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.
Sloganeering and symbolism are very effective and critical tools used by marketing experts to attract and retain the attention of their targeted audience. They are conceived with a view to ingraining messages into the memories of the targeted audience through catchy or clever appellation.
As such, it is not by sheer happenstance that the most globally recognizable products and services such as the iconic Coca-Cola had ‘Coke is it’ as its slogan; much the same way that Nike–the foremost sportswear firm–had ‘Just do it’ while Citibank had ‘Citi never sleeps’ and Zenith Bank has ‘In your best interest’ as their slogans at one point or the other in the development process of the brands.
A critical study of the slogans and symbols would reveal that they conveyed unambiguous messages to their target audiences hence the products and services became famous.
When you juxtapose the art of selling products and services in the world of commerce and industry with the arena of politics and politicking, you would realize that trying to convince a constituent to vote for a particular politician entails identifying a common issue/cause and then marketing the leadership and competence qualities of the candidate that would provide solutions to the identified challenges to the electorate.
Like what obtains in the commerce and industry space, it involves the crafting of slogans and the design of symbols that would best deliver the vision and mission of the politician succinctly.
‘GAGDI WUS GAK’ slogan emerged when Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi paid a surprise visit to Tuwan in Kanke LGA on October 4, 2022.
Being Ngas in origin, ‘GAGDI WUS GAK’, when translated in Hausa, means ‘GAGDI WUTA KAWAI’. Impliedly, it is his supporters’ call for him not to backpedal in his second term bid no matter the challenges until he arrives at the National Assembly in 2023.
Being fanned and propelled by the majority of his constituents, it is a confirmation that their faith in him has never waned; rather it is increasing daily. This signals the much-anticipated victory for this quintessential legislator ahead of the 2023 election.
As Gagdi’s re-election bid continues to gain momentum and acceptability in the constituency, it is our collective prayer that; may God makes it easy for him in 2023 and beyond. Amen. Our dear Gagdi, WUS-WUS GAK only to stop at the Green Chamber again!
GOVERNOR LALONG OPTIMISTIC OF A GREATER NIGERIA AS APC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU ADDRESSES NORTHERN GROUPS
Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau Simon Bako Lalong says there is hope that Nigeria will continue to remain united and prosperous under a leadership that gives equal opportunities for Nigerians to thrive.
Governor Lalong who spoke at the presentation of APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to Northern Groups at the Arewa House Kaduna on Monday said Nigeria needs a leadership that is focused on sustaining the legacies of the founding fathers of Nigeria such as Sir Ahmadu Bello.
He said as Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, he understands the importance of the opportunity provided to Presidential Candidates to speak to Northern interest groups as a way of assuring them of the plans to improve the region and the nation at large.
He said Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is one of the aspirants that represents the ideals of the founding fathers of the North and the nation because of his ability to unite people and embrace diversity while pushing for excellence.
Earlier, APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu had outlined his vision for Nigeria where he touched on critical areas such as education, power and energy, human resource development, security, agriculture and national cohesion among others.
He said if elected President, the North should be assured of robust impact on all areas through creative thinking and implementation of policies that will tackle corruption, fight poverty, improve the economy and create jobs for the youths.
Tinubu also used the opportunity to appreciate the role played by Northern Governors within the APC under the leadership of Governor Simon Lalong who insisted on power shifting to the Southern part of Nigeria during the National Convention of the party where he emerged as the standard bearer.
Kaduna State Governor Nasir Elrufai welcomed Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to Kaduna and told him that the North does not pretend or fail to keep its promises.
This he said is evident from the stand taken by the Northern Governors under the leadership of Governor Simon Bako Lalong during the APC Convention where they kicked against attempts to see the emergence of a Northerner as Presidential Candidate.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum. 17th October 2022.
For the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, it was a robust 6-day engagement in Washington DC, USA, where he was engrossed in a World Bank/International Monetary Fund, IMF, workshop aimed at ameliorating the economic quagmires of the world nations.
Gagdi, who was among the Four (4) man Nigeria’s parliamentary delegation at the World Bank/IMF sponsored event, said the experience garnered and the privilege to present Nigeria in the world event has broadened his horizon on viable steps to alleviate poverty among Nigerians; more particularly, the downtrodden masses of the communities of PKK.
The workshop spanned through Monday 10th to Saturday 16th October, 2022.
The workshop, which had various topics peculiar to the myriad of problems bedeviling third world nations and the entire globe took place at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC, had participants in attendance ranging from World Central Bank Governors, world finance ministers, as well as parliamentarians across many European and African countries.
Gagdi is due to land at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos on Sunday, October 17, he is expected to proceed to his constituency to continue his political engagements, haven been out of the shores of the country for two weeks.
Speaking through a video chat, Gagdi said he had cause to travel out of the country for official engagements to many countries of the globe, but he had never found any of those engagements to be of direct benefit to his constituents than this; having gained more insights into new global avenues to alleviating poverty among downtrodden citizens.
This, he said, forms the crux of his representation of the people of PKK, which he has remained committed to.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE GOVERNOR FAYEMI OVER A SUCCESSFUL TENURE
The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated outgoing Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum Dr. Kayode Fayemi for a successful tenure and a record of achievements.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said Governor Fayemi discharged his duties with passion, commitment and excellence during his tenure.
He said Fayemi carried out many people-oriented projects that impacted the citizens of Ekiti State and put the State on the path of progress.
This he said assisted in ensuring a smooth transition with the emergence of Hon. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji who he hopes will carry on with the building process began by Fayemi.
Lalong also said the former Chairman of the Governors Forum took the body to a higher level by mobilising and galvanising all Governors irrespective of their party affiliations towards addressing the security, economic and political challenges of the nation.
He recalled among other things how Governors Fayemi worked assiduously with his colleagues to collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling the impact of Corona virus pandemic, global economic crisis, insurgency, and other national issues.
The Chairman also commended Governor Fayemi for also ensuring that State Governments partner with development agencies towards addressing health, education, empowerment and energy challenges among others for the benefit of their citizens.
While wishing him well in his future endeavours, Lalong assured him that the Northern Governors Forum will continue to leverage on his experience, wisdom and knowledge in working for the interest of its people and Nigerians at large.
Meanwhile, the Northern Governors Forum has congratulated new Ekiti State Governor Hon. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as he assumes office, urging him to continue in the footsteps of his predecessor by pursuing practical development and also building bridges across the nation. He assured him of the willingness of the Forum to collaborate with him.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum. 16th October 2022.
In continuation of fine tuning details of its plans to unveil its campaign and manifesto of its Presidential Candidate, key APC Stakeholders on Wednesday met with APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja.
The meeting had members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council led by its Director General and Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, Members of the NWC and the Progressives Governors Forum.
Vice Presidential Candidate Senator Kashim Shettima, Deputy Chairman North Senator Abubakar Kyari, Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chairman Progressive Governors Forum Abubakar Bagudu and his colleagues were among attendees at the meeting.
The meeting held behind closed doors discussed the manifesto of the APC Presidential Candidate, the details of the campaign plans and schedule, as well as the general organisation of the various roles to be played by party members.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Spokesman of the APC PCC Festus Keyamo said the meeting was convened to harmonise and clarify various components of the journey ahead so as to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
He said very soon, the public will be availed the full details of the campaign schedule of the APC as well as the date for official flag off.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and DG APC Presidential Campaign Council. 12th October 2022.
For as long as I have been old enough to understand what goes on in Nigeria, it has always been clear to me that citizens have often been unhappy with the quality of those who govern us.
As 2022 winds down, major political gladiators across the country have stepped up their game ahead of the election year, 2023. Aspirants have embarked on tours to different political zones, visiting perceived power brokers for a buy-in bid to lead the electorates. Their surrogates are also busy simulating events to position their principals in a better stead.
As elections are imminent in Nigeria, a good number of Nigerian citizens both home and abroad have started to analyse the quality of the candidates for the 2023 elections. Quality of leadership is vital to any country, and it determines the direction the country will go during that particular tenure. Nigerians have continued their outcry for leaders who would bring about an egalitarian society.
The entrepreneurs of falsehood are back in business. And, this is very understandable as it is that time of the year. Lies, deceits and contrived data are now the order of the day courtesy the merchants of death and the enemies of truth. It is a season when politicians are quick to make promises which they do not intend to fulfill. These little values that they take for granted have become the standards with which they are accessed when they come into office.
Every four years we get in the web of this vicious cycle. Sadly, we don’t reflect on the last cycle, we hardly learn lessons and we don’t plan. The patterns of our electioneering remain the same. The issues are left to the media to discuss. The candidates do not have a grasp of the issues at stake upon assuming power, neither do they know how to address them. Altercations and name calling are common place in our polity. A close look at the personalities reveal that they are self seeking than service-oriented. There is a dearth of commitment to the people and knowledge of the cardinal issues that plague the nation.
Nigerians generally feel that majority of candidates our political process throws up for legislative and executive positions are not representative of the respectable Nigerian intelligentsia and 80-90% of professional politicians have no iota of altruism that triggers true service to the people. Admittedly, we have seen some few bright and hardworking elected officers who sometimes seem exceptional. Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi falls within this category of exceptional leaders.
Rt. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi needs no introduction in Nigerian politics. His political sojourn started from PDP to APC. In all these parties, his name rings a bell. His contribution to the return and development of Plateau state cannot be overemphasized. He was one of the brain behind the dorminancy of the then ruling party(PDP) from 2010-2016 before he decamped into the All Progressive Congress (APC). .
On competence, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has distinguished himself in various phases of leadership and professional achievements.
After many years of remarkable state legislative productivity, he moved on to become a Federal legislator, providing him with a rich reality of experiences, while his earliest career as an economist has groomed him with a working experience on the mechanics of development interplays.
Gagdi is a leader who is dependable and has integrity. He has proven to be someone who is transparent and accountable and was able to shake off the shackles of nepotism, tribalism, and all other forms of bias.
The next Nigerian leaders, at all levels of government, should be people who have the know-how to tackle Nigeria’s insecurity and poverty and other malaises facing our great country. One of the most germane functions of a leader is to ensure the security of lives and property. This has been an issue in Nigeria for a long time now and it has led to people losing hope about the future. In Gagdi, PKK has a leader who has shown commitment and resilience to tackle these security challenges and make the constituency safe for everyone to live in.
Love or loathe him, Gagdi today is a factor in Plateau’s political circle. All those who knew and work close with him will attest to the fact that politics and leadership were woven into his DNA.
His affinity with both the high and mighty and the downtrodden is second to none. He leaves no stone unturned in grassroots developments, socio-economic worries and general political affairs.
Gagdi is scoring high goals as a Federal legislator in manners that even his fiercest detractors and critics cannot wish away.
Even a person knocked in 3 years COMA will come to terms with Roads, Bridges, Palaces, Schools, Townhall, Primary Health care centers, great infrastructural projects that the constituency has not seen in a long while, if at any time.
Currently over 50 projects which have direct impacts on the lives of constituents have been compmeted and some are ongoing ranging from schools, hospitals, handpumps, townhalls and roads across the constituency. You have the 9.5km road in Pankshin, 9.7km road in Dengi, solar street panels across the three Local Government Areas, Primary health care center in Jarmai, school in Zalli, townhall in Tankwal amongst many others.
The drilling of waterized handpump across all the polling units in PKK are 80% completed. It was inaugurated during the second quarter of the year, and have gone a long way in addressing the perennial water concerns of his constituents.
If performance and participatory leadership is the basic rule for re-election, then Gagdi should be giving a second mandate. He has used his office to touch the lives of students in terms of human capital development, graduates in terms of employment, women and elders in terms of empowerment, and the rural areas in terms of grassroots development. He is the only legislator in PKK history that has projects all over the 384 wards of the constituency.
Let us re-elect Gagdi – he is an enigma, astute politician, statesman, thinker and strategist. Like everyone else, Gagdi has his strengths and weaknesses.
A group, the Future and Nentawe has called on Women in Plateau state to vote massively for the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress( APC) Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, in the forthcoming Gubernatorial election in the state stressing that the Candidate has the interest of them at heart .
The convener of the group Comrade Awalme Gowal, made this know during the sensitisation of women at Bukuru Market in Kugiya in Jos South local government council of the state on Wednesday
Gowal who spoke on behalf of the group told the women that if elected Dr Nentawe would empower them massively and make life easier for the common man .
In his words ” The Candidate of the APC Dr Nentawe Yilwatda has the best blueprint for the people of the state as he has assured women youths and vulnerable people in the State that if voted into office, would set aside 10% of the State IGR to address issues which affect them and ensure an enabling environment which would make them maximise their potential .
The Group further presented Aprons and cash donation to some women in the market to boost their business .
Also speaking at the occasion ,Coordinator of the group Zumnan Rengshwat added that Dr Nentawe would carry women along in governance and transform rural communities if elected .
Youth coordinator of Generation Next Movement Donald Nimmak who spoke earlier said the APC Candidate Dr Nentawe has pledged to unite the people and boost the economy of the State if voted into office in 2023 ,”His manifesto tagged ACCESS will govern Plateau without any discrimination of tribe or religion.””he added .
He called on the women to campaign and vote massively for the Candidate in the forthcoming poll.
A woman leader at the market Mrs Martina Izang ,described Dr Nentawe as a good man who would perform excellently well if elected Governor ,she vowed to work to ensure his victory in the poll as well as other APC Candidate.
Mrs Izang said ” The work must start from the grassroots; these women will work from the ward to the local government levels to gather more people towards our cause in 2023,” she said.
Martina added that we are aware of the plans the APC Candidate Dr Nentawe has for the state and they would support him to achieve this ambition .
We are confident that Nentawe would revamp Plateau ,we urge him to work with women ,it is essential that women are given more chances to hold political offices, as their population in every jurisdiction cannot be overlooked.
Our correspondent reports that The Future and Nentawe is a conglomeration of progressive, young, vibrant and active youths who share a common drive in the vision and aspiration of Dr Nentawe Yilwatda for the seat of the governor of Plateau state.
It is is a movement aimed towards injecting ideas as a campaign network through its various programs and engagements to project the vision of Dr Nentawe in good and appealing light.
Freelance Reporters 