In view of the commemoration of the creation of Plateau State 47 years ago and the marking of this year’s Forgiveness and Reconciliation Day, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, CON has approved and declared that Tuesday 7th February, 2023 be observed as work-free.
In this light therefore, citizens of Plateau State are called upon to turn out enmasse tomorrow Tuesday, 7th February to participate in this epoch-making event.
Venue is Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos.
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Dan Manjang, mnipr Honourable Commissioner, Information and Communication. February 6, 2023.
The Hausa community leader in Nkan village popularly called Gindin Akwati in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Engr.Abdullahi Mohammed Nabanki has expressed shock,disbelief & disappointment over a fund raising invitation card trending on social media which referred to him as Emir.
In a strongly worded statement Nabanki described the invitation card from Professional Hunters Assoc.of Nigeria Gindi Akwati branch as not only misleading & malicious but a calculated attempt to malign & tarnish his reputation.
He vowed to use all it takes to address the mis representation which is aimed at creating mistrust and disrepute among the peace loving people of Gashish District.
Engr.Nabanki assured the Gashish traditional council and the good & hospitable people of Gashish and Barkin Ladi of his undiluted loyalty & co operation in other to consolidate the peace that is being attained.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says the State has put behind its dark days that were characterised by violence and destruction and is now coasting to prosperity, unity and peaceful coexistence as a result of the decisive actions taken by his administration to provide a platform for the citizens to drive the peace and reconciliation process.
The Governor who spoke at the inter denominational Church Service to commemorate the 2023 Plateau Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation held at the St. Monica’s Catholic Church Rantya Jos said the people have broken down the barriers to peaceful coexistence by engaging one another and uniting against crises merchants.
He said the commemoration of the Plateau Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation was instituted as part of the Plateau State Roadmap to Peace in order to restore, strengthen and deepen the peace and security of the State which was previously truncated before he came into office.
“The Day of Forgiveness which was unveiled and launched by Mr. President in 2018 has since then been implemented by the Plateau Peace Building Agency which we established as the first in the country with the sole responsibility of coordinating and implementing all our efforts towards removing toxic narratives, crisis merchandizing, violence and tackling root causes of disharmony and intolerance. As a Government, we have been very conscious of the fact that the process of restoring peace and confidence among the people cannot succeed without forgiveness and reconciliation. Gladly, we have succeeded in bringing people who were considered foes at one time or another to dialogue, engage, and confront their fears and anxieties in an atmosphere of love, rather than suspicion and accusations”.
The Governor explained that the Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation which coincides with the date Plateau State was created, is not meant to trivialize or gloss over the trauma, pain and agony that many people experienced on account of the various crises that took lives and properties in the State. Rather, it is to appeal to their conscience and take people to the path of forgiving the past and looking ahead to the future that will be devoid of such ugly experiences.
He urged the leadership of the Church to continue to advocate for peace and tolerance which will help build a better society where people can freely exercise their freedoms including the right to worship.
Lalong said as a sign of his administration’s appreciation for the role that the Church in particular and faith-based organisations in general have continued to play in the development of Plateau State, he recently approved the return of 32 missionary schools to their original owners.
He used the opportunity to clarify the insinuation being made by some people that some villages have been taken over by herdsmen in the State and that the Government has not done anything about it.
He debunked the report and said that there is no report on his table that any village has been taken over. He said the Government took proactive steps to prevent such from happening by passing and signing into law the Anti-Land Grabbing law in 2020.
“By this law, anyone whose land has been forcefully taken is expected to write to me, his traditional ruler, Local Government Chairman, elected representative or even approach the court directly for redress. So far, no one or any community has done so. Rather, some people sit here in their homes and elsewhere to engage in politics and blackmail. I want the world know that what we have been doing is to return displaced persons who fled their homes due to attacks back to their ancestral lands. For example, the site for the construction of a Police Mobile Barracks in Kakuruk, Gashish District Barkin Local Government has been handed over to the contractor who will start work immediately to provide security for the people to return to their lands. Another village, Jong Community in Ropp District of Barkin Ladi was returned to their abode last two months ago. Similarly, Shonong Community in Bachit District of Riyom Local Government has also been returned to their homes”.
Governor Lalong said anyone who has such complaint should write to the Government or go to court to protest such infraction if it happens promising that he will not spare anyone who tries to lay claim on any inch of Plateau State that does not belong to him.
In his homily, Catholic Archbishop of Jos Most Rev. Ishaya Audu commended the Governor for instituting the Day of Forgiveness which he said reminds the citizens of the roles that they all played in one way or the other during events of the past which gives them the opportunity to make amends and ensure that it does not happen again.
Citing scriptures from Matt 18: 29, James 2:13 and Matt 6:14, he said Christians are the Salt of the Earth and expected to pull down all barriers for peaceful coexistence, tolerance, good neighbourliness and mutual respect.
He said Plateau remains a great State that attracts people from all over the world and has now began to witness the influx of people that seek opportunities for business, leisure and residence.
Prayers were offered for God’s blessings upon Plateau State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State. 5th February 2023.
At the re-election campaign flag-off of the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Friday in Pankshin received a boost as he was described as the man for the people of PKK.
For the flag off of a representative whose footprints are a reflection of his dedication to his constituency, the sea of red and blue T-shirts that adorned the stadium sent the right message, as it dwarfed the political gathering that was ever held in the same venue.
Guests including Governor Simon Bako Lalong certainly went home with one impression: Gagdi is the man for the PKK job.
Thanking the people for believing and sticking with the APC, Governor Simon Bako Lalong assured them that they have nothing to regret in the choice of Gagdi who has made PKK a model of sorts.
Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi spoke in unmistakable terms of the need to appreciate what Lalong has done for the state, which unfortunately however, has been criticized as almost non-existent, saying, several signature projects dot the landscape, which were executed by the governor.
In his words: I am charged. When the campaign takes place fully, there will be no hiding place for anyone against the APC. They will be running with their tails tucked between their legs.
It is little wonder that the APC flag bearer Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe who spoke matter of fact urged the people of PKK to know that the projects executed by Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, which are enjoyed by the generality of the constituents should be encouraged by voting him again for such not to dry.
If the event was colorful, the support that came from PKK students with a thousand-man march was phenomenal, commissioning of the Yusuf Gagdi Foundation and constituency office, as well as the road networks, set the tone of the event.
The goodwill messages were a signpost that a lot has been done, and given another opportunity, many more will be executed in PKK.
Highlights included the presentation of 20 vehicles to some officials and directorates of the Campaign Council.
GOVERNOR LALONG CONDOLES FAMILY OF LATE PLATEAU MILAD, AIR COMMODORE DAN SULEIMAN
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has paid a condolence visit to the family of Late Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, former Military Administrator of Plateau State who died at the age of 80.
Lalong who was accompanied by Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Idris Wase visited the residence of the deceased in Abuja where he described the former Military Administrator as a man of character and principle.
He said Late Dan Suleiman was a patriotic and committed Nigerian who apart from serving the nation diligently in the Airforce, committed himself to the return to democratic rule particularly with his participation in NADECO.
The Governor said he enjoyed cordial relationship with the former Military Administrator who gave him valuable counsel particularly at difficult times.
While commiserating with the family, the Governor urged them to take solace in the fact that their father fought for justice and unity of Nigeria, leaving behind a legacy that will endure.
Son of the deceased Jim Suleiman thanked the Governor for the visit and said they were consoled by the good testimony of their father who was loving, caring and supportive.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 2nd February 2023.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has asked the people of Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency to vote massively for the APC and return Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi to the green Chambers of the National Assembly because of his excellent performance.
Lalong who was speaking in Pankshin during the official flag off of the campaign for the reelection of the Member, said Gagdi has redefined Legislative representation not only in his Constituency but also across the State and Nigeria at large.
He said the people have seen and touched the projects he has carried out in the Constituency both for water, education, healthcare, infrastructure among others that have improved the lives of the citizens. He said it was Gagdi who sponsored the bill for upgrading the Federal College of Education Pankshin into a University as well as another Bill to create a new Federal College of Education in Dengi.
“You have stood out among the legislators representing Plateau at the national assembly and have worked closely with the Deputy Speaker to ensure that our interests are projected. I commend you for making my work easier as Governor and wish there were more like you. You deserve to go back and do more for the people” he said.
Lalong said the forthcoming elections present a good opportunity to reward excellence and effectiveness by massively voting for the APC from Top to Bottom.
He urged them to vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Governor, Hon. Diket Plang as Senator as well as all candidates for the Houses of Assembly in the Zone.
Hon. Gagdi thanked the Governor for standing by him and also giving him opportunity to excell and contribute to the development of Plateau State and improving the lives of the people of PKK.
He said he was overwhelmed by the show of love and support which the people have accorded him, assuring that he will continue to fight for their rights and opportunities.
He also assured that he will work for the success of all candidates of the APC in the zone and the state especially in ensuring the election of Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Governor to succeed Governor Lalong who will go to the Senate.
Also speaking, APC Gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda said APC is proud to have people like Hon. Gagdi who are loyal, passionate and sacrificial.
He said the impact of the projects and programmes executed by Hon. Gagdi has gone beyond the Constituency and put the party in good light.
Nentawe was happy that as the leader of the Legacy Group, Gagdi has paid attention to the plight of the next generation which gives an indication that they will work closely together to take the younger generation to greater heights when elected.
Plateau APC Chairman Hon. Rufus Bature said with the performance of people like Gagdi, the work of the party has been made easier because people know that APC keeps is promises.
He urged the people of PKK not to be deceived by the opposition into wasting their votes on parties that have records of failure or no record at all.
Other speakers also assured that they will work assiduously for the victory of Gagdi and all other candidates of the APC during the elections.
Governor Lalong presented keys to 20 vehicles donated by the member to the campaign team.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 4th February 2023.
APC Vice Presidential Candidate Senator Kashim Shettima and Director General of the APC Campaign Council/Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong were in Gudi, Nasarawa State, the country home of the State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule on Sunday to commiserate with him over the loss of his son Alhaji Hassan AA Sule who recently died at the age of 36.
Senator Kashim Shettima and Governor Lalong conveyed the condolences of the APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman of the Campaign Council Presidential Muhammadu Buhari as well as the entire leadership of the PCC.
They described the demise of the Governor’s son as a huge loss to Nasarawa State and Nigeria considering his passion to serve humanity.
While consoling the Governor and his family, they prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.
Governor Lalong later presented an official letter of condolence on behalf of the Government and people of Plateau State which was received by the Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and DG APC Presidential Campaign Council. 29th January 2023.
Another significant recognition for the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has been recorded again.
Only last December 2022, the Gamai nation installed him as Barden Gamai during its yearly Bit Gamai Annual Cultural Festival held in Shendam.
While the celebration for the honour by the Gamai Nation was yet to die, today, at the Bogghom Annual Cultural Festival, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi was coronated Sardaunan Bogghom.
It was performed by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Shehu Suleiman, Pankwal Bogghom. It took place at the Bogghom Arena at Gar January 28, 2023
What better honor could a favoured son of the soil deserve other than the title of the man that would protect them.
Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi after the installation ceremony said it was a challenge to do more for PKK and indeed for humanity. He has never failed when the occasion demanded for it.
Being the first to be crowned Sardaunan Bogghom nation, the message it has sent is the fact that, the leadership Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has provided over the years should be celebrated.
He donated the sum of 5million during the festival, which has continued to serve as a unifying factor for the Bogghom nation by bringing peace and understanding between the nations that make the local government area.
Despite the donation, he promise to construct a structure at the Arena that would be directed by the Pankwal Bogghom.
The Northern Governors Forum has sent condolences to their colleague, Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule over the death if his son Alhaji Hassan A.A. Sule who died at the age of 36.
In a message of commiseration, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong described the demise of the Governor’s son as very painful and sad.
He said the departure of the young man at his youthful age is most unfortunate because he has a lot to offer to the society.
While urging the Governor and his family to accept the development as the will of God, Lalong said the Northern Governors are with him at this moment of grief and sorrow.
He prayed God to console them and grant the deceased eternal rest.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum. 27th January 2023.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has received accolades for reviving the Plateau State University Bokkos (PLASU) which was comatose when he assumed office but put it back on the path of growth and excellence.
The commendation was made during the 6th and 7th combined Convocation of the University held in Bokkos.
Chairman of the Governing Council Mgr. Prof. Francis Obiora Ike said apart from reviving the University, the Governor has invested resources in the institution and also created synergy with the Federal Government and the private sector to create opportunities for the growth of the University.
Prof. Obiora said the University has gradually expanded and is making inroads in the national and international academic spheres.
Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. Yohanna Izam said the administration of Governor Lalong has proved skeptics wrong by revamping the institution and putting it on strong footing, thereby making it one of the best in the country particularly among its pears.
He said it was because of the passion and zeal of Governor Lalong that the University got support for the accreditation of all its courses as well as the introduction of new ones.
Prof. Izam said the new faculties are possible because of the investment of the State Government as well as the interventions by Tetfund in physical infrastructure and manpower development.
He said 1,356 students were being awarded degrees in various disciplines having fulfilled all the conditions for the award and found to be of good character.
The Vice Chancellor said while a lot has been achieved, there is still need to do more in addressing the challenges of water, power, security and fencing, hostels and staff quarters.
Governor Lalong said he was delighted with the growth of the Plateau State University which started with so much enthusiasm but later suffered setbacks and was nearly aborted by some people for reasons best known to them.
He said to the glory of God, the gains of the establishment of the University have begun to manifest to the consternation of many skeptics and pessimists where those who did not wish well for the University have turned around to lay claim to its success.
He used the opportunity to pay tribute to the former Governor of Plateau State Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye, who took the bold step to establish the University despite all odds. He also appreciated former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon who defied skeptics and threw his full weight behind the University.
He said “it is the determination of this government to continue to deploy available resources for the development of both the physical infrastructure and manpower to promote effective teaching, learning and research in the University. Because of the efforts we have put in so far and with the support of TetFund and the private sector, the University campus has witnessed tremendous growth and transformation in recent times. This has led to establishment of additional four new faculties of Law, Environmental Science, Health Sciences, Agriculture, Education as well as the School of Post Graduate Studies”.
Lalong encouraged the graduands to look beyond certificates and add value to the society by practical demonstration of knowledge acquired as the State and nation is in dire need for solutions to various challenges and is looking up to them.
He called on the management and academic staff of the University to also deepen their research and teaching into the critical challenges that are common to Plateau State and nation.
Plateau he said has a unique weather and climate that supports peculiar agriculture, tourism, mining, sports, investment and many other endeavours that can yield jobs and income for our teeming youths.
Honorary Doctorate Degrees were awarded to deserving personalities who include Prof. Ochapa Onazi, Prof. Isawa Eliagwu and Dr. Dere Awosika.
Outstanding graduands who got first class in various courses were given automatic employment by the Plateau State Governor as well as certificates and cash.
The Governor commissioned some projects which include Post Graduate School, University Rock Garden named after the Governor, Advancement and linkages office block and Faculty of agriculture.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 27th January 2023.
Freelance Reporters 