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.
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.
Freelance Reporters 