Generation Next Ambassador, Makut Alfred Mashat attended the Swearing-in of New elected Executives of the Ngas Development Association, Asaba Chapter in Delta State.
The Ngas Community in Asaba, Delta state has successfully sworn-in their New Executives to steer the affairs of the Association in Delta State. The New Chairman Galadima Titus who got a vote of confidence to continue from where he stopped, led other Executives as they all took oath of office to serve the association at the meeting.
The Inauguration of New Executives held today 7th ,August 2022 in Ibusa, Delta State Nigeria.
Generation Next Ambassador Alfred Makut, applauded the association for ensuring that there is unity and togetherness as Plateau Citizens and Ngas Nation far away from home.
He reminded the gathering of the fact that Plateau State is blessed with diverse ethnic Nationalities to the Glory of God, and this diversity should be to our advantage as we think Plateau and act Plateau at this moment of our history as a people.
He reiterated the fact that majority of Plateau people have found a leader in one of their distinguished Son, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, who needs the support of all patriotic Plateau people not because he is reaching out as an Ngas Man but because of his capacity to show Leadership to the citizens of Plateau State with his track records and the mantra of the ACEES Agenda.
Troops of the Operation SAFE HAVEN on Sunday night killed 8 bandits in Sabongari village of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
It was gathered that the incident occurred during a joint operations between the Military, Vigilante and hunters who collaborated to flush out the bandits in the area.
The joint operations which began on Saturday lasted throughout Sunday evening left several bandits dead.
Abdullahi Usman, a resident of Wase who also confirmed the incident said the Military and the bandits clash at Zurak and Yaddi Lawan which was taken over by the bandits and served as base for the bandits were burnt and retaken by the security.
He said” Some of the bandits were killed while some ran out of the community”.
Spokesperson of the Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major Ishaku Takwa, confirmed the incident and said 8 bandits were killed during the operation in the area.”
However, communities in Wase local government council had been under heavy attack by bandits in the past few weeks.
STAKEHOLDERS ENDORSE REBUILDING OF JOS MAIN MARKET; ADVOCATE FURTHER CONSULTATIONS AS THEY MEET GOVERNOR LALONG.
In continuation of the consultations towards rebuilding the burnt Jos Main Market, a stakeholders meeting has been convened by Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong to sensitize the citizens and get their input into the process of carrying out the project.
Governor Lalong while addressing the participants, said the stakeholders engagement was a deliberate effort by the Government to educate and sensitize the people on the proposal for rebuilding the market and also dispel the misinformation, rumours and misconceptions over the project which has generated needless controversy.
Lalong explained that rebuilding the Jos Main Market is part of the fulfillment of his Campaign promise to restore the lost glory of Jos which relied so much on the iconic market that was the best in West Africa and attracted traders, tourists and visitors from within and outside the country until it was burnt down over 20 years ago.
He said the Government made several efforts to rebuild the market by advertising and engaging many investors within and outside the country who insisted that they wanted a bank guarantee from the government, as well as an absolute control of the market for as long as it takes for them to recover their investment.
He said Government could not meet those conditions and continued looking for investors until Jaiz Bank came up with a proposal to fund the construction of the market 100% with their money with the State giving only the land as their equity.
Thereafter, a sharing formula of the shops for the purpose of sale in the ratio of 60-40 will be used under which the Bank will recover its funds and leave. The bank will have no business in running the market and will not own any shop.
However, those who buy the shops will be issued a 40 year lease by the Government for them to utilise the shops and recoup their money after which the ownership reverts to the Government. All the while, the market will be managed by the Jos Main Market Authority (JMMA) as it is the property of Government.
The Governor therefore debunked the misinformation being pedelled by politicians that the Government was handing over the heritage of the State to an Islamic Bank for 40 years, describing it as false and a calculated attempt to truncate the laudable initiative.
He said his administration has the record of recovering sold assets of the State such as the BARC Farms and JIB, and will not on any way contemplate to sell the Jos Main Market to anyone.
While assuring that more consultations will be carried out, the Governor appealed to the stakeholders particularly leaders of religious, traditional, ethnic, professional and other groups to play their role of educating the people to see the benefits of rebuilding the market whose absence has made the once beautiful centre of Jos a slum and eyesore.
Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu who presented the report of engagements with the traders, religious leaders, elders, civil society, PIDAN, professional bodies, women groups, physically challenged, traditional institutions, among others, said the general views of the groups is that the market should be rebuilt but with proper education and enlightenment on some of the misconceptions that have been making rounds in the media and other spaces.
In his contribution, former Military Administrator of Plateau State Admiral Samuel Bitrus Atukum under whose regime the market was completed and commissioned by then Military Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, advocated for sustained consultations and enlightenment.
Member representing Pankshin Kanke Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi said the misconceptions and controversy that greeted the news of rebuilding the market was not necessary because some political undertones have been brought into the discourse and seemed to over shadow the good intentions of the Governor.
He said since the shops in the market will not be sold to Jaiz Bank but to all interested citizens of Plateau State under a strict supervision of an Allocation Committee, there is no reason for apprehension because the funding Bank has done similar projects in many States with huge success.
Similarly CAN Chairman Plateau State Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo and the representative of JNI Sani Mudi supported the rebuilding of the market with more consultations being carried out in the process.
Former Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority Architect P.D. Gyang who spoke on behalf of Plateau elders and Hon. Ayuba Burki speaking for people living with disabilities wonderd why the issue that is strictly busines is being associated with religion and ethnicity, whereas traders of different faiths always do business together in the market.
While they support the issue of more consultations, they said it was very important to hurry and begin the process of rebuilding the market so as to remove all the traders that are selling around the terminus, Ahmadu Bello Way, Rwang Pam Street and other areas that have made the once admirable Jos city centre an embarrassing thing.
At the end of the deliberations, the stakeholders agreed that consultations should be carried out up to the grassroots which led to the Governor mandating members of the Plateau State House of Assembly to go and hold Town Hall Meetings within their constituencies within one week and report their resolutions to Government.
The Governor also used the opportunity to speak about his appointment as the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, assuring the people that his appointment is not a minus but a plus to Plateau State especially within the ruling party.
He explained that contrary to some views that his appointment is about religion and an attempt to ridicule Christians and the North Central, some people who are shouting on top of their voices never supported Christian aspirants during the Primaries and also sidelined the North Central and prospective nominees for the Vice President from the zone and Plateau State because of selfishness.
He assured the people that he will do his best in the assignment given to him as a loyal part member but will always protect and safeguard the interest of the people of Plateau State wherever he finds himself.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 6th August 2022.
Plateau State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC) on Friday rejoiced and congratulated the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Rt Honourable Simon Bako Lalong on his meritorious and well deserved appointment as the Director General of the Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council. A statement by the party and signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Sylvanus Namang and a copy made available to newsmen stated that the choice of Governor Lalong for the party’s crucial assignment is most appropriate based on his pedigree and sterling qualities in service delivery.
“The State APC Chairman Hon Rufus Bature stated that Governor Lalong’s ability to harness people’s diversity for the common good of all makes him the right choice to head the party’s Presidential Campaign Council.”
“The Chairman said his leadership of the State and as Chairman of Northern Governors Forum has endeared him to many across the country irrespective of political affiliation.”
It added Governor Lalong has always succeeded in all assignments given to him and expressed the belief that heading the APC Presidential Campaign Council would not be different.
The statement further quoted the APC Chairman to have pledged total support for the success of the governor in this crucial national assignment and enjoined party faithful and well meaning Plateau people to see it as an honor to the State.
Bature was also said to have expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Chairman of the party and the APC Presidential Candidate His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu over this well thought choice of Governor Lalong for the journey to success of the February 2023 Presidential election.
Plateau Labour Party paid and hired delegates to Affirmed Dakum as flag bearer while Margif remains in detention…
In what seem like a staged managed State primaries today at Ken Palace, Tudun Wada Jos, Dr. Patrick Dakum was affirmed as the new Labour party Flag bearer
While the authentic flag bearer, Chief Margif was detained in Abuja and have issued out advance statement through his lawyers of an impending plan to forcefully take the ticket from him. It become a reality yesterday, 5th August when it was alleged that a group of armed men arrested him to an unknown destination in Abuja.
Our reporter who witnessed the primaries confirmed that it was a low key event that saw what seem to be an arrangement of a sort, while this platform confirms that the hired delegates were paid 10,000
further investigation revealed that some parted with 5,000 as the remitted 5,000 to the person who invited them. among the many hired people who stand as delegates as traders who sold around Ken Palace and around Hill station junction.
we could not get the names of most of the traders because we agreed that their names will be anonymous. Most of the hired delegates confirmed to this platform that they are not members of the Labour party but are here for because they were invited.
A strong member of the Obi movement, Mr. oluwa ifanyi who spoke about the primaries said we are not aware of todays primaries in Plateau state and we hope the desperate actions of Plateau politician will not mar our chances for peter Obi in Plateau state. Journalist were also not invited to cover the events.
The arranged primaries open doors to many questions;does the arranged Primaries confirm the lack of structure of the Labour Party? what will happened if chief Margif is out? does Dakum have the right to contest same position twice under the new electoral act? many and more will reveal itself in the coming weeks.
YUSUF ADAMU GAGDI: AN ALUMNUS WHO MADE THE DIFFERENCE FOR FCE PANKSHIN
Imagine what the thoughts of guests who gathered at the Federal College of Education, Pankshin on August 1, 2022 to receive the official gazette that changed the nomenclature of the College to Federal University of Education, Pankshin was like.
What could naturally be expected from students, College staff and authorities and guests would be gratitude to the President, National Assembly, the Governor of Plateau State and most importantly, the sponsor of the bill.
In this case, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi got all the encomiums deserving of his efforts. He surely deserves all, and more, for the role; which has turned out for good.
Fate played a huge role in what has become a reality concerning what used to be the Federal College of Education, Pankshin.
Whoever thought that a poor student from Gum-Gagdi, whose admission into the college in 2000 was contingent on how he was going to raise money for his academics, accommodation and feeding.
For an indigent student, who found accommodation only at the security post as he could not afford money to rent a room, but to have made his way through can only happen because God had destined him to be great.
Turning his attention to his alma mater and seeking to upgrade its status to a university must have been fate again. Many before and after him graduated from the College, however, God used him to direct his capacity and privilege towards changing its course.
Getting to this stage took a combination of several things put together; what with the roles his colleagues also played to help change the course of the lives of students and the community.
It is in the new development that a number of benefits will envelop the state and community. When our wards get work in the new university, when the food seller makes more sales, when landlords smile to the bank and several other beneficial multiplier activities take place there, our gratitude is that God used Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi-an alumnus to make it happen.
It is one of the reasons why we desire for PKK to make VOGA 2023 happen.
JOS MAIN MARKET: GOVERNOR LALONG WARNS POLITICIANS AGAINST SCARING AWAY INVESTORS; LAYS FOUNDATION FOR TWO HOUSING ESTATES.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has warned politicians from using economic initiatives as a campaign weapon which has the danger of scaring away investors from putting their money in the state.
The Governor who was responding to recent controversies surrounding the planned rebuilding of the Jos Main Market which he described as unnecessary and a distraction orchestrated by politicians who want to score cheap political points.
The Governor made the statement while performing the foundation laying ceremony of two housing estates in Jos.
At the foundation laying and unveiling of the Palm Estate in Dwei, Du District of Jos South Local Government being developed by Odigbo Properties Ltd, Governor Lalong said the initiative was one of the benefits of restored peace and stability in Plateau State.
He commended the developer for choosing to come to Plateau State and provide housing for the citizens who are in need of houses due to the huge deficit in the sector.
He used the opportunity to speak on the issue of rebuilding the Jos Main market that has generated needless controversy and is being exploited for political reasons.
He said ” Let me make it abundantly clear that the Jos Main Market will forever remain the property of the Plateau State Government managed by the Jos Main Market Authority while the 40 year lease is for individuals that will buy the shops and not Jaiz bank. I appeal to our people not to pay attention to the propaganda and political exaggerations being peddled that the market will be sold out to an Islamic bank.
Apart from the fact that all willing and able citizens will get the opportunity to buy the shops, Government will ensure that nobody is excluded or given undue advantage on account of faith, political affiliation or ethnicity. The market is going to be run as a business and nothing else. I plead with our citizens not to make utterances or take actions that will scare away investors from coming into the State particularly at the time when we are gradually rebuilding the economy. Even though we are at a political period, let us always separate politics from Governance as Plateau State is greater than our individual ambitions”.
Chairman of Odigbo Properties Ltd Mr. Chikezie Tony said his company decided to embark on the project because of the peaceful atmosphere that has been engendered by Governor Simon Lalong as well as his business friendly policies on land administration and ease of doing business.
He disclosed that the estate will have about 300 houses of 3, 2, and 1 bedrooms which will be constructed with the highest quality and sold at affordable prices.
Commissioner for Housing Hon. Brian Dadi said the project will bring a lot of development and create jobs that will employ many young persons from the immediate community and the entire State.
The Governor thereafter moved to Zanwra Nkienwhiea in Miango, Bassa Local Government for the foundation laying of the Workers Housing Estate carried out by the Nigerian Labour Congress and a private developer Drallop Services Ltd.
The Governor said the housing will assist civil servants to own their houses and live in comfortable environment that will increase their productivity and performance.
He said the Workers Housing Estate would not have been possible without the assurance of peace being restored to the area. He encouraged the people of the area to sustain the peace according to the peace accord that was signed recently.
NLC Chairman Comrade Eugene Manji said the Workers Housing Estate has been named after Governor Lalong for his commitment to the welfare of workers and the passion to improve the living standards of Workers and their families.
Representative of the NLC President Comrade Benjamin Anthony described the construction of the estate as one of the key projects by the NLC which has always been concerned about the well-being of their members particularly as it relates to home ownership.
Paramount ruler of Irigwe nation the Bra Ngwe Irigwe Rev. Ronku Akah thanked Governor Lalong for his untiring efforts in restoring peace to Bassa Local Government and the State as a whole which has attracted investors.
The Royal Father also appreciated the NLC for citing the estate in Irigwe land, a development that will provide job opportunities for the youths and also create market for the local people.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 5th August 2022.
*I’M NOT DEAD AMB MARGIF WRITES INEC ACCUSED DR DAKUM OF ATTEMPTS TO SUBSTITUTE HIM ILLEGALLY*
Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate in Plateau State Àmb Yohana Margif has written a letter to INEC National Chairman and Labour Party National Chairman through his lawyer AJ Rotimi SAN, over plot to substitute him illegally by some highly classified non registered members of the Labour Party,he accused Dr Patrick Dakum describing him as the mastermind of the fail political coup.
Margif said, Dr Dakum approach him to relinquish the ticket to him some months back, which I told him I can’t do so, i wonder why an educated person such as Dr Dakum will allowed himself to pay 20million naira dated 4th, August 2022 to unknown persons for the purposes of obtaining fake nomination form and to desperately arrange kangaroo primaries aimed at replacing him despite knowing that Àmb Margif contested and won the 4th, June 2022 Labour party Gubernatorial primaries in Plateau State and holds the parties ticket as well as INEC certificate as Candidate.
The only situation that can guarantee my substitution is voluntary withdrawal or dead. As you can see I’m not dead and have never written any letter intending to withdraw from the race or mandate giving to me by God.
I’ll surely overcome the trials,tribulations and pressure associated with saccumstance like this.
I remain the dully and legally nominated Candidate of the Labour Party in Plateau State.
COAS COMMISSIONS REMODELLED 3 DIVISON GATE, ROAD, QUARTER GUARD, DONATES HILUX TO REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJOR 3 DIVISION
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has today 4 August 2022, commissioned the newly remodelled Maxwell Khobe Cantonment gate, newly built Quarter Guard, Access Road and donated new hilux van to 3 Division Regimental Sergeant Major.
In his remarks, the COAS said the projects will improve the security of the Cantonment and provide conducive ambiance for the personnel of 3 Division to enhance professional discharge of their roles. He said the Nigerian Army will not relent in ensuring infrastructures of the barracks are modernised and given a face-lift.
Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Armour Corps, Major General Suleiman Idris, the COAS charged the troops to remain committed professionally and ensure maximum utilisation and maintenance of infrastructures. He applauded the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE for initiating the developmental projects and effective utilisation of resources to improve the infrastructural needs of troops in the Cantonment. He assured the COAS commitment to more to wellbeing of the Nigerian Army personnel and dependents.
Appreciating the COAS for his continues guidance and support to troops welfare needs, the GOC 3 Division and Commander OPSH, Major General Ibrahim Ali said the initiative to embark on the projects was in line with the COAS cardinal principle of Administration aimed at rekindling professionalism in Headquarters 3 Division. He revealed that the Quarter Guard is meant to be on the right side of the enterance into Military formation.
General Ali further stated that the projects were aimed at leaving a befitting legacy for the Division. He revealed that more developmental projects will soon be unveiled and commissioned in the Cantonment.
While briefing the Special Guest of Honour before the commissioning, the Commander 43 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General Kabaju Kazir said the project which is in three faces has, the Gate, the Quarter Guard and the Road network. He noted that the road network was expanded for condusive passage by motorists and pedestrians alike.
Highlight of the event was the inspection of the projects, group photograph and Inspection of the newly constructed Quarter Guard by the Special Guest of Honour.
You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium. Thank you for your usual cooperation.
ISHAKU TAKWA Major Military Information Officer OPSH 4 August 2022
PLATEAU LEGACY GROUP (PLG) CELEBRATES HER PRINCIPAL OVER APPOINTMENT AS DG TINUBU PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION.
When we birthed the Plateau Legacy Group(PLG) as a Political Association to outlive our principal’s administration as governor of Plateau State beyond 2023, and sustain his good leadership virtues even out of office, little did we know that our coming together was a prophetic declaration, rather than a political exigency.
We never doubted your credentials as a nationalist, a detribalized and unsentimental leader who carries everyone along regardless of creed or ethnicity. You have proved your mettle as a goal getter who is never distracted by the rantings of naysayers and pessimists. You have always set your eyes on the goal, and we knew that greater responsibilities await you as you round off your two-term governorship stint in Plateau state in 2023.
Your appointment to lead the APC presidential campaign to victory in 2023 is a testimony that a golden fish has no hiding place.
Just like your predecessor as Chairman of Nigerian Speakers Forum, Rotimi Amaechi, led the APC to electoral victory in 2015 to birth the APC administration in Nigeria, we glaringly see history repeating itself with you consolidating on that gain.
With God on your side, you shall prove your doubters wrong and deliver on this gigantic responsibility of leading our party to victory at the polls, thereby engineering a smooth transition from the APC administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, to the APC administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023.
While we wish you resounding success in this assignment, we remain ever committed to propagating the ideals of your legacies and support you in whatever way humanly possible to achieve on this mandate.
Once more, congratulations and best wishes in this tasking national assignment.
Freelance Reporters 