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.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

The Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) Major General Anthony Omozoje has commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC)3 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali for undertaking several projects that has improved the outlook of Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos. Maj Gen Omozoje made the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit on the GOC in the cantonment.

General Omozoje said, he was in Jos to deliver a lecture to participants of Senior Executive Course 44 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru on behalf of the
Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya.

While inspecting other ongoing projects in the Cantonment, the Chief of Policy and Plans expressed satisfaction with the laudable initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of troops and their dependents. He commended the GOC and his officers for the strides.

He said in spite of many challenges, the NA is making tremendous efforts to improve the capacity of troops to discharge their duties professionally.

In his remarks, the GOC and Commander OPSH, Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali described the visit as a morale booster to the officers and soldiers of the Division. He noted that the projects at the Cantonment were successfully executed with the tremendous support received from the COAS, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya. He assured General Omozoje that the facilities would be maintained.

During the visit, Maj Gen Omozoje inspected the remodelled Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Main Entrance Gate, Quarter Guard, solar powered street lights and the ongoing construction of Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) 3 Division Chapter Secretariat. General Omozoje also inspected the ongoing renovation of soldiers accommodation as well as the ongoing construction of the 3 Division Gymnasium Center and the Swimming Pool.

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

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CELEBRATE BISHOP KUKAH @ 70

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with prominent clergyman and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah on his 70th birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a message described Bishop Kukah as a man of God who has remained devoted to his calling as a servant in the Lord’s vineyard and the society at large.

Lalong said Bishop Kukah has distinguished himself as a selfless, courageous, honest and kind clergyman who has always been driven by the passion to speak against injustice, oppression and other actions that negate principles of God and his love to humanity.

He said the Northern Governors acknowledge his sincere contributions to the efforts in addressing Nigeria’s challenges in education, justice administration, poverty eradication, peaceful coexistence, youth empowerment, and national unity through his consistent advocacy at various fora.

The Governor specifically commended the role Bishop Kukah has played in advancing Nigeria’s democracy and promoting credible, violence-free and acceptable elections as Convener of the National Peace Committee headed by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as steering national discourse and engagement through his foundation, The Kukah Centre.

Lalong said the passion and determination of Bishop Kukah to reach out to the youths and speak to them about their role as future leaders of the country has inspired many of them to look beyond the current challenges and work towards building a better nation.

While wishing him many more years of God’s blessings, good health and protection, Lalong said the Northern Governors and Nigeria at large shall continue to benefit from his wealth of knowledge, experience and wise counsel, urging him never to relent in speaking truth to power whenever the situation arises.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
31st August 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG, APC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE & APC GOVERNORS MEET FORMER PRESIDENT JONATHAN & STATE ASSEMBLY SPEAKERS

As consultations continue ahead of the campaigns for the 2023 General elections, APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his running mate Kashim Shettima and the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Tuesday 30th August 2022 met with former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at his residence in Maitama.

The meeting which held behind closed door was attended by some Governors of the APC who accompanied the Presidential Candidate and his team.

The details of the meeting were not disclosed.

Earlier, the Candidate, his running mate, the Director General Simon Bako Lalong and other progressive Governors had met at the Tinubu Campaign Headquarters where they held strategic discussions behind closed doors.

Thereafter, they met with APC Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to also startegise on efforts at galvanising the energy of the party across the country for the success of the party.

Governor Lalong had also joined the Progressive Governors to visit President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House where they also paid a visit to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
30th August 2022.

RT HON YUSUF ADAMU GAGDI: BORN OF A WOMAN, WILL ALWAYS PAY RESPECT TO WOMEN; THEY HAVE SUPPORTED THE COURSE OF THE STRUGGLE IN PKK

If you ever had time and or the opportunity to have listened to Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi describe either his late father, Mallam Adamu Yusuf Gagdi and his surviving mother, you will understand the importance he attaches to both.

Over the years, his reverence for age wherever he goes has no second; he has given without faking. Therefore, knowing his background, he does not give less to those he comes in contact with.

On Saturday, August 27, 2022, after a glorious outing with the National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS), where he was given an award as the LEGISLATOR OF THE DECADE; he visited some mothers and sisters on invitation at their meeting venue at Zarmaganda.

During the visit, they gave him a pat on the back for his outstanding performance as the representative of the people of PKK since 2019.

The group, PKK Concerned Women for Rt Hon Gagdi headed by Mrs. Gloria Wuyep had complimented him on his achievements and contributions to democracy; but particularly in uplifting the lives of the people of the Federal Constituency.

Listening to him during the visit, you could hear him applauding the virtues of his mother, Mama Hauwa Adamu Gagdi, who, in the early days of his life, would bake kosai (bean cake) for sale to compliment the efforts of his father.

During the interaction with the women, he is reminded as always of the struggles women have made and added in value to various endeavours. Of particular note, he is not unmindful of the sacrifices women have continued to play in helping to shape his interventions in the Federal Constituency.

Repeatedly, he has paid tribute to men, women and the youth for their continued display of energy in deepening democracy and strengthening him to redefine representation in the constituency.

For Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, it is an area he will not sleep until people and communities in the constituency are transformed in ways not seen before his ascendancy. More of such unprecedented transformation, he has sworn, are in the pipeline, if they Vote Gagdi Again come 2023.

We have always trusted God to make it happen

GAGDI STRATEGIC MEDIA TEAM

August 30, 222

GOVERNOR LALONG RECEIVES YOUNG PLATEAU AGRI-PRENEUR LYOP MALO WHO EMERGED BEST IN WEST AFRICA

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has reaffirmed his determination to empower youths through training and expansion of job opportunities accruing from entrepreneurship.

The Governor spoke when he received Miss Lyop Christopher Malo, a youth agri-preneur who emerged the participant with Best Business Plan in West Africa in the Liventis Foundation Business Competition at the Government House Rayfield Jos.

Lalong said he was delighted that the efforts of the Rescue Administration to shift away focus of youths from seeking white collar jobs to entrepreneurship and skills development particularly in agriculture is gradually yielding results with many youths from the State excelling in national and international competitions.

While congratulating Miss Lyop, Governor Lalong promised to ensure that she succeeds in actualizing her business plan and motivating other youths to embrace agriculture as a major source of income for themselves and their families.

He commended Liventis Foundation for its partnership with Plateau State which he said has existed for many decades where many jobs and competences have been built for the benefit of the citizens.

Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Council Hon. Jock Alamba said the Government of Simon Bako Lalong has done so much in building the capacity of youths and creating institutions that have become pivotal for harnessing the potentials of the younger generation.

He said in appreciation of the performance of Miss Lyop Malo, Liventis Foundation has decided to establish an Agricultural Training School in Barkin Ladi.

The APC Chairman in Plateau State Hon. Rufus Bature was also at the event where he restated the determination of the APC to continue to focus on human capital development among other developmental strides.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
29th August 2022.

QUA’AN-PAN COUNCIL SYMPATHIZES WITH FLOOD VICTIMS, SEEKS INTERVENTION FROM NEMA, SEMA

August 28, 2022.

Flood has caused havoc in Kwa, Doemak, Kwalla, Kwande and Namu Districts of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, where bridges and farmlands were washed away; streets flooded, as buildings collapsed and many areas submerged in water.

The flood which occurred during the unceasing heavy rains from August 15th to 28th, 2022; affected several communities within the Local Government Area.

The Executive Chairman, Hon. Ernest Abner Da’a, represented by the Secretary to the Council, Hon. Gideon Godenaan Dashe in company of the Supervisory Councilors for Works and WASH, took an on the spot assessment of some of the affected areas.

The team visited Doemak and Kwalla Districts, were they saw the two bridges linking the Commercial centre of Doemak town and the one linking Doemak – Bwall road were destroyed, leaving those communities in isolation.

The flood also ravaged farmlands, while dozens of homes have been submerged in water forcing some households to move to emergency accommodation in public buildings.

The Council Chairman, while commiserating with victims of the flood, expressed sadness, describing the disaster as a total set back to the victims and the entire local government.

The Chairman assured that government will do everything possible to to intervene and mobilize interventions from relevant stakeholders, and appealed on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to come to their rescue.

Mathias Yengoet Dajan
SSA Media, Publicityy and Protocol to the Executive Chairman Qua’an-Pan LGC.

28th August, 2022

AGILE PROJECT: QUA’AN-PAN COUNCIL COMMENDS GOVERNMENT, FUNDING PARTNERS

August 26, 2022.

As part of processes towards the implementation of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, a team from the Plateau State Government on Friday August 26, 2022, undertook an assessment visit to benefitting schools Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area (LGA)

Playing host to the team before their visits to the targeted schools, the Executive Chairman Qua’an-Pan LGC of Plateau State, Hon. Ernest Abner Da’a, commended both the Federal and State Governments for the initiative, saying that the creation of AGILE would address the issues of gender gaps in school enrolments for girls and other children.

Speaking through the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Helen Henniet Wapmuk; who was flanked by the Secretary to the Council Hon. Gideon Godenaan Dashe; Hon. Da’a said the programme would restore hope to young girls in the state who had dropped out of school due to lack of either funds, cultural hindrances or inaccessibility of schools in their immediate communities.

The Council Boss expressed gratitude to the funding partners, especially the World Bank, for extending the project to Plateau State, and expressed happiness that Qua’an-Pan LGA shall be a beneficiary of the programme in the areas of scholarship and infrastructure expansion.

“The Benefitting students and schools must reciprocate this gesture by making their families and the government at all levels proud, which we believe will eventually encourage future interventions and improved standard of education in the Local Government,” he stated.

The Chairman assured that the stakeholders in the locality, will collaborate with the agency to project and guard against any act that will jeopardize the purpose of the implementation of the programme.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Barr. Cyrinus Naanmiap had informed their host that the goal of AGILE Project is to improve secondary education opportunities among girls in some targeted schools across the state, including Qua’an-Pan LGA.

Barr. Naanmiap noted that the adolescent girls face many constraints in accessing and completing secondary education, especially in Northern Nigeria

He acknowledged that in northern Nigeria, inadequate number of secondary schools, with about ten primary schools a secondary school, has significantly slowed down the level of girl child education.

He identified poor condition of infrastructure and a lack of portable water as some challenges noticeable in most of our schools, adding that the AGILE project is aimed at bridging these identified gaps.

Mathias Yengoet Dajan
SSA Media, Publicityy and Protocol to the Executive Chairman Qua’an-Pan LGC

26th August, 2022