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.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has reiterated that the decision of his administration to hand over all missionary schools to their original owners is in realisation of the need to partner with faith-based organisations for greater educational development of the State.
The Governor said this when he received the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria Arch Bishop Anthonio Phillipazi who paid him a courtesy visit at the new Government House Little Rayfield Jos.
The Governor who appreciated the Papal Nuncio for the visit said he has continued to enjoy the support and prayers of the Church in the discharge of his duties as Governor of Plateau State, Chairman Northern Governors Forum and currently the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
He acknowledged the role that the Catholic Church has played in the educational sector of Nigeria and in Plateau State saying such foundation gave many people including him the opportunity to serve the nation with passion, integrity and honesty.
Lalong told the Nuncio that very soon, the State would mark the day of forgiveness where continuous prayers and advocacy for reconciliation, forgiveness, tolerance and fighting crime would be highlighted. He disclosed that the State will invite the Papal Nuncio to join in the celebration.
The Papal Nuncio thanked the Governor for sparing time to receive him and his team explaining that he was in Jos to Commission a new building in St. Augustine Major Seminary Jos.
He said the Church is growing fast particularly in the North disclosing that the new Diocese of Wukari will be inaugurated in April with the new Bishop installed. He said this growth is possible when there is collaboration and unity in the body of Christ.
The Governor later hosted the Papal Nuncio and his team to dinner.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 23rd January 2023.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has warned civil servants to avoid being used by politicians to sabotage Government programmes and projects particularly as political activities heighten in the country. Governor Lalong spoke while swearing in 10 new Permanent Secretaries recently approved for the State Civil Society at the Victoria Gowon Hall, new Government House Little Rayfield Jos. He congratulated them for being appointed to the pinnacle of the civil service having gone through the requisite exams and vetting, and found to be suitable for appointment into these exalted offices. He said it was the reward for their years of hardwork, dedication and commitment to the progress of Plateau State and Nigeria. He said “May I sound a note of warning to the appointees that we shall not tolerate indiscipline, indolence, disloyalty and flagrant abuse of office. Any of you found to be involved in any act of sabotage will be shown the way out and subjected to all disciplinary procedures. This warning is important because we are in the peak of politicking where the temptation for disloyalty is high. Rather than get enmeshed in politics, you should concentrate on implementing Government projects, programmes and policies that will enable us deliver our mandate to the people. That way, you will be writing your name in gold within the annals of achievements of the Rescue Administration as well as setting up yourselves for greater service to the State and nation in the future”. He asked the new Permanent Secretaries to consider this elevation as a huge challenge to show the stuff they are made of, and also demonstrate that indeed they earned the promotion. “This is not the time to think you have arrived and become lethargic, arrogant and power drunk. The civil service is a well-structured bureaucracy that follows a long tradition of rules regulations and guidelines. At this point, you do not need to be schooled on the terms and conditions of the service. However, I must remind you that you are expected to work within the schedule of the service to avoid getting into trouble or putting the system in jeopardy” he said. Lalong challenged the appointees to put in extra effort to justify this elevation and also set a good example for the staff that they are expected to guide and direct, saying they must uphold the virtues of probity, accountability, honesty, fairness and justice. Responding on behalf of the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, Gongden Micah Sunday appreciated the Governor for appointing them and pledged that they will put in their best to assist the administration consolidate the due process, prudent management of resources, building systems and transparency which have been the hallmark of the Rescue Administration. Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to Executive Governor, Plateau State. 24th January 2023.
Plateau State Governor Simon has consoled with the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu over the death of his mother Kaka Rose Akare Atu who died at the age of 103.
In a message, Governor Lalong described the late Kaka Rose Atu as a woman of substance who dedicated her life to the service of her family, immediate community and humanity at large.
He said the deceased was a community leader whose passion for mentoring and nurturing the younger generation went beyond her immediate family to her community and society at large.
Lalong said the result of her sacrifices, hardwork and resilience is evident in her children who have turned out to be useful to the society serving in different capacities and making impact.
While commiserating with the Secretary to the Government and other members of the family, the Governor urged them to take solace in the fact that their mother lived to a ripe age of 103 and continued to serve God till her last moments.
He advised them to ensure that her legacies of love, sacrifice, patience, love for God and hardwork are sustained in their conduct and passed to the next generation.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 25th January 2023.
We had told you, didn’t we, that the Dengi Mini Stadium will host one of the biggest gatherings in PKK, being the venue for the inauguration of the Gagdi Campaign Council Monday, January 23, 2023?
The composition of the Council was painstakingly done over some time, bringing together several party leaders, women, youth, and supporters who recognize the mantra of the In God We Trust Movement.
The Gagdi Campaign Council is chaired by the Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, while the Director General is Hon Philip P. Dasun. The Secretary General of the Council is ND Shehu Kanam.
It is on record that Gagdi did not go to the National Assembly to warm the benches. He has changed the narrative of what it means to be given the people’s mandate.
In every department, they are peopled by resourceful and dedicated persons who are poised to be used for the success of the campaign.
It is not for nothing that such a cream has been assembled to return Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi back to the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.
It is for this reason that PKK wants him back come February 25, 2023.
Powered by: GAGDI CAMPAIGN COUNCIL MEDIA AFFAIRS January 22, 2023
GAGDI STRATEGISES ON HOW TO MAKE REFUND OF 2022 WAEC, NECO REGISTRATION TO PKK SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS HITCH-FREE
Member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi in conjunction with the PKK Elders Advisory Council led by Nde John Gobak mni, has had an interactive session with major stakeholders in the education sector in the area to mitigate the difficulties faced by indigent secondary schools’ final year students in paying their WAEC, NECO fees.
The meeting was held at the MNS Resort in Pankshin. It had in attendance Principals of all public, private and faith based schools across the constituency.
Others included Zonal Education Director and the 3 Local Government Area Directors, Chairmen and Secretaries of the Parent Teachers association (PTAs) of the schools .
The others include, Central LGA PTA Chairmen, Presidents and Secretaries of the key Community Development Associations across the Constituency.
The meeting provided an avenue to scrutinize and analyse the 2022 NECO registration payment by Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi to over 3,400 indigent students spread across all the various schools in the constituency.
It also afforded them the opportunity to appreciate the lapses encountered during the exercise which were carefully studied to ensure fair and just process for the upcoming 2022 WAEC/NECO Registration refund, where another set of over 4,000 students are expected to benefit..
Speakers from the various strategic groups invited applauded the humane heart of Rt Hon Gagdi, promising to ensure that the good gesture of the member is not frustrated.
A Verification Commitee for each local government was set to ensure a careful verification exercise of the schools and students expected to benefit from the refund. They include:
Pankshin LGA : Hon. Mrs Naomi Golmwen – Chairperson Hon. Jurbe Gonet – Secretary Representative of ANCOPSS Representative of PTAs of the affected schools Representative of the Local Government Central PTA.
Kanke LGA : Hon. Zachariah Goshang- Chairman Hon. Caleb Gotar – Secretary Representative of ANCOPSS Representative of PTAs of the affected schools Representative of the Local Government Central PTA
Kanam LGA: Hon. Ibrahim Saleh- Chairperson Barr. Adamu Nuhu – Secretary Representative of ANCOPSS Representative of PTAs of the affected schools Representative of the Local Government Central PTA
To make it workable, the refund would be directly paid into the accounts of the student (beneficiary) except stated otherwise by the student in the absence of a personal bank account.
Also, the Verification Exercise Committee was given 2 weeks to complete this exercise and ensure payment of the refund.
GOVERNOR LALONG GREETS LONG GAMAI, MISKOOM MARTIN SHALDAS III @ 70
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the First Class ruler of the Gamai people, His Royal Highness Miskoom Martin Shaldas III, the Long Gamai of Gamailand on his 70th birthday.
Governor Lalong in a message of facilitation described the Long Gamai as a man of peace and a symbol of unity, tolerance and forthrightness.
He said the Royal Father has over the years done a lot to unite the Gamai people and also promote their development while ensuring that other people within his domain are properly accommodated and respected irrespective of their ethnic, religious or other affiliations.
The Governor said the Long Gamai who is also the Vice Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs has also contributed enormously to the peace and stability of the State while also supporting the Government to fight crime and criminality.
As the Custodian of the Gamai culture, the Governor acknowledged the role that Miskoom Martin Shaldas III has played in reviving the traditions and culture of the people which has sustained its value and essence despite the forces of globalisation.
While wishing the Royal Father more years of good health, God’s protection, wisdom and strength, the Governor urged him to continue to make himself available for the defence of the rights of the common man as well as the preservation of human dignity within his domain and elsewhere.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 21st January 2023.
A new Commander, Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim has assumed command of the Special Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) Headquartered in Jos, Plateau State.
He took over office from Major General Ibrahim Ali, who was recently posted to Theatre Command North-East Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) as Theatre Commander.
Speaking during the handing and taking over ceremony held at Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN today 20 January 2023, the outgoing commander, Major General Ali assured that men and officers of the command have expressed readiness to cooperate with the incoming commander in achieving the aims and objectives of OPSH, especially in sustaining its kinetic and non-kinetic approaches toward achieving lasting peace.
The outgoing commander lauded personnel of OPSH for their cooperation, steadfastness and dedication throughout his tour of duty of the command. He charged them to continually demonstrate high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties as stakeholders in the corridor of peace.
In his remarks, the incoming commander, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim said achievements recorded by the outgoing commander would be sustained and improved on.
Major General Ibrahim urged men, officers and relevant stakeholders in the corridor of peace to unite against crimes within the Joint Operation Area of the command. He charged personnel on the need to remain disciplined and continually preach peace for the advancement of the society.
The Incoming commander also reiterated the commitment of the command, in delivering on its mandate of maintaining peace through organizing social intervention programs for host communities and use of non-kinectic approach in dispute resolution.
The high points of the event were signing of the handing and taking over notes by the Outgoing and Incoming Commanders, decoration of the Incoming Commander with command insignia and group photograph.
You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium. Thank you for the usual cooperation.
*OYA JAMES* Captain Media Information Officer OPSH
Impressed by his achievements, contributions and support to his alma mater, members of Shendam Old Students Association (SOSA) has thrown their weight behind Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong for his election to the Senate to represent Plateau South Senatorial District.
The members who made their stand known at the 5th National Convention and Award Presentation held at the school in Shendam said the Governor has made the school proud by his personal achievements and success in politics which has resulted in rapid development of the school.
Chairman of SOSA Comrade Emmanuel Dashe said the Governor has proven that with hardwork, determination and God’s grace, anyone can rise from humble beginnings to any height.
He said as an ambassador of GSS Shendam, the Governor has not only given a good account of himself but put the school’s name in good light through his performance as Governor of Plateau State, Chairman Northern Governors Forum and Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council. He said they are fully behind him and are sure that he will take Plateau State to prominence in national politics.
In a keynote address, Guest Speaker at the Convention and a member of first set of the school (SOSA 1978) Prof. Garba Sharubutu said SOSA members have come a long way and must appreciate God for raising them from a humble beginnings to greatness.
Prof. Sharubutu who is the Executive Secretary Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria said the school is privileged to have produced many eminent personalities including the Governor, Professors, Vice Chancellor, Permanent Secretaries, Speakers, Senior Security Officers among others.
He praised Governor Lalong for being a shining star of the school and carrying along his school mates in various ways, saying the endorsement for the Governor’s Senatorial bid as well as his Principal Asiwaju was in order because he needs to continue his great work at the Federal level where he already has wide contact and commanded influence based on his performance.
Commissoner for Secondary Education Mrs. Elizabeth Wapmuk said SOSA has been united, energised and refocused by the Governor whose passion for education has seen the sector being transformed rapidly.
Wapmuk appreciated SOSA for supporting the school with infrastructure, facilities and even teachers.
Principal of the school Mrs. Susan Dandam said the old students have made the school proud by constantly completing the efforts of the State Government.
Dandam praised the Governor for changing the face of the school through development of infrastructure, manpower and the facilitation of other donor support such as the World Bank assisted AGILE project.
In his speech, Governor Lalong recalled with nostalgia his days at GSS Shendam where he said the teachers did their best to instill discipline and also give then quality education.
He commended the pioneer leaders of SOSA for laying the solid foundation upon which the school alumni is standing on. According to him, the school has done a lot to raise people that represented Plateau and Nigeria in various endeavours who need to be recognised and celebrated.
Lalong said the principles of love, tolerance, unity and peace which were taught in the school have continued to guide his conduct as a politician whose passion is for bringing people together irrespective of religion, ethnicity and other differences.
He told them that as DG of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Chairman Northern Governors Forum, he knows the benefits of national politics and being in the mainstream which benefits more people than being in opposition and always complaining of marginalization.
He thanked SOSA for supporting him over the years and also affirming their willingness to vote for him for Senate as well as for Tinubu/Shettima ticket.
The Governor presented an 18 seater bus for the school on behalf of his class of set 82. He also visited the student hostels.
He also recieved an award for exemplary service and achievement in transforming the State.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 20th January 2023.
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