NIGERIAN ARMY SET TO HOLD ANNUAL CELEBRATION IN OWERRI IMO STATE
The Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) is an annual event aimed at showcasing the commitment of the Nigerian Army (NA) over the years, as a professional responsive force. The event for year 2022 is scheduled to hold in Owerri, Imo State from 29 June to 6 July.
The theme for this year’s NADCEL is *”Repositioning the NA in the Joint Operations Environment: A Panacea for Success in Addressing Contemporary Security Challenges”*.
Activities lined up for the weeklong event include; Chief of Army Staff Press Briefing, Jumaat prayers, Interdenominational service, commissioning of Civil-Military Cooperations cum Quick Impact Projects, NADCEL Lecture, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards and Parade among others.
Consequently, residents of Imo state and particularly within Owerri, would witness increased movement of troops and military equipment for the ceremony.
The good people of Imo state are therefore advised not to panic but remain calm and go about their normal activities peacefully.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Brigadier General Director Army Public Relations 24 June 2022
2023: Coalition of Plateau Youth calls on Dr Nentawe and APC to give the running mate ticket to Information Commissioner.
★ Describes him as the perfect running mate for APC in Plateau North.
APC Youths in Plateau State have called on the party leadership to give the party running mate to Honorable Daniel Manjang.
This decision was made known by the patriotic youths during a briefing held Yesterday in Jos the Plateau State capital.
Leader of the Youth group, Mr Victor Nanpen in a statement described the Hon Commissioner as committed, loyal and fairless member of the rescue mission who has given his best in communicating the programs and projects of the government and also sensitizing the citizens towards greater Participation in governance and has contributed in the emergence of the APC in plateau state.
“We need someone who is familiar with the affairs of Lalong administration to bring his well of experience, knowledge to help in consolidating on the Lalong achievements.
Mr Victor also stated that it’s necessary for the ruling APC to pick its deputy from Berom land and Dan Manjang is one of trusted and experienced APC members from the entire land.
With Dan manjang as our party running mate our Victory in the coming General election is assured.
The group also called on all well meaning individuals to key into the idea of generation next movement.
Victor also thanked GOVERNOR Lalong for giving level play ground to all aspirants and called on all the aspirants to see the outcome of the APC primaries as the will of God.
NBLC COMMANDER HOLDS PARLEY WITH MEDIA; BIDS FAREWELL TO OUTGOING PERSONNEL
The Commander Naval Base Lake Chad (NBLC) Baga, Commodore Kabir Mohammed has expressed appreciation to the outgoing Base Information Officer (BINFO) and other outgoing personnel of NBLC for their contributions to the Base and the Theatre of Operation; HADIN KAI (OPHK).
He made this known during a farewell event and media parley with journalists to celebrate the outgoing personnel. Riding on the activities of the Nigerian Navy in Baga, Borno State and the collaborative efforts of the media in ensuring a consistent and balance reportage of NBLC, Commodore Mohammed commended the outgoing personnel for their conduct and professionalism.
He conveyed his best wishes to their families while wishing them well in their next assignment.
Journalists from different media organisations including OPHK Radio, Channels TV, NTA, BRTV, Dandakura Radio and Metro Times attended the event. Commodore Mohammed solicited for more support from the media, while canvassing for a sustained relationship.
In a related development, the Outgoing Base Information Officer, Sub-Lieutenant Tochukwu Okeke expressed appreciation to the Commander for the unalloyed support accorded to him to perform his duties. He attributed his success as the BINFO to what he called “unprecedented support from journalists covering the Counter Insurgency Operations in the state”. He urged journalists to extend similar support to his successor; Sub-Lieutenant Hamza Adamu.
Highlight of the event was the rendition of goodwill message by the Commander and group photographs.
“BE RESOLUTE IN ACHIEVING ASSIGNED MISSIONS IN DEFENCE OF NIGERIA”, COAS CHARGES COMBAT SUPPORT ARMS
The Chief Of Army Staff(COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya has charged the Combat Support Arms of the Nigerian Army(NA) to be resolute and focused in their commitment towards achieving assigned tasks in defence of the country.
The COAS made this known while declaring open, the Combat Support ArmsTraining (COSAT) Week 2022 at the Command Officers Mess 1, Asokoro Abuja recently.
General Yahaya disclosed that training is an avenue to learn and re-strategize for value addition in pursuit of peace and national security.
He noted that the Combat Support Arms have continued to be innovative in their respective roles and have over time improved their capabiliities.
He explained that the theme of the Training Week, “Building Competencies in Combat Support Arms towards Optimizing the Utility of Indigenous Technology in Support of NA Contemporary Operations” is meant to create a platform for personnel of Combat Support Arms (CSA) of the NA to cross- fertilize ideas and intellectually stimulate themselves with the objective of enhancing operational efficiency of the NA.
While delivering his remarks, the Honorable Minister Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, who was the Special Guest of Honor, appreciated the NA for hosting the Combat Support Training week in the federal Capital Territory. He urged the participants to take advantage of the training week to profer practicable solutions to national security challenges in the country.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Military Intelligence(CMI), Maj Gen Ibrahim Salihu stated that the Combat Support Arms Training week is an annual event that provides the platform for personnel of the Combat support arms to constructively engage, share ideas and experiences to enhance NA’s operational efficiency in tackling defence and security issues.
The three-day program featured presentations from all the combat support arms and interactive sessions, during which far reaching decisions were taken. The training week, which commenced on Monday 21 ended on Thursday, 23 June 2022.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Brigadier General Director Army Public Relations 24 June 2022
RE: HOW GOVERNOR LALONG ABANDONED PLATEAU FOR LAGOS LOBBYING FOR TINUBU’S RUNNING MATE
Refuting a concoction of lies and mischief
By Makut Simon Macham
The attention of the Governor of Plateau State has been drawn to a story published by Sahara Reporters on its online platform dated 24th June with the caption “How Governor Lalong Abandoned Plateau For Lagos, Desperately Lobbying, Squandering State Resources To Become Tinubu’s Running Mate – Sources” which is being consumed and circulated by innocent persons that are unaware of its falsehood, mischief and bad taste.
This report which is the perfect case study for fake news, yellow journalism, sponsored hatchet job, and irresponsible reporting totally does not deserve a response, but for the sake of saving right thinking members of society from being misled by this horrible product that is an epic case in abuse of the noble journalism profession.
The story is anchored completely on a fanthom “anonymous source” that provided wonderfully packaged fiction and lies claiming that Governor Simon Lalong abandoned Governance in Plateau State and relocated to Lagos in search of being nominated as Asiwaju Tinubu’s Running Mate. The “Source” also claimed that the Governor is spending billions of the State’s funds for the said endeavour.
To put the records straight, Governor Lalong has not been to Lagos in the last couple of months. The last time he was in Lagos was during the inauguration of the Dangote Fertilizer Plant and the new Murtala Mohammed International Airport Terminal which was performed by President Muhammadu Buhari and attended by many Governors.
We wonder where the so-called “source” got his imagination from about Governor Lalong relocating to Lagos but could not provide the date, time, mode of movement or address where he allegedly relocated to in Lagos. Of course he cannot provide such details because they do not exist even in his fictional contraption.
We challenge the “Source” to come up with the details or at least show pictures of Governor Lalong in the “relocated” part of Lagos if he has any.
On the contrary, we have many reports of official engagements of the Governor in Jos and Abuja where he performed his official duties that were widely reported by the media. The “source” who perhaps lives on another planet has either chosen to demonstrate total ignorance or go on with his mischief.
We cite a few of Governor Lalong’s engagements after he returned from the APC Primaries in Abuja:
After a visit to the Villa to meet with Mr. President along with other Governors, the Governor was in Ekiti for the APC Governorship campaign rally.
The Governor attended the Combined Convocation of the Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi together with Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State.
Visited the Polo roundabout and the Vertinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Jos affected by tanker accident.
Attended Inter-denominational Church service to mark June 12 at EYN Church Jos.
Swore in 4 High Court Judges and 1 Khadi of Plateau State Judiciary.
Presided over State Executive Council Meeting where approval was given for completion of Legacy Projects
Attended the funeral of former Military Administrator of Plateau State Col. Musa Sheikh Shehu rtd. in Abuja
Attended the final meeting on rebuilding of Jos Main Market with Jaiz Bank in Abuja
Inaugurated new NASCO Multi billion naira production plant in Jos
Presided over another State Executive Council meeting in Jos.
Attended the wedding of the son of Sir. Joseph Ari, DG ITF among several others.
We wish to refer the public and Sahara reporters to the official handles of the Government and the Governor’s Directorate of Press ( https://www.facebook.com/plsgdoppa; https://www.facebook.com/PLSGov) for stories and pictures of these and many other engagements of His Excellency.
On the “billions” purported to have been spent by the Governor, it is not worth loosing sleep over because such cheap allegations are without substance. Little wonder the so-called “source” could not quote a figure even after the claim of having collaborators at the office of the Accountant General.
We again challenge him to bring out the figures and any other evidence at his disposal or make such available to law enforcement since he is alleging crime. If and when he does so, we will respond appropriately. For now, we urge members of the public to disregard the fabrication which is totally false and another gimmick sponsored by opponents of the Government.
Finally, we advise Sahara reporters to at least uphold the most basic tenet of journalism which is fair hearing and balanced reporting which demands that two sides of every story are presented to the public always.
In this case, it is highly disappointing and regrettable that they failed woefully by not giving the Government of Plateau State an opportunity to respond to the allegations by this anonymous “source”. Rather, they quoted him copiously as though his fabricated lies were the gospel truth.
Because they did not indicate in their story if they attempted getting a reaction but failed, we are left with no option than to believe that they are hands in glove with the so-called “source” and are all out to damage the hard earned reputation of the Governor and the Government of Plateau State.
Since the opposition party in the State had issued an embarrassing official press statement making similar allegations and even giving the Governor an ultimatum to return to the State before this whitewash story was published based on information provided by the almighty “source”, it is clear that Sahara Reporters has availed the enemies of Lalong their platform for misinformation and mischief.
On the final analysis, we wish to remind those behind this hatchet job to calm all the way down over Governor Lalong’s name being considered for running mate to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, APC Presidential Candidate. It is not a coincidence or matter of lobby that his name keeps resonating. He fits the post and is ably qualified in his own right.
Lalong has never campaigned for the said position and is not desperate for any elevation in life. His destiny has been driven by God throughout his life and he continously looks up to his creator for the next step. Those who are in the contest for VP should please make efforts and leave him alone.
Lalong was not born with any position and will never tarnish anyone’s image to get one. Even if he does not occupy any office again, he is a fulfilled man. His political pedigree is towering above many who are loosing sleep over him because God has blessed him enormously. He served as Speaker 7years; Governor 7years; Chairman Northern Governors Forum 4years; Chairman, Conference of Speakers 4years; Conference of Former Speakers till date. As at today, he is the APC Senatorial Candidate for Plateau South Senatorial District in the forthcoming general elections.
If God says he will be the next Vice President Nigeria, nobody can stop it. It is up to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the APC family to decide. Lalong together with his colleagues have done their part in insisting that power goes to the South.
Let everyone remember that it is God who gives power to whomsoever he pleases. No amount of paid propaganda can change anything.
Head or tail, Lalong wins!
Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 25th June 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG FELICITATES WITH SPEAKER FEMI GBAJABIAMILA @60
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has felicitated with Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila on his 60th birthday.
Governor Lalong in a message said Speaker Gbajabiamila is a unique politician whose passion for the weak and vulnerable continues to drive him towards advocating for the implementation of projects and programmes that tackle poverty, inequality, unemployment and other areas.
He said the Speaker has provided purposeful leadership to the 9th Assembly making it one of the most vibrant, proactive and committed to tackling critical issues that have remained unresolved in the polity for many years.
The Governor particularly appreciated the Speaker for his fairness and all-inclusive leadership style that has engendered harmony and cooperation within the House of Representatives thereby enabling the business of law making to go on without drawbacks that are motivated by party differences and other interests.
Lalong also thanked the Speaker for his support to Plateau State and working closely with the legislators from Plateau particularly the Deputy Speaker Idris Wase with whom they have steered the affairs of the Green Chambers with enermous success.
While wishing him many more years of God’s blessings and good health, Lalong urged him to continue to work for the good of the people which has been his hallmark over the years.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 25th June 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS MONTHLY PRAYER AND FASTING; REVEALS WHY HE DECLARED WORK FREE DAY FOR PVC REGISTRATION
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has challenged eligible citizens of the State who are yet to register for their Permanent Voters Card to take advantage of the 2 work free days declared for Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th June 2022 to register.
Governor Lalong who was speaking at monthly prayer and fasting held at the Government House Chapel Rayfield Jos said partipating in the democratic process is not just a civil responsibility but a spiritual one because God has given people the power to elect their leaders through choices in the ballot box.
He said it is not good for people to sit back and complain on the social media and elsewhere about bad governance but yet fail to take part in the process that brings in new leadership that will change the situation.
He said “Beyond prayers and fasting, we should also participate and do our part in ensuring that the right people are elected. Part of this is the performance of our civic duties of voting. That is why I approved work free days on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th June to enable eligible citizens who have not yet obtained their Permanent Voters Card to do so. I charge all civil servants to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure that they register so as to be able to choose their leaders during the elections. Failure to participate automatically means that you will live with the choices of others whether it is good or bad. We have been assured that our votes will count because of the reforms in the electoral process particularly the new Electoral Act”.
He also used the opportunity to call on political actors and their supporters to go about campaigning and seeking electoral support in a civilized manner and according to the laws of the land. He urged them to shun toxic campaigns that promote fake news, hatred, division, intolerance and incitement.
According to him, the determination of all politicians should be to strengthen the peace of the State built over the years and ensure that whoever emerges victorious works for the general good of the society. Politics he said should never be seen as a do-or-die affair because at the end of the day, Plateau people are brothers and sisters and share the same heritage.
He said the prayer and fasting which is a very important spiritual exercise has been sustained over the years and continues to be of tremendous benefit for the well-being of Plateau State and Nigeria.
Deputy Chaplain of the Government House Chapel Rev. Dewan speaking on the role of the Holy spirit in the life of the believer said whenever the children of God gather to fast and pray, the opportunity to depend on God is evident and the need for total submission to his will and dependence on his guidance through the holy spirit.
He charged the people to always depend on no matter all the circumstances as even though things do not always go as anticipated, they should never be discouraged to think that God does not hear or care.
He emphasised that fasting and prayer exercise such should always deepen the faith of Christians on God’s ability to make all things work together for good in their favour tike the Bible states in Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to his purpose”.
Prayers were offered for the peace and security of Plateau State and Nigeria and the need for a successful elections.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State 24th June 2022.
PLATEAU EXCO APPROVES DRAFT BILL FOR DRUG/MEDICAL COMODITIES AGENCY; RECEIVES WORLD BANK AWARD FOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Worried by the challenges of access to quality drugs and medical commodities in the heathcare system in Plateau State, the State Executive Council at its meeting of Thursday 24th June 2022, approved a draft Bill for the creation of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency to be sent to the House of Assembly for necessary legislative action.
Briefing newsmen after the Council Meeting presided over by Governor Simon Lalong at the Council Chambers of the New Government House Little Rayfield Jos, Commissioner for Works Pam Bot-Mang explained that the decision was taken following the presentation of the draft Bill to the council by the Ministry of Health.
He said the Government believes that the new Agency will resolve the issues of fake drugs, out-of-stoke syndrome in public and private hospitals and also guarantee access at the grassroots.
Commissioner for Health Dr. Nimkong Lar said the development will generally improve the health of the citizens and also ensure that drugs and other medical commodities are accessed at affordable prices while the challenge associated with tracing fake and adulterated products will be easy to handle.
He commended the Plateau State Governor for his passion towards ensuring that the health care system is improved and made to respond to the current needs of the people at all levels of society.
Lar also gave an update of the 2 cases of Monkey Pox recorded in the State where he explained that one of the patients has recovered and is discharged while the other one is improving tremendously.
He said surveillance and sensitization efforts have been stepped up to ensure that the cases do not spread further.
Meanwhile, Plateau State Government has received a World Bank Award for the Best State in Financial Management and Reporting in implementing the NEWMAP Project in the Country.
The Award which was give to the State at a National event, was presented to Governor Lalong during the Executive Council meeting.
The Governor congratulated the State and NEWMAP Team for making the people proud by carrying out quality projects within specifications and ensuring that all laid down procedures are observed in the process.
He said this achivement was in line with the determination of his Rescue Administration to maintain financial discipline, adhere to due process and also ensure frugal management of resources at all times.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 25th June 2022.
GOVERNOR LALONG INAUGURATES NEW NASCO PRODUCTION PLANT; PRAISES COMPANY FOR SUPPORTING THE STATE’S ECONOMY
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has inaugurated a new production plant for NASCO Foods Company in Jos with great appreciation to the company for its consistent contribution to the economic development of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
Governor Lalong said NASCO is one of the few companies whose chronicles can be written alongside the history of Plateau State and Nigeria especially because it bears all the hallmarks of endurance, durability, immense potential, and a unique talent for survival.
He commended the Executive Chairman, Management and Staff of NASCO for sustaining the virtues of its founding father, the Late Dr. Ahmed Idris Nasreddin who laid a solid foundation 57 years ago, nurtured the company to growth and prosperity before his demise.
He noted that since it began its operations 57 years ago, millions of Nigerians from the post-independence generation to young Nigerians today have all been able to share almost identical experiences from having used the different product categories which NASCO has come to be known for.
Lalong said “before Government started to promote self-sufficiency in food production – a policy which encouraged Nigerians to produce what they eat, NASCO’s adoption of the policy of back-ward integration in sourcing maize as its chief input for the production of cornflakes had empowered thousands of farmers on the Plateau and across many locations in central Nigeria. This had directly impacted on the volume and quality of the maize that its suppliers were cultivating. Cumulatively, this process now integrates into the Buhari administration’s drive to develop the agriculture commodity supply chain, for which maize has been recognised as one of the most important commodities. The overall goal of this initiative, of course, is the creation of jobs and wealth for Nigerians”.
The Governor noted that this foremost company has not only deepened its presence in Jos, but has endured all the challenges that emerged at various times which led to the exodus of many investors from the State. He said without doubt, this innovation and strategic investment in “state-of-the-art technology” equipment and machinery, will further upgrade the standard of its cornflakes to match the most notable international brands in terms of superior quality.
He said he was a proud man to unveil this brand new production line within his tenure which is a fulfilment of one of the policy thrust of the Rescue Administration that talks about “Sustainable Economic Rebirth”.
Lalong said the State has also attracted more investors who have started businesses particularly within the Small and Medium Enterprises category. This has brought more jobs to Plateau citizens and also boosted the State’s IGR.
“While we commend NASCO for its patriotism and resilience in Plateau, I urge all citizens and indeed other business organisations to continue to be good Ambassadors of Plateau State. We should avoid carelessly de-marketing the State on account of one minor unpleasant incidence. When we go to the social media and elsewhere to spread exaggerated or fake news that creates fear and anxiety in the heart of prospective investors, it discourages them from coming to do business in the State. We are glad that NASCO resisted this temptation over the years and today, they are the leading manufacturing company not only in Plateau State but in the country” he said.
Executive Chairman of NASCO Dr. Attia Nasreddin while appreciating the Plateau State and Federal Governments said the company has received tremendous support and encouragement to overcome the challenges over the years leading to growth of the company.
He said the new plant which boasts of state-of-the-art technology will double it production capacity, enhance the working conditions for its staff and also improve environmental sustainability.
Nasreddin said the company will continue to fulfil its corporate social responsibility to Plateau State and also support the efforts of the Government in improving the lives of its citizens particularly farmers who have developed a special relationship with NASCO.
Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Idris Wase represented by Chief John Dafaan; Representatives of Bank of Industry, NAFDAC, MAN, and maize farmers in Plateau State all appreciated the giant strides if the company over the years and impacting lives positively.
Governor Lalong after inaugurating the new plant undertook a tour of the facility worth billions of naira and supported by the Bank of Industry.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor, Plateau State. 23rd June 2022.
PLATEAU LEGISLATORS THROW THEIR WEIGHT BEHIND GOVERNOR LALONG VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATURE OF THE APC.
Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly have drummed support for the State Governor, Simon Lalong to be considered as the vice presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The support came through a motion on adjournment moved by House majority leader Naanlong Daniel urging the State Legislature to lead the quest for an all out campaign for the State Governor to be picked to deputize the APC presidential flag bearer, Bola Tinubu.
The members made this submission during Wednesday 22nd June 2022, Plenary, presided by the Speaker Rt Hon Yakubu Yackson Sanda.
Majority leader of the house and Member representing Mikang Constituency, Hon Naanlong Daniel in a motion said Governor Simon Lalong deserves the support to be picked out of the North Central zone as vice presidential candidate of APC giving his track record in the area of peace, unity and human development.
He noted that the wealth of experience of Governor Simon Bako Lalong and his leadership disposition speaks volumes to his credibility to be considered for the Vice Presidential Position.
Members in their separate contributions supported the motion in view of Governor Lalong’s unbiased disposition and his experience –networking with other parts of the country.
They described Governor Simon Bako Lalong as a best match to deputize the APC Presidential Flag bearer Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, saying his humble personality, loyalty and pragmatic leadership style is worthy of mention.
The Legislators noted that, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has played and is still playing a significant role as the Chairman of Northern Governor’s forum, as he was able to bring about Peace and Unity within the region.
The house resolved to work tirelessly and collectively towards the success of the Vice Presidential candidature of Governor Simon Bako Lalong.
They called on all APC leadership, stakeholders and the good people of Plateau within and outside the State to join hands to actualize the project.
Meanwhile, the House of Assembly has passed the Plateau State House of Assembly fund management amendment bill 2022.
Giving the bill an accelerated treatment by suspending order 13 rule 3 of the House rule, it went through first to third readings to permit for passage through a motion in the committee of the whole.
Members of the State Assembly said the amendment on the Assembly fund Management Law is apt, to conform with legislative best practices.
Also at plenary, the House adopted its fourth legislative calendar which runs until June 2023.
Freelance Reporters 