lalong for more love the show of solidarity, care as well as learning from the experiences of those affected in order to cut transmission and stop the virus.

Hon. Dan Manjang
Commissioner
Ministry of Information & Communication
Plateau State.

28 May 2020.

PRESS RELEASE

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE GOVERNOR AMINU BELLO MASARI AT 70.

The Northern Governors Forum has rejoiced with Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State as he turns 70 on Friday 29th May 2020.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong in a congratulatory message described Governor Masari as an accomplished politician who has continued to serve Nigeria with all the energy, passion and zeal in him.

Governor Lalong recalls that the Katsina State Governor remains a repository of wisdom and institutional memory for the Forum, especially on matters that relate to the legislature because of his antecedents having served for many years as a legislator and rising to become Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2003-2007.

He said “We are very happy to be associated with this humane, simple, and principled gentleman who exudes dignity, humility and all-inclusiveness in his approach to all National issues. He is a uniting factor and a symbol of unity within the Northern Governors Forum and Nigeria as a whole”.

Governor Lalong asked Governor Masari to continue to use his wealth of experience and wide contacts in promoting the unity peace and progress of Nigeria and the consolidation of democracy in the country.

The Northern Governors Forum prayed that the almighty God will grant him more years of sound health, divine protection and favour as he continues to serve the people of Katsina State and Nigeria.Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR,
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the
Governor of Plateau State & Chairman,
Northern Governors Forum.
May 28, 2020.

President Muhammadu Buhari has sought the approval of the lawmakers of the House of Representatives to borrow the sum of $5.513 billion from external sources to finance the revised version of the 2020 budget.

President Buhari made the request in a letter addressed to the House and read on the floor of the lower chamber on Thursday by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila on Thursday during plenary.

According to Mr. President, the said sum is to help the Federal Government to finance the revised 2020 appropriation and support state government meet their challenges occasioned by COVID-19.

details shortly…

The Federal Government has said it would roll out the course of action for the reopening of schools in the country.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, stated this during a briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.

While congratulating children in the country on the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation urged stakeholders to begin to take steps that would aid the reopening of schools.
He said, “I wish to inform Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Education will roll out measures for the self-reopening of schools.

“The Presidential Task Force wishes to use the occasion of this celebration to congratulate our children and assure them, their parents and all stakeholders alike that all hands are on deck to reopen schools at a safe time.
“We, therefore, use this medium to urge states, local governments, proprietors and all other stakeholders to begin to take steps that will facilitate an early and safe reopening.”

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR LALONG CELEBRATES NIGERIAN CHILDREN, ASSURES THEM OF A BRIGHT FUTURE.

Plateau State Governor and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Simon Bako Lalong has celebrated Nigerian children on the occasion of the 2020 Children’s Day.

Governor Lalong in a special message described children as the hope of Nigeria who deserve all the love and care available to prepare them for the future as they grow to take over the responsibility of leadership.

He said “Though this year’s children’s day is being marked in a low key manner owing to the Corona virus pandemic, the significance of the Children’s Day cannot be lost because they remain the heartbeat of our society and hold the key to our future. We must therefore continue to invest in their education, health and psychological development so as to prepare them for the task ahead “.

He said his Rescue Administration has continued to provide a better environment for Plateau Children by improving the quality of education and healthcare, as well as protecting them against all forms of abuse.

He also explained that the Government decided to put in place online, radio and television lessons to help children keep up with learning despite the closure of schools because of COVID-19.

Lalong also used the occasion to assure Nigerians that the decision to remove all Amajiri children from the streets and return them to their parents is borne out of the need to safeguard their future by integrating them back into the society where they can access education and proper care.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
27th May 2020.