GOVERNOR LALONG SINGS LAW ESTABLISHING PLATEAU DRUGS & MEDICAL COMMODITIES MANAGEMENT AGENCY; RECIEVES NBA JOS BRANCH

In a move to address the challenge associated with access, quality, availability and affordability of drugs in Government health facilities, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has signed into law the Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency Bill 2022 recently passed by the House of Assembly.

While signing the Bill into Law at the Government House Rayfield Jos, the Governor said with the new legislation coming into effect, the Agency when established will ensure that all State owned tertiary, secondary, and primary health facilities get their drugs from one source which has a lot of advantages.

He said the days of out-of-stock syndrome will be addressed while the tracking of drugs will be easier. The agency will also ensure that the quality of the drugs procured is ascertained while those who store them will do so under a uniform template.

Lalong also said the Agency will also ensure that there is quality control by developing a standard operating procedure as well as addressing the issue of cost.

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Plateau State Chrysanthus Ahmadu while giving the synopsis of the Law said the Agency is also permitted to carry out the manufacture of quality and affordable drugs and other consumables as well as operationalising the Revolving Drug Fund in all health facilities in the state

Meanwhile, the Governor has recieved members of the Nigerian Bar Association Jos Branch who paid him a courtesy visit.

Led by its Chairman Barr Izang Aware, the NBA said they were at the Government House to once again appreciate the Governor who has done a lot to improve the Judiciary in Plateau State through the construction of the High Court Complex and renovation of other courts as well as supporting and implementing the Autonomy of the Judiciary.

They formally introduced the new Executive Members of the NBA Jos Branch and assured him of their readiness to continually support his administration and its programmes.

They invited the Governor for the activities marking the 2022 Law Week and asked for his support towards renovation of the Bar Centre which will accommodate its activities.

Committee Chairman of the 2022 Law Week Barr Sunday Obende promised to organise a befitting law week in the State with the theme “Tipping point: 2023 General Elections in Perspective” scheduled to hold from 2-7 December 2023.

Responding, Governor Lalong welcomed them to Government House and said as his professional colleagues, he has continued to enjoy their support, advice and collaboration.

While promising them a new bus to run their office, he said he will do his best to support activities of the NBA and give them a serene working environment.

He promised to renovate the NBA Bar Center and commission the High Court Complex alongside the newly renovated Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Center before his tenure ends.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
27th October 2022.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

Plateau State Executive Council has approved a new contractor for the completion of the Lalong Legacy Projects following the termination of the contract with the previous contractor.

This was one of the decisions taken at the end of the Executive Council Meeting held at the Council Chambers of the new Government House, Little Rayfield Jos and presided over by Governor Simon Bako Lalong.

Briefing newsmen after the Executive Council Meeting, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance Mr. Kenneth Horlong who stood in for the Commissioner of Finance said the new contractor Mssrs United Integrated Construction Company was given the contract at the sum of 26.6 billion naira with a completion period of 32 weeks.

He said the projects which include 9 primary schools, 6 secondary schools and 6 hospitals, are world standard and located across the 17 local government areas of the State.

He said to ensure that the project is completed according to specifications, three Zonal consultants and a management consultant have been appointed to closely monitor the work.

Attorney General of Plateau State Chrysanthus Ahmadu said the Council also approved a draft Bill for the establishment of the Plateau State Investment Promotion Agency (PSIPA) which will merge the activities of the Plateau PPP Agency and the One Stop Investment Centre (OSIC).

Ahmadu said the Agency will not duplicate or conflict with the Plateau Investment and Property Development Company whose functions are to manage the existing investments of the State while the PSIPA is to attract investors into the State and enable them expand their businesses.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Hosea Finangwai said the State EXCO also approved the Plateau State Agricultural Policy and Implementation Plan 2022-2027 as well as a draft Bill for the establishment of the Rural Access Roads Agency and State Road Fund and Board.

Commissioner for Education Secondary Mrs. Elizabeth Wapmuk said the Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission Draft Bill approved by the Council will go a long way in boosting the fortunes of women particularly the girl-child that needs opportunities for education, empowerment and employment.

Commissioner for Higher Education Prof. Barnard Matur said the completion of the legacy projects which include many schools will be very helpful in changing the narrative of the State and its citizens.

He said the issue of security was also discussed with far reaching actions to be taken to enhance safety of the citizens of the State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
26th October 2022.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has challenged the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO) to work hard towards ensuring that power is extended to the central and southern Districts of the State.

The Governor was speaking when the management of JEDCO paid him a visit at the new Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

Governor Lalong who appreciated the visit of the new Managing Director Engr. Bello Abdu Muhammed, said lack of power has been a challenge to the industrial development of the State particularly in the areas of agro processing.

He said the State Government has continued to work with the Federal Ministry of Power, TCN, and the distribution company to ensure that all obstacles are removed towards connecting the whole State to the grid.

He assured the MD of his support towards ensuring that power is distributed adequately and throughout the State.

In his remarks, Engr. Bello said his visit was to formally pay courtesy to the Governor and intimate him about his assumption of office as well as seek his support.

He told the Governor that he has been briefed about the power challenges facing the Government House which he said will be addressed in conjunction with the relevant staff of the Government.

Engr Bello also promised to support the Government towards connecting more towns and villages to electricity as a way of boosting economic activities.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
26th October 2022

GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR PLATEAU CHIEF JUDGE; URGES HIM TO SUSTAIN JUSTICE AND RULE OF LAW

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has tasked the Chief Judge of Plateau State Hon. Justice David Mann to continue to reform the Judiciary in order to further deepen the rule of law and justice delivery to all.

The Governor spoke at the Special Thanksgiving service in honour of the Chief Judge held at the Church of Christ in Nations, Abbatoir Jos.

He said the appointment of the Chief Judge which was a devine order, carries along heavy burden to ensure that humanity exists in harmony and under order and tranquility.

He commended him for serving the people without fear or favour and in line with his oath of office and dictates of his calling.

Lalong also prayed God to continue to give the Chief Judge the grace to fulfill his responsibilities to the best of his abilities and for the good of the citizens.

In a Sermon, Rev. Luka Damilep dwelt on the supremacy of Christ where he said God bestowed upon him every power and authority to redeem mankind so that his purpose will be fulfilled on earth.

The Pastor appreciated the Chief Judge for being closer to God even now than when he had not attained the status of the Chief Judge. He called on members to emulate the posture of the Chief Judge by submitting to the Authority of God at all times and positions they find themselves.

Lead Pastor of the Church Rev. Chuwang Moses Gyang speaking on behalf of COCIN President appreciated the Chief Judge of Plateau State for not allowing his position to take him away from the presence of God.

He commended him for also contributing to the growth of the church and participation in the spiritual and physical rejuvenation of members.

Grand Children of the Judge were dedicated where their father Barr. Peres Mann said it is thing of Joy to celebrate the grace of God upon his family for perfect healing of the children whom at delivery were discovered to have some medical challenges.

The Chief Judge Thanked God for the grace given him to rise to the rank of a Chief Judge in journey that started way back in 1983 as a Magistrate.

He appreciated the Governor, Speaker and all other Nigerians that have contributed to his professional growth and have supported him to discharge his duties with fairness and justice.

Donations were made towards completion of the Church auditorium with the Governor, Chief Judge and other invited guests participating.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
24th October 2022.

TINUBU, SHETTIMA, LALONG IN KANO; MEET KANNYWOOD AND APC SUPPORT GROUPS

As part of his visit to Kano, Presidential Candidate of the APC Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima, and the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong have met with top entertainers from Kannywood as well as all Kano APC Support Groups.

During the meeting with the Support Groups held at the Indoor Sports Complex Kofar Mata, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his delight at the enthusiasm and support demonstrated by the support groups who mobilised in thousands to receive him and his delegation.

He said his passion to serve Nigeria will change the lives of the people positively in all sectors as outlined in his manifesto recently unveiled entitled “Renewed Hope”.

Tinubu described the Support Groups as key to the victory of the APC at the polls and said he had no doubt that they will work assiduously to ensure that Kano delivers huge votes for the APC.

He thanked Governor Abdullahi Ganduje for planning the visit which he said represents a test of the campaigns that will soon kick off officially.

DG APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong also elated with the huge turnout of supporters from all parts of Kano said the APC is clearly the party on ground in the largest voting State of the country which confirms its leadership in Nigerian politics.

He said with what Governor Ganduje and the support groups have demonstrated ahead of the official flag off of the Presidential Campaigns, APC will sweep the votes of Kano as well as other parts of the country.

He described the support groups as the foot soldiers of the APC who will be adequately mobilised and supported to take the message of hope and renewal of Nigeria by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to all the nooks and crannies of the State.

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said Kano is set to deliver the highest votes to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu not only because it is an APC stronghold, but because of the passion they have for the candidate who is the most qualified.

He said Tinubu has the experience and track record of performance which is evident in Lagos, the commercial capital of the country.

When events shifted to the Coronation Hall at the Government House Kano, it was a gathering of top entertainers from the northern part of the country.

Under the umbrella of Kannywood, the film stars, musical artistes and other performers put up various presentations to affirm their support for the APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Veteran film actor Sani Muazu and the Chairman Khalid Musa said Kannywood has chosen to go with Tinubu and Shettima and will therefore be available to participate in the campaigns throughout the Northern part of the country and elsewhere.

They requested that Kannywood be given a slot in the Presidential Campaign Council under the entertainers so as to enable them concentrate on the area they have dominance which will be more effective in the long run.

DG APC Presidential Campaign Council Governor Simon Bako Lalong who responded on behalf of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the candidate has approved the request of Kannywood and will also ensure that they have a hub for their activities once elected into office.

He announced a donation of 50million naira to Kannywood and appreciated their show of love and support which was captured in the various performances they staged.

Governor Ganduje while thanking Kannywood for the night of glamour said the APC has done well in Kano which makes it an attractive brand that the highest artistes in the Northern region could identify with.

The Governor assured them that with Tinubu as President, Nigeria will witness tremendous progress and also usher in a new phase of progress for the entertainment industry in Nigeria and in particular the North.
The APC Presidential Campaign and his team had earlier met with leaders of some religious groups including Tijjaniyya Sect, Ahlus Sunnah, Kadiriyya Movement, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and DG, APC Presidential Campaign Council.
24th October 2022.

“WE WILL DELIVER VICTORY FOR ASIWAJU”, GOVERNOR LALONG, DG APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL DECLARES

Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong has disclosed that the APC will run a clean campaign based on issues rather than propaganda and falsehood.

Lalong who was speaking during official inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council and unveiling of the Action Plan by President Muhammadu Buhari said the APC is poised for victory and will therefore not be distracted by toxic campaigns no matter the provocation.

The DG said the PCC is elated by the zeal and desire of party members across the nation and the diaspora to serve in one position or the other during the campaigns, explaining that the PCC devised a strategy to ensure that everyone is captured across the various levels of the party structure.

He said “with the blessings of Mr. President and the endorsement of the Party and our Candidate, we have chosen to carry out a bottom-up approach to the campaigns. In other words, members will work to deliver the party and its candidates from the unit to the national level and not the other way round. Therefore, we have carefully planned the structure to give roles to all members from the Unit, Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal, Regional and Federal Levels. That way, we are sure of not only getting everyone on board, but also able to easily track the roles played by each member in the campaign process. At the end of the day, we can conveniently address any challenge and even reward excellence while harvesting maximum votes. For the PCC, the days of people flying letters in Abuja while work suffers at the grassroots is over”.

The Director General said the PCC was aware that the composition of the leadership and membership of the various Committees may not have satisfied the yearnings of everyone but everything possible has been done to come up with a list that captures virtually every interest. The structure adopted will give room for those whose names do not appear, to be given roles at the Regional, Zonal, State Local Government, Ward and Unit levels. That way, everyone is captured in the campaigns.

“Our campaigns will therefore be issue-based and devoid of propaganda or falsehood. We shall tell the electorate what our party has done and also remind them of the enviable records set by our Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima during their previous assignments. They have demonstrated the capacity, experience, composure, exposure and acceptance to take Nigeria to greater heights from May 29th 2023”.

National Chairman of the APC Abdullahi Adamu appealed to all party faithful to be committed to the task ahead and remain focused on the goal of ensuring that APC retains power at the Federal and State levels.

He said since no army goes to war fragmented, the task ahead requires a lot of sacrifices by members of the PCC and the entire party structure. He urged them to put aside personal or sectional interests and focus on the important goal which is to win the elections with an unprecedented wide margin in the history of elections in Nigeria.

In his remark, Vice Presidential running mate Senator Kashim Shettima said the APC remains the party with the best intentions for uniting and developing Nigeria into a great nation that meets up its potentials.

APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu while speaking on his plans for Nigeria said he brings hope and renewal as he will give the nation the leadership that will focus on assembling the best minds and giving them the support and direction to confront the challenges of the country head on.

In unveiling his manifesto entitled “Renewed Hope”, the APC Presidential Candidate said President Muhammadu Buhari has done a lot to take Nigeria higher in areas such as education, security, agriculture, infrastructure among others.

These he said will recieve a boost whenever he comes on board as he will tackle insecurity frontally by ensuring that no part of Nigeria is threatened by bandits and other criminals.

Asiwaju said he will work hard to unite Nigeria and ensure that justice, equity and fairness prevails irrespective of the faith, tribe, religion and other considerations of the citizens.

He thanked APC supporters and Nigerians for their overwhelming show of love and support demonstrated towards him since he emerged the party’s Candidate.

President Muhammadu Buhari while inaugurating the Council said he was happy to be at the forefront of the campaign as the future of Nigeria is safer with the APC.

He said the 2023 General elections is as important as the one that brought the party to power in 2015 hence the need for party members to work hard in ensuring that the APC wins at all levels.

He described Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a visionary leader whose political journey has been full of success and turnaround just as it was recorded in Lagos during his government and in the subsequent administrations of his successors.

While congratulating the party members and candidates of the party at various levels, the President commended the spirit of unity and oneness demonstrated by other aspirants who donated their structures and other facilities to those who emerged as candidates.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the
DG, APC Presidential Campaign Council & Governor, Plateau State.

21st October 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES DR. POKOP BUPWATDA OVER APPOINTMENT AS CMD JUTH

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Dr. Pokop Bupwatda over his appointment as the Chief Medical Director of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Governor Lalong who received the new JUTH CMD at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja said he was delighted that the appointment of Dr. Pokop was based on merit and his track record of service in the hospital and throughout his medical career.

Lalong oberved that Dr. Pokop has built a good relationship with his colleagues across various fields of the medical profession and has demonstrated competence and capacity in managing human and material resources.

While wishing him a successful tenure and God’s wisdom to run the hospital and take it to greater heights, Lalong charged him to critically evaluate the current state of the hospital and work towards improving efficiency, quality service delivery and capacity building for staff among others.

He said as the foremost tertiary health institution in Plateau State, it is important that JUTH continues to build more synergy with State-owned and private health institutions as a way of improving the health of the citizens.

He reminded him that the President recently approved a National Orthopedic Hospital for North Central to be cited in Jos as well as a Federal Medical Centre Wase. He also told him that the plans by the Plateau State University Bokkos to commence a Faculty of Medical Sciences which will also lead to the take off of a Teaching Hospital will greatly benefit from the partnership and experience of JUTH.

Lalong assured him of his support and asked him to also see to do his best in ensuring that the National Cancer Centre recently approved by the President to be domiciled in JUTH takes off and becomes the reference point for cancer care in Nigeria and beyond.

The Governor also appreciated the support of the Minister of Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire and Board Members of the hospital.

Dr. Pokop Bupwatda had earlier thanked the Governor for his support and recommendation towards his appointment saying he will not disappoint him and the people of Plateau State and Nigerians at large.

He assured him that his leadership will focus on building capacity, research and motivating the workforce towards effective service delivery and excellence.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th October 2022.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FELICITATE WITH GEN. GOWON AT 88

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with elderstatesman and former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon on his 88th birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message of felicitation described Gen. Gowon as one of the most refined and patriotic leaders that Nigeria has produced.

Lalong said Gen. Gowon apart from fighting to keep Nigeria one, has remained a father to the nation many years after leaving office and continues to support successive administrations through prayer, counsel and strategic engagement towards addressing the nation’s challenges.

He said as an elderstateman, Gen. Gowon has devoted his time, energy and resources in mobilising help for the less privileged in society just as he has mobilised funds and attracted the attention of local and global partners to tackling diseases, illiteracy, poverty and hunger among others.

Governor Lalong noted that through the Yakubu Gowon Foundation, the former Military Leader has touched the lives of the most vulnerable persons in society by bringing succour to their plight and ensuring that the attention of Government, donor agencies and non governmental organisations is drawn to neglected but important issues.

The Northern Governors Forum Chairman specifically appreciated the role that Gen. Gowon has played in his interventions with members of the Forum towards addressing the issues of insecurity, peace, unity and religious harmony within the Northern Region and the entire country.

He said Gowon epitomises humility, humanity, and goodwill as he has remained apolitical, but always interested in supporting causes that work for the interest of the people.

The former Nigerian leader was also commended for instituting and sustaining a national spiritual intercession program “Nigeria Prays” which has relentlessly prayed for the unity, progress and stability of Nigeria over the years.

While wishing him many more years of good health, wisdom and God’s protection, Lalong said the former Head of State will continue to remain a worthy Ambassador for the region and Nigeria with his sterling qualities that attract goodwill from within and outside Nigeria.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum.
19th October 2022.

DG APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL, SIMON BAKO LALONG RECEIVES EU DELEGATION

Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong on Tuesday 18th October 2022 recieved a European Union Delegation at the Tinubu Campaign Headquarters in Abuja.

The EU Delegation led by Naret Hricka were at the APC PCC as part of their engagements with political parties and stakeholders preparatory to the deployment of an election observer mission for the 2023 General elections.

Hricka told Governor Lalong that the EU Election Observer Mission is primarily going to be in the country to observe the conduct of the elections without any form of interference.

She assured the DG that the team will operate according to the guidelines of INEC and laws of Nigeria in the spirit of partnership for sustaining democracy in the country and globally.

While receiving the team, DG APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the APC as a party was open to receiving and working with all foreign and domestic observers who are considered as key partners in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

He said the APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a democrat who plays by the rules and believes that politics is about the people whose will and choices must be respected.

He said together with his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima, the APC Presidential Candidate Bola Tinubu has continued to reach out to the electorate across the nation with the message of hope and restoration, while shunning every act and utterance that negates the fundamental principles of democracy.

He told the team that the APC led administration under President Muhammadu Buhari has assured time and again that elections will be free, fair and credible as part of its legacy to deepening democracy and building confidence among the people.

The DG highlighted the passage of the Electoral Act and its signing by President Muhammadu Buhari as one of the key actions that validates his commitment to ensuring democratic growth and good governance.

Lalong also told the team that the APC has consistently abided by the outcome of elections even when it loses to other parties.

The DG received the EU Delegation in company of the DD Operations Adams Osiohmole, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu- Director, Stakeholders and Hon. Uju Chinenye, Hon Abiodun Faleke, PCC Secretary and Hon Yakubu Dati, Chief of Staff to the DG.
The European Union Delegation was led by Naret Hricka, Media expert, Hannah Roberts, Political and Electronics Experts, Frederik Sohumann, Wette Bakken and Osaro Odemwingie.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and DG APC Presidential Campaign Council.
18th October 2022.