BRITISH-AMERICAN FLYOVER PROJECT STEADILY PROGRESSES WITH ASPHALTING WORK
Work on the British-American Flyover and Dualisation to Lamingo Junction Roundabout in Jos has progressed steadily as the contractor sustains his commitment to complete the work on schedule.
A visit to the site shows that ashphalting works on the slip roads around the main flyover and the stretching from the flyover to the second bridge.
Engineers were seen busy carrying out several activities including intermittent temperature measurement, density and other bituminous properties of the asphalt as part of the processes of quality control.
Already, the main structure of the flyover has been done while the connecting bridges towards the Lamingo Junction Roundabout are also completed.
Motorists and residents have expressed delight at the pace of work and are eager to have the flyover and dualised road commissioned and opened to traffic which will make life easier for them.
They commended Governor Simon Bako Lalong for initiating the project and keeping his promise to ensure its completion before the end of his Rescue Administration.
During the Governor’s last visit to the site, he stressed to the contractor Craneburg Construction Nigeria Ltd that the project must be completed on schedule as it is one of those to be commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari soon.
Other projects which are expected to be commissioned soon are the new Plateau State High Court Headquarters Complex, Multi court Door House, General Hospital Kwall, Kanke; Mabudi Langtang South; and Riyom. Others are ultra modern medical equipment at the Plateau State Specialists Hospital Jos which include Superstar MRI Machine, 64 slices CT scanner, 4D Ultrasound Scanner and Digital X-Ray Machine among others.
Others are the Shendam Internal Road Networks and bridges, Kalong-Angwan Dadi Bridge (the longest bridge in Plateau State), remodelled and reconstructed NUJ Secretariat Complex Jos, Various Legacy Projects among others.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 13th February 2023.
On the second day of the re-election bid tour of the last nine Federal Wards of Kanam, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi got further reassurance of support for his ambition to return to the National Assembly.
The turnout of supporters at Gum, birth place of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi was revealing as it put paid to whatever doubt there is of whether a prophet is withoutr honour with his people. They exhibited their love in the man they are well pleased in.
Gagdi did not display any sign of emotions, as he did the previous day at Gwamlar, assuring that, there are better ways to get the consent of the people, rather than hood winking them with promises of development.
GAGDI: THE WUS GAK PHENOMENON
Except for non-native speakers of Ngas, the mention of Wus Gak may not connote anything special. Now we know better and how the phrase has changed the mindset of people about Gagdi’s style of representation.
Despite being the native language of the Ngas, its usage has become a ‘national language’ of some sort, anywhere Gagdi is involved.
In areas visited which included Dugub, Gum-Gagdi, Kanam, Munbutbo, Garga, Birbyang, Kantana, Jom and Jarmai; despite arriving in some wards at night, the enthusiasm to receive Gagdi was palpably written on their faces and in the reception they accorded the entourage.
Several defectors from the opposition PDP were received into the fold of the All Progressives Congress in all the wards visited.
Member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi on his re-election tour of 36 Federal Wards February 11, 2023 got the support he deserves from the constituents.
Meeting party supporters at each Federal Ward headquarters, Gagdi was emphatic, like many: Another term is needed to build on what was started in 2019.
In the words of Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, God often lifts a man or woman from amongst the least of the society to bring them honour.
The fanfare in the visit may not be lost in the motorcade, and machine displays by some overzealous youth, but in the manner which women, children, and youth stood in the blazing heat to welcome the entourage became a signpost of the support they have to offer to their people-centered representative.
Speakers which included youth, women, elders, legislative and party leaders, and candidates for House of Assembly at Ampang East, Langshi, Dok-pai, Amper-Seri, Amper B, Gumshar, Gwamlar, Namaran culminating at Kunkyam eulogized Gagdi for standing to be counted.
Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has, in the last four years always identified with the people; playing pivotal roles in their activities. During the visit to Amper- Seri Ward, he attended Kurum Day where he donated 500 thousand naira to the people.
The visit continues with the remaining 8 federal wards of Kanam February 12, 2023.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has granted a 4 months extension of service for the Head of Service Engr. Sunday Hyat, mni, who recently retired after attaining the age of 60.
In a communication released by the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, the extention was approved by the Governor to enable the head of service conclude some sensitive labour and ad-hoc responsibilities he is currently handling.
The extension which is from February to May 2023 will be on contract basis.
While congratulating him, the Governor hopes he will continue to put in his best for the total reformation of the civil service in order to allow his Rescue Administration hand over a virile, motivated and capacitated civil service.
He asks the civil service bureaucracy to continue to give him support and cooperation during the period of the extension.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 9th February 2023.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong and Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council is optimistic of a big win for the party in the forthcoming elections from the State to the Federal level.
Governor Lalong while speaking at the flag-off of the APC Gubernatorial campaign in Wase, said APC has performed excellently in Plateau State and Nigeria which has made it formidable and a party to beat.
Lalong said with few weeks to the elections, the APC with its candidates and teeming supporters has been working hard to ensure that it wins the elections with a wide margin.
He expressed happiness that while he has been busy cris-crossing the country with the Presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC gubernatorial candidate and his successor by the grace of God Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda and his team have also been traversing the nooks and crannies of the State to canvass for votes.
Lalong said from the response so far, the people of Nigeria and Plateau State have decided to go with Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President and Kashim Shettima as his Vice, as well as Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as the next Governor of Plateau State with Pam Bot-Mang as his Deputy.
Speaking about the achievements of the Rescue Administration, the Governor said that while he inherited a State riddled with crises and violence, he is going to hand over a State that is peaceful and bubbling with life and economic activities. In addition he said his government has completed most of the abandoned projects he inherited and also executed many which have been put into use for the good of the people.
Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase said the achievements of the APC under Governor Lalong are, unprecedented, enormous and visible.
He said Lalong has united the State and connected very well with the Federal Government thereby attracting projects and appointments that have never been brought to the State.
He said the people will reward the Governor by electing Nentawe as his successor and also sending him to the Senate to continue his good works of promoting the interests of the people of Plateau State.
Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi said Plateau is in safe hands because of the choice of Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda who will continue with the legacies of Governor Lalong.
Plateau State APC Chairman Hon. Rufus Bature while handing over flags to the Gubernatorial candidate and other candidates of the party charged members to remain steadfast go back to their polling units to work for the victory of Dr. Nentawe and all the candidates of the party in the forthcoming elections.
He received decampees from other parties including the Gubernatorial candidate of the YPP Engr. Manji Gontori.
In his remarks, APC Gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda thanked the people of the State for showing him uncommon love and acceptance, promising to work to sustain the peace and security of the State by building on the achievements of Governor Lalong.
He said the vision of the Generation Next team is to create wealth and deepen empowerment of the people leveraging on technology and innovation.
He said he will build on Lalong’s achievements in other sectors such as health, education and infrastructure development, empowerment, job creation as well as social cohesion.
On arrival in Wase, the Governor and his entourage visited the Palace of the Emir of Wase Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo Haruna where they sought royal blessings.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor, Plateau State. 8th February 2023.”APC
A few weeks before the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections, when politicians have returned to their trenches canvassing votes for their various aspirations, the member representing PKK, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi is not only engaging his constituents daily but is still holed up in the FCT pressing the right buttons to attract more development for his constituency.
Gagdi, a people-centered representative, who would go cap in hand to lobby for good things for his people, was between Monday 6th, and Tuesday, February 7, 2023, engrossed in a series of meetings in the Presidency where he brainstormed with the Vice President Yemi Osibanjo and the Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Prof Ibrahim A. Gambari on the viability of establishing the proposed Federal College of Education, Dengi, whose bill has been passed into law by the National Assembly; awaiting Presidential assent, alongside the Federal Polytechnic Nyak- Shendam establishment bill.
Gagdi, who has maintained a cordial relationship with the who’s who in the Presidency throughout his political sojourn in the National Assembly as the member representing PKK from 2019, has utilized such connections that have crystalized in the plethora of constituency development projects permeating the nooks and crannies of PKK.
He is even more determined to ensure all the projects and programs he has outlined to achieve for his constituency in his four years in office come to fruition within the set time, hence the last-minute lobbying, despite the fact that electioneering activities have taken center stage in the nation’s political affairs.
This explains why the member representing PKK was unavoidably absent at the 2023 Forgiveness Day Celebration in Plateau State on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. The lawmaker, however, calls on his supporters and political well-wishers to avail themselves at the Campaign Flag off of the APC gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, billed for Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in Wase LGA as he will defy all odds to be personally present at the event.
There is no gainsaying that Gagdi is PKK’s best bet to continue to attract more development to the constituency beyond 2023, and such a decision has gone down well with the electorate of the Constituency given their overwhelming support for the Vote Gagdi Again (VOGA) Movement.
Powered by: GAGDI STRATEGIC MEDIA TEAM February 8, 2023.
PLATEAU COMMEMORATES DAY OF FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION
The people of Plateau State today converged on the Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos for the commemoration of this year’s Plateau Day and Day of Forgiveness and Reconciliation, a day set aside to mark the 47th anniversary of the creation of the State as well as reflect on the past experiences that once took away the peace of the State.
Speaking at the event, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong said his heart is filled with joy that his administration has laid a solid foundation for peace, justice, equality, tolerance and hospitality.
He said with the support of traditional, religious and community leaders, the Government has worked hard to substantially reverse the damage to the collective psyche and fractured inter-group coexistence.
“Today, the deep-seated level of mutual distrust, suspicion and hate that once characterized social relations between people of different ethno-religious backgrounds across Plateau State has greatly reduced to the barest minimum. This is a result of the hours, days, months and years of work put in by the Plateau Peace Building Agency which we established backed by law, as well as the Inter-Religious Council that was also inaugurated with top leadership of the Christian and Muslim faiths deeply involved”.
Lalong emphasised that the focus on forgiveness and reconciliation does not in any way give room for criminality to thrive or be tolerated. Rather, crises merchants and criminals who previously operated with impunity have been run out of business.
According to the Governor, the Government has continued to remove the triggers for conflicts such as those related to farming and grazing that is not only peculiar to Plateau State.
“We have already sent a Bill to the State House of Assembly for the establishment of Ranching which will prohibit open grazing so as to tackle clashes between farmers and herders. Similarly, we passed and signed into law the Anti-Land Grabbing Law since 2020 to ensure that nobody is dispossessed of his land illegally. It is important to emphasize this because some people are making inciting statements alleging that some villages have been taken over by herdsmen in Plateau State and that the Government has not done anything about it. As Governor, I can say authoritatively that there is no report on my table that any village has been taken over by anyone. The Anti-Land Grabbing law provides that anyone whose land has been forcefully taken should 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”.
Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar showered praises on Governor Lalong for his passion for peace and reconciliation which has restored calm and progress in Plateau State.
He said the initiatives put in place by the Governor have galvanised the entire state and brought together people who are no longer looking at one another with suspicion, bitterness and hatred.
Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama said he was happy that the initiative taken many years ago has fully been implemented by the Plateau State Government under the leadership of Governor Lalong.
Gbong Gwom Jos Da Jacob Gyang Buba described the event as one that vindicates Governor Lalong who has stood firm in persuading the citizens of the State to put behind them and look forward to a greater future.
Other guests including Emir of Askira, Alh. Abdullahi Ibn Askirama II, Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero, former Military Administrator of Plateau State Gen. Lawrence Onoja, former Governor Fidelis Tapgun, CAN General Secretary, PIDAN President, Chairman Inter religious Council Prof. Pandam Yamsat, all commended the Governor for towing the path of peace and ensuring that criminals are not allowed to operate with impunity while reconciliation is going on.
Former Director General of the NTA Yakubu Ibn Mohammed speaking on behalf of Plateau glorious stars recalled his life while growing up in Jos and said the unfortunate events of the past has been detrimental to the image of the State but the Governor has done well to reverse the situation through inclusive leadership.
The Governor assisted by the special guests unveiled the Gazette for the creation of New Districts and Chiefdoms as well as the Plateau Anthem, logo and symbol which were developed by Daps Dalyop Gwom.
The Governor also handed over 32 schools established by voluntary organisations back to their original owners.
Catholic Archbishop of Jos Most Rev. Ishaya Audu appreciated the Plateau State Government for adhering to the yearnings of the people and doing the needful.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor Plateau State, 7th February 2023.
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.
