By Prince Sekat, Jos

It has been stated that politicians must have productive ideas to enable them change the course of the nation; even as they must make sure that they understand their environment if they want to play a role in the lives of the people.

This assertion was made by Prof Pam Dung Sha at the Tamara Event Center where the Nigeria Union ofJournalists, Plateau State Council on Thursday September 1, 2022 engaged in a discourse: Beyond Politicking: Harnessing Plateau Potentials.

Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi whose presence was felt in representative capacity told the audience that he has remained a friend of the media having copiously reported his activities over the years.

Talking about having productive ideas and knowing the environment, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has remained one of the politicians seeking political office who has remained conversant with his constituents as well as their problems.

When you listen to him reel out the names, locations, problems identified and what he has been able to do in the 36 Federal Wards of PKK, you would think he was born in the three local government areas of the Federal Constituency at the same time.

Little wonder, that he has been able to visit the 36 Federal Wards repeatedly for upward of four times and in some cases even more, is an excellent indication of a representative that is bonded to his people.

This explains why as a result of identifying a number of problems facing PKK in the last three and half years of robust representation, who having turned them into practical reality of concrete solutions, his numerous projects are replete in communities.

Gagdi’s strides many know, are unprecedented, surpassing the expectations of his traducers. He has continued in the area of welfare for the people, socio-economic development, empowerment, contruction of different projects which has no equal in the history of the constituency.


GAGDI STRATEGIC MEDIA TEAM

September 2, 2022

NORTHERN GOVERNORS GREET SGF BOSS GIDA MUSTAPHA @ 66

The Northern Governors Forum has joined friends, associates and family of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Gida Mustapha in celebrating him as he marks 66 years.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message described Boss Mustapha as one of the nation’s finest gentlemen who has deep faith and passion for the unity, development and stability of Nigeria.

Lalong said Boss Mustapha who is an accomplished lawyer, technocrat and Public servant has demonstrated high level of competence, responsibility and reliability in handling the engine room of Government under President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said the level of transparency, focus and dignify he has displayed in office is worthy of commendation and emulation given the fact that it has enhanced governance and service delivery.

Lalong also described Boss Mustapha as political leader with foresight and capacity to effectively engage, network and mobilise people irrespective of their differences in backgrounds.

According to him, Boss Mustapha remains one of the shining lights of the North who is doing his best in ensuring that President Muhammadu Buhari fulfills his intentions for Nigeria.

While wishing him many more years of God’s blessings and divine protection, Lalong said the Northern Governors Forum continues to draw from his wealth of experience and also enjoy his support towards addressing challenges facing the region.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum.
4th September 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG, APC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE UNVEIL APC NORTHERN SPEAKERS DOOR-TO-DOOR FOR TINUBU/SHETTIMA 2023

Presidential Candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his running mate Kashim Shettima as well as the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Saturday 3rd September 2022 unveiled the APC Northern Speakers Door-to-Door for Tinubu/Shettima 2023 at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja.

Addressing the APC Speakers and members of the Northern States, Asiwaju Tinubu thanked the them for their show of support and solidarity which he said is very key to the victory of the party in both the Presidential election and other ones.

Vice Presidential Candidate of the APC Senator Kashim Shettima said the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and himself is a call for building a new nation which must not be missed.

He said Asiwaju apart from carrying people from all sections of the society along in governance, has over the years demonstrated capacity for transforming ideas into reality just like he did in Lagos State which is visible for all to see.

Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said as leaders of the Legislative Arms of Government in various Northern APC States, the Legislators and all members have a unique position to not only connect with the people at the grassroots, but also carry out sensitization, mobilisation and enlightenment regarding the Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and what he stands for.

He said many of them are fully aware of what the Jagaban has achieved as a political colossus in Nigeria over the years and how he has built the economy and human capital of not only Lagos State but the entire country.

Lalong said “Our Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima come along with wonderful records of achievement that are a clear signal to the journey towards a greater Nigeria. They are focused on building the economy, uniting the nation, tacking insecurity and addressing education and health challenges among others in a way that meets the yearning of Nigerians. As we get set to work for the success of our Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, I wish to remind you that there is so much that the APC has done both at the Federal, State and Local Government levels that will speak for us. It is therefore our duty to highlight these achievements just to remind Nigerians that our party has done a lot to change Nigeria for good in various ways”.

Deputy Campaign DG North and Governor of Jigawa State Abubakar Badaru also praised the Speakers for coming together to deploy their grassroots structures towards delivering the Tinubu/Shettima ticket at the elections in 2023.

He advised them to carry along Councillors of their various constituencies in order to deepen their reach out and consultations across the North.

Chairman, Northern APC Speakers Forum and Speaker Kaduna State Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani assured Asiwaju Bola Tinubu that they have resolved to deliver the party in the Presidential elections by going to the grassroots where they have direct contact with people.

Vehicles donated for the mobilisation and Campaign by the Northern Speakers Forum were unveiled and distributed to coordinators.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Director General, APC Presidential Campaign Council.
3rd September 2022.

By Prince Sekat, Jos


The National and States Assembly Election Petition Trial Tribunal sitting in High Court 4, Jos on Friday, nullified the election of Hon. Musa Avia Aggah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Court held that Hon. Agah was not validly nominated by the PDP for the Bye-Election conducted on February 26, 2022.
The Court equally held that Agah did not score the highest valid votes in the same election.

Details later.

GOVERNOR LALONG GREETS AMBASSADOR JAMES GOTUWAN DIMKA @75

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has felicitated with Ambassador James Gotuwan Dimka on the occasion of his 75th birthday.

Governor Lalong while congratulating the veteran Journalist, Diplomat and Politician said Ambassador Dimka represents one of the best minds on the Plateau and a visionary personality that has contributed enormously to the development of the State and nation at large.

He said Dimka rose through the ranks to become one of the finest journalists in Plateau State and Nigeria and served with excellence, professionalism, diligence and responsibility.

While serving in his later years, Dimka played a key role in the growth of the telecommunications industry and contributed to the expansion of the sector particularly at the grassroots level.

Governor Lalong also acknowledged his contributions to the political development of Plateau State and Nigeria where he served as Chairman, Pankshin LGA among other roles he played within the political circle in the State and national levels.

On his assignment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Liberia, Lalong praised Dimka for discharging his duties diligently and representing the interests of Nigeria with a high sense of responsibility and passion. This he has added to his credentials as a reliable and patriotic citizen.

Governor Lalong is also appreciative of the role that Ambassador Dimka has continued to play within the Elders Council in Plateau State towards consolidating on peace, security and development.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
2nd September 2022.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CELEBRATE SENATOR KASHIM SHETTIMA @ 56

The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated its former Chairman and Governor of Borno State Senator Kashim Shettima as he marks his 56th birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said Senator Shettima is a patriotic Nigerian and a man of honour who has used every opportunity to serve his people with utmost responsibility.

Lalong said the story Shettima’s life from his career in banking, academia and politics is replete with honesty, dexterity, diligence, resilience and commitment to serve and unite people irrespective of tribe, religion and political differences.

He recalled how Kashim Shettima worked assiduously to deal with the insurgency in the North East during his term as Governor of Borno State where he also did his best to deliver impactful projects despite the distractions of Boko Haram.

Governor Lalong also reflected on the leadership of Senator Kashim Shettima as Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum where he gave sound leadership that galvanised Governors and other stakeholders within the region towards addressing illiteracy, poverty, diseases and other challenges.

These attributes he said continued to dominate the interventions of Shettima at the Red Chambers of the National Assembly where he displayed tremendous zeal towards passing laws that will strengthen institutions to deliver quality services to Nigerians.

While wishing him many more years of God’s blessings, good health and divine protection, Lalong urged Senator Shettima to remain loyal, humble and focused on building a greater Nigeria even as he has been chosen to be the running mate of the APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum.
2nd September 2022.

By Golok Nanmwa,Jos

A group operating under the aegis of Plateau Liberal Minds Grassroots Forum, on Thursday drummed support for the Second term aspiration of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC for the Pankshin Kanke Kanam Federal Constitueny race saying he has brought about unprecedented progress in the zone .

The state’s Chairman of the group, Mr Gongon Longji who spoke with newsmen during their monthly meeting held in Kanke local government council of the state called on the people of PKK to support Hon Gagdi so as to continue his good works.

He described Hon Gagdi’s strides as unprecedented, saying he had surpassed expectations in the area of welfare of the people and in the socio-economic development in the zone .

According to him, Gagdi who is the Chairman house committee on Navy has performed excellently, and such a performer deserves a second term in office.

“The projects initiated and provided to the People of PKK by Gagdi are exemplary, laudable, commendable, exceptional and praiseworthy, and every part of PKK is now being carried along at the same time with the same pace.
“
“Gagdi’s goods works in PKK should continue and we are calling on the People of PKK to support him at the polls .

“We as a group urge his constituents to put aside tribal and religious sentiments, look at his competence and capacity and vote him back to the green chambers.”

“Gagdi is a goal -getter; he has done so well in human capital development, he is closing existing gaps in infrastructure deficit through various completed and ongoing projects that he initiated in his constituency.

”He has turned around the fortunes of his constituents through job creation and youths and women empowerment; he has been tested and trusted.

“I call on his constituents to support him, come out and massively vote for him because the people of Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam need to continue enjoying this dividends of democracy through Gagdi,” the group added.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN(OPSH), Major General Ibrahim Ali has warned troops against involvement in criminal activities which could further endanger the country. The GOC made this known today 1 September 2022 during the graduation ceremony of participants of EXERCISE SHINING STAR II at Headquarters 3 Division Small Arms Range Miango- Bassa, Plateau state.

Major General Ali revealed that the scourge of insecurity in the country and the world at large was responsible for consistent training and retraining of NA personnel to enable them secure the lives and property of law abiding citizens. He posited that the Post-Basic Training was organised with the overall aim of achieving effective performance of troops adding that the live of a soldier is hinged on training and retraining.

General Ali noted that the training would enable personnel of the Nigerian Army to respond swiftly and professionally to security threats in the discharge of their constitutional duties. He urged the graduating personnel to make good use of the military skills learned for betterment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and service to the nation.

In his welcome remarks, the Division Training Officer (DTO) 3 Division NA, Brigadier General Suleiman Adamu said EXERCISE SHINING STAR II which is a Post-Basic Training Cadre for selected young soldiers has further equipped personnel to face current security challenges confronting the country.

Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff Administration, Lieutenant Colonel SI Shaibu, the Division Training Officer said the training was aimed at improving troops combat skills in weapon handling and proficiency, field training, communication, map reading, ethics, use of GPS, offline maps, and regimentation in line with the standard practice of the Nigerian Army.

He thanked the General Officer Commanding for his visionary leadership, and adequate logistics support to the School.

Highlight of the event were the shooting competition, presentation of certificates to the graduands and group photograph.

You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium. Thank you for your usual cooperation.

ISHAKU TAKWA
Major
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 3 Division

GOVERNOR LALONG WANTS ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF GOLF HARNESSED

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako wants Nigeria to exploit the economic potentials of golf as a sport that can help the country earn foreign exchange as well as improve tourism, leisure and business.

Lalong said this at the First Nigeria Golf Federation Summit for Captains of Golf Clubs holding in Abuja. He said those who are into the game of golf can testify of its unique opportunities for recreation, health and well-being, Socialisation and networking among others which are of huge benefits.

He said “Plateau State being the host of the first golf club in Nigeria, Rayfield 1913 among others, understands the powerful role that golf plays in the economy of a State and the country at large. That is why under my under my administration, golf has played a very significant role in boosting our tourism and leisure activities. This year, we had the honour of having former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon commission the redesigned and improved Rayfield Golf course which has now been transformed from a brown to a green. We have equally continued to work on the Lamingo Golf course and also supporting the development of other Golf courses such as the Rhino, NIPSS among others”.

He charged the Technical Session to look into the growth of the game particularly in recruiting more members and reaching out to young targets that will not only understand the game, but also embrace it and utilise the opportunities it provides.

“I wish to also appeal to the Nigerian Golf Federation to also improve on the hosting of Competitions across the country and also harnessing the participation of Nigerian golfers in international competitions. This is necessary because the game of golf in Nigeria must move from being a leisure sport to a money making exercise as obtained abroad. This calls for synergy between the Government, private sector and the golfing community in Nigeria towards making sure that the game is put on the front burner of sporting activities in Nigeria. I am sure this Technical Session will do justice to such yearning and chart a way forward” he said.

Minister of Sports Sunday Dare assured that the Federal Government will continue to work at improving sporting activities including golf which he said was a unique sport with global recognition, fortune and fame.

While urging the Summit to come up with various strategies on how to demystify the sport and let people know that it is not an exclusive sport of the elite, the Minister promised more funding for golf infrastructure, competitions, and talent discovery as well as export in the future budgets of the Ministry.

President Nigeria Golf Federation Otunba Segun Runsewe thanked Governor Lalong for his commitment to the game of golf and his exemplary sponsorship of the game and development of infrastructure in Plateau State. He said Lalong is a model of golf promotion who has developed a golf course within the Plateau Government House which enables Government officials an opportunity to refresh while delivering service to the people.

He said the sport has not only gained ground in the State but also created job and income opportunities for the players and citizens in general.

Otunba also assured that the outcome of the summit will be used to further deepen the development of the sport across the country, leading to hosting of the Nigerian Open which stopped many years ago.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
1st September 2022.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has flagged off the Nigerian Army Inter Divisions Combat Company Orienteering Competition. The event was held on Tuesday 30 August 2022 at Godwin Ally Cantonment Ogoja, Cross River State.

The COAS who was represented by Major General Joseph Omali reiterated the importance of training in the fight against insurgency and terrorism noting that competition will also enhance the leadership development of junior commanders.

Gen Yahaya urged the participants to strive hard in order to bring out the best in the championship assuring them that efforts and preparations for the competition will translate to relative ease in conduct of operations.

He commended the 82 Division in selecting Ogoja for the championship adding the terrain provides all features needed for training of this nature.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army Major General Umar Musa in his welcome address acknowledged the emphasis the Nigerian Army under the current leadership of COAS placed on training. He expressed his confindence that the competition would be adventurous and entertaining.

The five days competition draw participants from six Divisions across the Nigerian Army and Army Headquarters garrison. They would undergo fitness test, ten and thirty kilometers run with heavy loads among others.