Following an all-inclusive consultations embarked upon by the Plateau State government for the rebuilding of the Jos Main Market, stakeholders in Jos North Local Government Area have given their consent to the project.
The stakeholders gave their consent to the project in a press conference held in Jos.
Mr. Bitrus Pada of Anaguta community who read the resolution on behalf of the other communities said, ‘We the People of Jos North are wholly and fully in support of the laudable move and effort of the administration to rebuild the Jos Main Market as this is the desire and collective aspiration of our people.
“We agree that the State Government’s efforts should be intensified towards rebuilding the market, as the market serves a symbol of unity, a source of integration and a place for synergy for meaningful development. Rebuilding the market will further enhance and solidify the efforts towards enhancing trust, peace, unity and reintegration of our people.
“We agreed that rebuilding the market will further restore the lost beauty of the city centre, thereby enhancing its tourism potentials. It will also boost the business environment for which Jos is known.” The stakeholders therefore call on the Governor to carry on the rebuilding project. He should remain focused and deflect any distractions from his political traducers.
“We understand all issues surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Government and the potential Investors, the terms of the MOU has been clearly and expressly explained to us sufficiently, and we are in the full understanding of and we are abreast of the issues. We understand also that this will bring about the rapid recovery of the economy of the State.
“We the people of Jos North LGA see the market as a symbol of our sacrifice, heritage and material culture for the advancement of prosperity for our people and the State at large.
“We are pained by the callous and grave disregard for our monumental contribution to the growth of the economy of the State by insensitive remarks suggesting that the market should not be rebuilt or that it should only be rebuilt at a different location other than Jos North. We totally and unequivocally reject and condemn such calls.
“We strongly encourage the rebuilding of this edifice as we believe that it will reduce the rate of crime and criminality in the derelict structure. It will also avail employment opportunities for the vast citizens. Over 75% of the people of Jos North LGA rely on commerce as their means of livelihood, survival and progress.
The people further insist that if the agitation against the rebuilding of the market continues, “We shall appeal to His Excellency to consider restoring the land to its rightful owners (the people of Jos North LGA). We shall immediately embark on rebuilding the market by every means available to us.”
The Nigerian Army has rejected and rebut the allegation that the soldiers are proceeding on voluntary retirement due to alleged corruption, poor service conditions and low morale as recently reported by some media outfits in the social media.
In a statement signed by Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu described the report as a concoction of the imagination of the unrepentant enemies of the nation and mischief makers and should be outrightly discountenanced by the public.
General Nwachukwu said the subjective and unethical report is a distraction and another failed attempt at dampening the morale and fighting will of the loyal, dedicated and patriotic fighting force of the Nigerian Army
It is therefore not an aberration that the COAS granted approval for 91 NA/32/4792 WO NDAGANA ISHIAKU and 242 others to voluntarily discharge from the Nigerian Army as being unprofessionally manipulated by some media.
He opined that, perhaps these impenitent mischief makers need to be schooled to understand that the Nigerian Army is not a conscript Army, and that recruitment into the Nigerian Army voluntary with extant policy on discharge and retirement of soldiers and officers respectively, like other organizations.
“This provides its personnel the opportunity to apply for voluntary discharge, when they deem fit and meet the terms and conditions as stipulated in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service soldiers/ratings/airmen (Revised) 2017.
“It is thus, the inalienable right of a personnel to voluntarily or on medical grounds apply for discharge, if they meet the terms,” he said.
He added that, given the pedigree and mannerism of the publisher of the ill-fated report, it is clear, that it is targeted at deflating the high morale of troops by downplaying recent critical interventions by the COAS Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya on troops’ welfare.
Welfare includes; car loans, housing loans, extensive construction of new accomodation, massive renovation of old and dilapidated accomodation, building of befitting residences and issuing of vehicles to Regimental Sergeant Majors, scholarship awards to children and wards of fallen heroes and other unique interventions in the theatres of operation to sustain the heightening morale of troops.
These interventions evidently account for troops’ game changing onslaught in the NorthEast.
It must also be mentioned, that the quantum of equipment that have been injected into the theatres and prompt payment of operational allowances, have all turned the tide against the insurgents.
“Also worthy of note is the welfare flight for troops, which has significantly reduced the burden of troops travelling in and out of the theatres, in addition to huge commitment on the medical needs of wounded-in-action soldiers and the barracks communities.
Equally important, is the fact that troops are now being regularly and consciously rotated from the frontline, hence, issues of overstay and battle fatigue are gradually being overcome. Suffice to say, that some of these recently discharged soldiers are beneficiaries of these giant strides.
The COAS, once again congratulates the discharging personnel for their gallantry, patriotism, loyalty and courage while in service and wishes them the very best as they successfully exit active service from the NA.
He also reiterates his avowed determination to continue to have direct impact on the welfare and wellbeing of both serving and retired personnel.
He is also assuring the retirees that soon, their various commanders would organise a farewell luncheon in their honour, as it is the practice in the Nigerian Army since Gen Yahaya took over command.
CHAIRMAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON NAVY COMMENDS TROOPS’ RESILIENCE IN THE MAINTENANCE OF PEACE
The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Navy and Member representing Pankshin, Kanam and Kanke local Federal Constituency, Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has commended troops of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN for their untiring efforts towards ensuring lasting peace on the Plateau and environs. Hon Gagdi gave the commendation during a courtesy call on the GOC Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali at Headquarters 3 Division, Jos,
Hon Gagdi noted with delight the effort being made by the troops to decisively deal with criminality on the Plateau. He appreciated the GOC and the troops for the good job of tackling the security challenges with utmost commitment.
The Chairman reiterated his continued support to the Nigerian military and security forces on the Plateau as they strive to add value to humanity.
Hon Yusuf Gagdi also stated his resolve to support policies of the government aimed at improving the combat readiness and welfare of troops to enable them discharge their duties professionally.
Responding, the GOC 3 Division and Commander OPSH, Major General Ibrahim Ali thanked the Chairman for the visit and his concern for security of not only his constituency but the States and Nigeria as a whole. He assured of his readiness to continually deal with all forms of security challenges to return the state to its pride of place where communities are peaceful and secured for economic activities to thrive.
General Ali also appreciated the community leaders and their subject for supporting the security agencies with useful information. He thanked Him Gagdi for the commendations and encouragement.
Present during the visit were Commanders and Principal Staff Officers of the Division.
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 Nigerian Army 19 August 2022
PKK WOMEN FOR RT. HON. YUSUF GAGDI PLEDGE TO MOBILISE SUPPORT FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE #VOGA MOVEMENT
Women drawn from Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency resident in Jos but Registered to vote in their various polling units within the PKK Constituency have pledged to mobilise support for the success of the APC flagbearer of the PKK Constituency Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi.
The women group at their usual meeting which took place today Thursday ,18th August,2022 at Zarmaganda said they took the collective decision to galvanise themselves together ,ensure they all get registered in their various polling units ,mobilise support for the success of Rt. Hon. Gagdi come 2023 due to his various developmental programs/projects aimed at supporting/empowering the Youth,Students ,Women and their communities in general.
According to the spoke person of the group Mrs Gloria Wuyep, Gagdi’s Representation prowess at the 9th Assembly is unprecedented and the best in the history of the Constituency,and they pray that God through them and the many Constituents of PKK would return him back to the green Chambers again and again.
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi represented by his SLA ,Pharm. Mizim,Hon. Yakubu Gumshar and Hon. Bulus Sulisma in their various submissions appreciated the patience, sacrifices and support of this group towards the actualization of the dream of PKK Constituents to returning Rt. Hon. Gagdi back to the green Chambers come 2023 God’s willing ,pledging all the needed support to them towards the practical actualization of the great feat.
They later donated the sum of N100,000.00 on behalf of the Member to the group..
GAGDI, GARGA, KANAM STAKEHOLDERS VISIT GOC, CP- MAKE CASE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TWO MILITARY FORWARD OPERATION BASES IN KANAM
Following the surge in banditry and security breaches in communities of Kanam local government area of Plateau State, the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi today, paid a courtesy call on the Commander, Operation Safe Haven, Gen. IS Ali.
During the visit, he made a strong case for the establishment of two military Forward Operation Bases (FOBs) in Kanam LGA, in order to facilitate rapid response to security needs of the area.
The lawmaker, who was in the company of the Executive Chairman of Kanam LGA, Hon Dayyabu Yusuf Garga and Prof. SMG Kanam among other stakeholders of the area.
He used the visit to make a passionate appeal to the OPSH Commander, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding, 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army, to urgently consider the establishment of the Forward Operation Bases in Kanam.
He said, in view of the notorious activities of terrorists, the most recent being the attack on Gum/Gagdi Community (the country home of the lawmaker) three days ago and it could be recalled, another recently at Garga; it was pertinent to call for such.
Gagdi lamented the disturbing activities of the daredevil marauders in the hinterland communities of the local government, emphasized the need to establish the FOBs without much delay, in order to secure the communities this farming season, as the inhabitants are peasants who are predominantly subsistent farmers.
General IS Ali, who assured of urgent action on the lawmaker’s request, posited that the successes so far recorded by the OPSH under his command, in securing areas under his operation’s area of jurisdiction, cannot be undermined by recent activities of some ragtag band of bandits.
While commending Rt Hon Yusuf Gagdi for his proactive contributions in fostering national security, as chairman of one of the Armed Forces Committees of the National Assembly, Gen. Ali promised that OPSH shall deploy maximum manpower to curb the surge in banditry, not only in Kanam LGA, but throughout its operation’s area of command.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker was earlier at the State Command of the Nigeria Police to also seek the intervention of the Nigeria Police Force in curbing the security threat in Kanam LGA.
He assured that, he will continue to seek the cooperation of security agencies in maintaining peace and order in his constituency, in tandem with his sacrosanct duty of exploring legitimate means of protecting lives and properties of not only his constituents, but Nigerians in general.
It will be recalled that armed bandits had invaded communities in Garga area of Kanam LGA months ago, where over 150 people were killed in one fell swoop.
Just when the Kanam people were grappling to recover from the rude shock of that unfortunate event, the bandits struck again at Gum, raising concerns on the safety of people in the remote areas of the the local government.
All Progressives Congress Strategic monitoring team in Plateau has thrown its weight behind the choice of the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, as the Director-General of the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential campaign council.
Our correspondent reports that the APC national leadership recently picked the governor to lead the party’s 2023 presidential campaign programme
The coordinator of the group Golepji Wambutda who addressed journalists at a press conference in Jos , said Lalong remains the perfect fit for the position.
He added that ” We are in a critical moment of our political journey as a Country, State and people hence the dire need to contribute to the political discourse with the sole purpose of adding flesh to a framework that has from time immemorial served as the cornerstone of democracy.”
Golepji added that the APC Strategic Monitoring Team (APC-SMT) is a group of progressives across the 17 LGA of Plateau state that have come together to foster and drive through the tenets of progressives across the length and breadth of the State. Though a political group, we are devoid of excessive partisanship as we place a high premium on national interest, and the principles of justice. Our core value is to see to the promotion of germaine and pertinent principles that add to the advancement of our people in all ramifications.”
In his words ” The recent nominations of Presidential candidates by political parties most especially our party the APC has come and gone. “Although the recent nomination of running mates for the Presidential flag bearers across all political parties has brought Religion to the fore of our political discuss, The most prevalent concern among Christians over the Muslim Muslim ticket is not one to wish away by a wave of the hand.”
The group added that ” We are mindful of the genuine concerns being expressed by all well-meaning Nigerians. “
“However, we must realize that our challenges as a people go beyond religious considerations. No wonder other political parties have been allowed to escape from giving account for the departure from rotation which by our history has been the most legitimate standard for power sharing. “
“No wonder Governor Lalong who fought as a true nationalist is yet to receive his credit.”
The group also said that ” In any case, Governor Lalong as the DG of the APC Presidential Campaign Council will ensure that such concern and more are addressed going forward.”
” We salute and support the decision of our party the All Progressives Congress and the flag bearer Bola Ahmed Tinubu the former Governor of Lagos state in appointing our Governor to serve as the campaign Director General of the Tinubu / Shettima organisation .
The group also added that Lalong’s selection provides the other leg of the tripod on which the much-yearned inclusion, fairness and equity are needed to stand.
” For most of us, a Presidential Campaign Director General is not just a mere appointment in the Campaign Council, rather it is in the heartbeat of the whole transition process and political negotiations that the foundation of a new Government is set after winning an election. “
The campaign DG as a most critical component of the transition process will promote the needed balance expected of a diverse entity like Nigeria including the concerns of faith.”
“Should he be vilified for his decision to accept the position of a DG Campaign? No! Not at all! Because it doesnt make sense for the whole field to be deserted and be left without a mark and effort to correct the anomaly. Also is the leadership or the quest for leadership going to end in 2023? What about getting involved to make a huge leap in the future?”
They also added that the appointment of the D.G did not come to us as a surprise because he has never lost any election and has led several successful elections around the Nation.
“It will undoubtedly be on record that he has achieved a great feat by fighting doggedly for the entrenchment of fairness that without any iota of doubt has ensured that the APC Presidential ticket moved to the Southern part of the country in a deliberate attempt to foster equity and Justice within the polity which strengthens National cohesion.”
In all fairness to His Excellency Governor Simon Bako Lalong, was he not instrumental as the Northern Governors Forum Chairman in
Insisting that Power must shift to the South? Was he not the only notable Christian Politician that supported a Christian candidate before the primaries? In all fairness who stood for a genuine Christian interest?
The person who had wanted and worked towards getting a Christian President or those who are now lamenting and not in any way trying to find a solution to the concerns?
The public knowledge that even when the Former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal and former Speaker Yakubu Dogara got a chance to nominate a Christian running mate in the APC they rather allowed their ambition to becloud their sense of judgement by deliberately omitting the most qualified Northern Christian politician (Rt. Hon. Dr Simon Bako Lalong) by all parameters from their supposed list.
Being a critical stakeholder, it will be of no purpose to abandon a movement that you are a key player to join another political struggle that you will just add up to a number and may not be able to negotiate anything for your state and people. Governor Lalong has taken the best step.
The group further stressed that is it not a thing of tremendous joy that the State is reaping the benefits of the National political participation and the relevance of Governor Lalong?
“The multiplier effect that spurs socioeconomic activities in terms of job creation will come with the establishment of many Federal Government institutions like: The National Orthopedic Hospital The Federal Medical Centre Wase Jos Campus of the Nigerian Law School The Cancer Treatment Centre in JUTH The Federal University of Education Pankshin The Federal Polytechnic Nyak Shendam etc.
We have not gotten it good for a long time like now in terms of appointments for the headship of the Federal Agencies, for example, places like the ITF, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, the National Commission for persons living with disability, the Statistician General of the Federation, of blessed memory and many more.
Is the future not politically bright for the state with his increasing deep involvement?
It is in this premise that we are standing in solidarity with him and not only wishing him well in the assignment but expressing our readiness to support him to deliver. It is our sincere hope and belief that, this is the best deal for our people and our state. It is better to remain inside to correct the anomaly than to stand on the sideline and complain.
Permit me to ask this rhetorical question, what is the relevance of our political biases on the question of religion considering the geo-political configuration of the Country and the one man one vote factor being that we are in a democracy?
The ethno-religious bigots in Nigeria from both the Christian and the Muslim faith must note that we are not going into a religious war in 2023 and or attempt to drag us into a religious census rather than a general election thereby advancing an argument on our secularism as the Nigerian Constitution dictates. We seek an improved economy, quality of life, health care, jobs and an end to insecurity. May we not be torn apart but united by the issues we cherish and may God take the lead.
The group who congratulated Gov Lalong for his appointment as DG of the Tinubu /Sheitima campaign organisation reiterated their unalloyed support to ensure he achieves this National assignment.
They also called on the people of the state to support the Governor at all times .
300 PLATEAU SCHOOLS GET 1.012BILLION NAIRA GRANTS AS GOVERNOR LALONG KIKSTARTS IMPLEMENTION OF WORLD BANK ASSISTED PROJECT (AGILE)
As part of efforts to improve access to education among rural and indigent girls in Plateau State, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has flagged off the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) as well as the Conditional Cash Transfer to facilitate the education of girls from poor backgrounds.
While performing the event at the Victoria Gowon Hall, New Government House Little Rayfield Jos, Governor Lalong said the programme which is a partnership between the World Bank, Federal Government and Plateau State was initiated to encourage and restore hope to girls that have dropped out of school as a result of lack funds for fees, cultural hindrances to education, or non-availability of schools in their immediate communities.
He said the Rescue Administration places high value in the girl-child education hence the commitment in seeing to the successful launching of the conditional cash transfer and school improvement grant.
He said over the past 7 years, his administration has made frantic efforts in providing safe and accessible learning spaces, fostering an enabling environment for girls, and in the recent past, signed into law bills passed by the Plateau State House of Assembly to protect girls, children, womanhood and the vulnerable in general from molestations of any kind.
Lalong explained that “The World Bank in collaboration with the State and Federal Government intervention facilitated this counterpart arrangement which involves large expansion in infrastructure which is intended to support adolescent girls in Junior and Senior Secondary Schools to enjoy special scholarship programmes. The programme is also meant to provide conducive learning environment for the girls in the pursuance of their education career”.
While commending the World Bank for extending this timely funding partnership to Plateau State, Lalong said the entire project when fully completed will change the face of education in Plateau State and give the girl child a brighter future. The State he said will eventually benefit from a total sum of $3,972,000 dollars in scholarship and infrastructural expansion.
The Governor warned against the abuse of the funds saying ” I wish to warn all those that will benefit from the programme and those who shall be responsible for implementation that we shall not tolerate any act of corruption, manipulation and abuse in this journey. I will personally carry out my surveillance on the implementation through anonymous channels that will report directly to me about the progress of the project. Anyone found in breach will not be spared”.
Plateau State Commissioner for Secondary Education Mrs. Elizabeth Wapmuk disclosed that the first tranche of the disbursement covers nine selected Local Governments with funds to be disbursed for School Improvement Grant, and Conditional Cash Transfer to adolescent girls of between 10 and 20 years in both junior and secondary schools.
Under the Schools Improvement Grant, various public secondary schools across the State will get between 3 to 6 million naira to carry out critical interventions that address the challenges of the girl child in order to enable them stay and complete their studies.
She appealed to the beneficiaries to use this opportunity to make their families proud, register Plateau State in the map of successful States in the utilization of the intervention, and also put Nigeria in the map of very serious and committed nations so that others can enjoy similar gesture in the future.
State Project Coordinator Mr. Saje Joseph Adeh said over N828 million will be given to 309 Junior and Senior Secondary Schools for the Schools Improvement Grants while over N183 million will be accessed by 18,036 students in 618 schools across the entire State for the Conditional Cash Transfer.
He explained that the selection of the benefitting Local Governments and schools is carried out with a strong focus on areas with low Secondary transition rates for girls from the poorest households.
Responding on behalf of the benefitting schools, Mr. James Dimlong, Principal GSTC, BUKURU & ANCOPSS President Plateau State said the step taken by Governor Lalong to pursue this funding will revolutionise education in the state by addressing many pressing challenges that have to do with infrastructure and capacity building.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 19th August, 2022.
Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Plateau State for the 2023 general elections, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda on Thursday said he would empower women ,youths and the downtrodden if elected Governor of the state .
Yilwatda also said his policy tagged ACCESS will govern Plateau without any discrimination of tribe or religion.
” I would ensure that 10% of the State IGR will be deployed to tackle poverty amongst vulnerable groups like the youths, women, and people living with disabilities .
According to Dr Nentawe ,Plateau is blessed with both human and natural resources that cut across the 17 local government areas of the state and these need to be tapped for the benefit of the people of the state.
He further said he would work out modalities to tackle insecurity and ensure that lasting peace returns to the state.
The APC governorship candidate Dr Nentawe made this known while presenting his running mate to the Gwom Rwey Jos South Da Nga Dangyang Jamang at his Palace in Gyel district of the local government .
On agriculture , Nentawe vowed to revamp the sector and empower farmers inorder to boost food production in Plateau .
Dr Nentawe at the occasion assured citizens of his resolve to tackle insecurity, unite the people and boost the economy of the State if voted into office in 2023.
As an expert in artificial intelligence, Yilwatda vowed to deploy technology to combat crime saying Drones will be deployed.
His words, “ I would provide purposeful leadership if given the mandate .”
He also vowed to focus attention on rural development if elected governor.
“Proper education must be given to our children ,we would carry every one along in governance.”
He further said more public schools with adequate facilities would be provided in the rural areas, adding that education was key to development.
Nentawe also promised to be accountable, accessible and responsive to the needs of the people for the development of the state.
Nentawe appealed to Plateau people to vote massively for him stressing that he would never let the people down if elected. He called on the good people of Plateau State to support him and his running mate Hon Pam Botmang .
“I also enjoin you all to come out en-masse to vote for our ticket during the forthcoming 2023 general election.
“Your mandate in 2023 will enable us to build a peaceful, prosperous, and greater Plateau State.”
Nentawe thanked the people of their support and promised never to let them down .
Some citizens of the state who spoke to our correspondent at the Palace said Plateau needs someone who is glaringly honest and has identifiable pedigree like Dr Nentawe Yilwatda .”
MAJOR GENERAL IBRAHIM ALI VISITS TROOPS IN GOMBE, GIVES SUCCOUR TO FAMILIES AFFECTED BY INFERNO
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General Ibrahim Ali has visited troops affected by an unfortunate fire incidence in 301 Artillery Regiment Barracks, Gombe. The GOC who regretted the unfortunate fire incidence, condoled the troops over their losses and made donation to immediately cushion the effect of the fire disaster.
Speaking to some of the soldiers affected by the disaster, the GOC noted that the incident was unfortunate. He however commended the troops and their families for evacuating their building in a timely manner thereby averting the loss of life. He assured them of his support by relocating their families to a befitting accommodation.
Responding, the Commander 301 Artillery Regiment, General Support Gombe, Colonel John Mbanefo thanked the GOC for the visit. He said the support to the soldiers will rekindle the confidence of the troops and their dependants in the ability of the Nigerian Army to meet their welfare needs.
In a related development, the GOC visited Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Camp Mallam – Sidi, Gombe state where he was briefed on the activities of the Camp by the Commandant, Col UC Nnabuihe.
General Ali while addressing the troops, expressed his happiness with the hardworking and disciplined soldiers. He promised to reward gallantry and outstanding performance of the troops. He charged them to be committed to their duty and exhibit professionalism always. “I charge you to effectively use your weapons on the enemies of the country” he added.
Major General Ibrahim Ali also visited 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi where he was briefed by the Commander, Brigadier General JO Adeyemo. The GOC expressed his happiness with the level of ongoing remodeling of soldiers accommodation and inspected the site of the proposed new Brigade Headquarters.
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 17 August 2022
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