APC SPECIAL CONVENTION 2022: GOVERNOR LALONG PRESIDES OVER MEETING OF HOSPITALITY/WELFARE COMMITTEE.
Ahead of the Special Convention and Presidential Primaries of the All Progressives Congress, the Sub-Committe on Hospitality and Welfare has met to fashion out ways of ensuring that all delegates and members of the party attending the event are properly attended to before and during the exercise.
Chairman of the Hospitality and Welfare Sub-Committee and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong who presided over a meeting of the Committee at the Plateau Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro Abuja, charged the members to be dedicated to ensure that the assignment is delivered with excellence and precision.
He told members of the Committee to consider their appointment to serve the party as an opportunity to write their names in gold and also demonstrate their faith and loyalty to the party.
Lalong assured them that the Chairman of the Party and members of the NWC have given commitment that they will provide the committee with all that is needed towards a successful assignment.
Governor Lalong thereafter inaugurated five sub-committees to carry out various tasks towards achieving the committee’s objectives.
The Co-Chairman of the Committee and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajiya Saadiya Umar Farouk was also present at the meeting.
The subcommittees are expected to submit their reports immediately to facilitate the work of the Committee.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 6th June 2022.
Gunmen on Sunday attacked the St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, killing no fewer than 50 worshippers.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred in the morning during the church’s Sunday service.
They also said that the gunmen stormed the church during service and started shooting sporadically., and detonated explosives inside the church premises.
The stray bullets of the terrorists also killed passerby who were hit by their bullets.
The injured and the dead were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre Owo, for medical attention.
Confirming the incident, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FMC, Owo, Dr Liasu Adeagbo, told newsmen that the hospital had deployed medical personnel to cater for the victims.
It was learned that the hospital’s medical personnel on ground at the emergency unit were overwhelmed by the large number of victims, hence many of them were referred to private hospitals for treatment.
The police command in Ondo had yet to officially react to the incident as of the time of filing this report.
The expectations on May 27, 2022 during the primaries of the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency was massive, even as many had expected.
Candidly speaking, there were fears of the unknown. But in the Gagdi camp, the dice had been cast, and it was a matter of time before the delegates gave him victory.
Take a look at the pattern of the voting local government after another and the outcome, it clearly shows an acceptable conclusion.
Delegates accredited 180, only 179 voted. Only one abstention!
Of this number Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi took a total of 171. Let’s consider the scenario:
If your ward returns home with a score card of 95% among his peers or classmates, pray, say what kind of celebration would you offer him? Or would you have in the house?
It is not the score that should excite his followers. What rather should make anyone who believes in Gagdi’s capacity is the fact that, perceived division and camp endorsements that hitherto existed ceased to function for the sake of the party.
Those who know his (Gagdi) worth walk tall and appreciate the reality that a UNITED FRONT is made possible for his success in 2023; as well as of other party standard bearers in the zone and state.
It is on this score that, what happened is further confirmation of greater things to expect in 2023.
GOVERNOR LALONG INSPECTS PROJECTS; SET TO COMMISSION HIGH COURT COMPLEX, OTHERS.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has inspected some projects in Jos with a directive to the contractors to complete the work ready for commissioning in few months from now.
Lalong who visited the new High Court Headquarters Complex in Jos expressed satisfaction with the level of the work and its quality.
The facility which has been structurally completed and currently being furnished is expected to be commissioned soon.
The Governor who was accompanied by his Deputy Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Secretary to Government of the State Prof. Atu, Chief of Staff Noel Donjur and some members of the State Executive Council, said he was happy that the project will soon be finished and put to use which will greatly enhance Judicial Services.
Chief Judge of Plateau State Justice David Mann and other top Judicial Officers were present during the visit and expressed delight that the new complex is at the final stage of completion.
The Governor also visited the Plateau Multi Court Door House which has been completed and also awaiting furnishing.
The Governor also inspected the British-American Flyover construction site where he equally expressed delight on the pace and quality of work.
He said the project which is key to the economic development of the State will bring a lot of relief to motorists who use the road to States in North East and other parts of the country.
Commissioner for Works Pam Bot-Mang told the Governor that the work is going on as scheduled and the contractor, Craneburg Construction Company is doing its best to adhere to the terms of the agreement.
He also said some of the service lines have been relocated while work is going on to ensure that the disruption caused is addressed to ease the challenges faced by the citizens.
Representative of the contractor Craneburg Construction Company Engr. Dani assured the Governor that they will do their best to deliver on schedule and with the best quality.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 3rd June 2022.
LALONG PREACHES PEACE & LOVE AS PLATEAU CHRISTIANS CONVENE A SOLEMN ASSEMBLY.
Christians across all denominations on the Plateau converged on the Rwang Pam Stadium Jos on Wednesday 1st June 2022 for a solemn assembly to pray and offer supplications to God for the peace, progress and stability of the State and Nigeria at large.
While addressing the gathering organised by Christuan Denominational leaders in conjuction with the Plateau State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Governor Lalong said the solemn assembly is coming at the right time when the peace and progress of Nigeria and Plateau State is more than ever before being challenged.
He said “Looking at the level of wickedness and manifestation of evil that is threatening our peaceful coexistence and the safety of lives and properties, the Call to Prayers and Repentance is a collective one that emphasizes soul-searching by everyone. This is because the challenges we face today cannot be said to be the fault of a few persons only. Similarly, the efforts to restore the fortunes of our State and country cannot be carried out by a few persons alone”.
Lalong said in order to build a better Plateau and a greater Nigeria, citizens must shun all acts that are capable of threatening humanity which is God’s creation. He regretted that many times, people allow ethnicity, religion, denominational differences, politics, pride, money, greed and selfishness to take control of their lives to the point that they treat people as if they were not created by the Almighty God.
He called on all Christians and indeed the entire citizens of Plateau State irrespective of religious or other differences to do their part in sustaining the achievements that have recorded in creating an atmosphere for peace, dialogue, forgiveness, and reconciliation during the last seven years of his administration.
On the 2023 General Elections, he said “As we move deeper into the political spectrum, I wish to advise our citizens to use the moment to work together for a better Plateau. This is the time to pray to God and actively participate for the emergence of the right set of leaders that will take over the affairs of our State and country in 2023. Let us do away with politics of hatred, bitterness, violence, character assassination and fake news. We should not allow desperate politicians to use religion, ethnicity and other antics to divide us. We must never forget to Think and Act Plateau”.
The Governor emphasised that at the end of the day, those who win or lose shall continue to remain brothers and sisters irrespective of their political parties or other peculiarities. This he said should encourage those seeking political offices to tell the people what they intend to do and allow the electorate to decide through the ballot box.
In a sermon, ECWA President and Chairman of the Forum of Christian Denominational Heads Plateau State Rev. Stephen Panya Baba said Plateau is a land blessed by God in all ramifications with great people and abundant resources that are second to none in Nigeria.
He said Plateau has remained the hope of salvation for the North and other parts of Nigeria having pioneered and continously promoted the work of evangelism and spread of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the unsaved.
Although he noted that the State and its people have been under attack by forces of evil who have killed and destroyed properties of innocent citizens, the wonderful heritage bestowed on Plateau by God will never be taken away if the people return to God and continue to obey the Lord, love one another, and seek to do His will at all times.
COCIN President Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzho said the Church on the Plateau is united to address the spiritual, social, political and economic fortunes of not only its members, but of the entire citizens.
Prayers of praise, thanksgiving and repentance were offered by different church leaders. In the same vein, the solemn assembly prayed for the unity of the Church on the Plateau and Nigeria; Evangelism and Missions; 2023 elections and politics; peace and security of Plateau State and Nigeria; as well as the economic prosperity of the State.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State. 1st June 2022
ALLEGED COMPLICITY BY SOLDIERS IN BISHOP’S KIDNAP UNSUBSTANTIATED
The Nigerian Army (NA) has been notified of the insinuation making the rounds on social media, alleging complicity of troops of the Nigerian Army in the kidnap incident of the Methodist Prelate in Abia state recently.
While the Nigerian Army expresses concern and sympathy for the victim of this heinous crime and shares in his pains, the insinuation that troops are complicit in the kidnap incident is not entirely premised on any findings of investigations and therefore cannot be swallowed hook line and sinker. This allegation therefore raises some pertinent questions which are still unanswered.
Given, the spate of insecurity in the region, the question would be, was the issue reported to the unit covering the area? Did the Methodist Church take the NA into confidence while negotiating the ransom with the kidnappers? No formal complaint has been received by the unit. More worrisome is the fact that it was alleged that the ransom was paid in less than 24 hours. Was the ransome paid to troops? These are questions that beg for answers.
Moreso, the NA unit, has not received any debrief from the Prelate or the Methodist Church. It is therefore, important to state that troops are deployed at Forward Operating Base(FOB) Okigwe and in front of the Abia State University Uturu and no information was made available to them or to 14 Brigade or any other formation, except the information making the rounds in the social media.
It must be clarified that troops’ deployment in the Nigerian Army is not done with considerations for ethnic affiliation, hence a deployment of troops of Fulani ethnic extraction who as alleged by the Prelate, carried out the dastardly act is not our practice or modus operandi in the NA.
Given our professional disposition and zero tolerance for any misconduct in the Nigerian Army , we will take this weighty allegation seriously and approach the Prelate and the Methodist church to unravel the basis for the allegation.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Brigadier General Director Army Public Relations 1 June 2022
Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase on the occasion of his 58th birthday.
In a congratulatory message, Governor Lalong described Rt. Hon. Wase as a consumate politician whose passion for the development and progress of his people is always paramount.
Lalong said the Deputy Speaker has used his office to facilitate the passage of very important laws which have impacted the growth of the nation and in particular Plateau State.
The Governor also commended the leadership of the Deputy Speaker in galvanising the efforts of the Plateau caucus at the National Assembly towards ensuring that issues concerning the State are given due Legislative attention.
He praised him for attracting projects and programmes of the Federal Government to Plateau State as well as carrying out many people oriented Constituency Projects which have benefited his constituents and citizens of the entire State.
While wishing him many more years of God’s blessings and protection, Lalong urged Rt. Hon. Wase to remain committed to the advancement of democracy, good governance and justice in Nigeria, as well as continue to support the initiatives for peaceful coexistence and security in Plateau State and the nation at large.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 1st June 2022.
“BE PATRIOTIC ON ISSUES OF NATIONAL SECURITY” – COAS URGES NIGERIAN MEDIA
The need for media and information experts to be responsive and patriotic on issues relating to national security has been re-echoed as a catalyst for a united, secured and peaceful Nigeria.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya affirmed this on Monday 30 May 2022, while declaring open the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Media Workshop 2022, at the Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos. The COAS, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, pointed out the need for the media to be responsive and patriotic on issues relating to national security to promote national cohesion and stability.
Speaking on the theme: “Conflict Sensitive Communication, Patriotism and Positive Media Reportage in a joint Environment” the COAS stated that the workshop was timely and necessary in view of the security challenges facing the country.
General Yahaya averred that the media is a critical stakeholder in surmounting the security challenges bedeviling the nation, hence the need for thought provoking deliberations to profer solutions.
In his keynote address, a former Director Defence Information, Maj Gen Chris Olukolade (rtd) observed that global technological advancement has necessitated a paradigm shift in information management, where battles are fought in the media domain. He urged the media to shun sensationalism and fake news, adding that they could jeopardize national security.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu stated that the workshop will be anchored on issues that will foster mutual trust and understanding between the Nigerian Army , the media and the rest of the society. He emphasised that this is geared towards enhancing the capacity and proficiency of Nigerian Army personnel, the media and other stakeholders.
He commended the developmental strides of the Chief of Army Staff and the approval of ongoing Social Media Sensitization Workshop for officers and soldiers of the Nigeria Army. He enjoined the participants to take advantage of the media workshop to enhance their capacity in information management.
The workshop had in attendance, former Directors of Defence Information, Maj Gen Chris Olukolade (rtd), Maj Gen Rabe Abubarkar, former Director Army Public Relations Brig Gen Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), Directors of Public Relations of sister services, staff officers of 3 Division Headquarters, senior officers, members of the media and information management experts, as well as spokespersons of security agencies.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Brigadier General Director Army Public Relations 30 May 2022
DG NIPSS COMMENDS NIGERIAN ARMY FOR MANPOWER AND LOGISTICS SUPPORT
The Director General,(DG), National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Professor Ayo Omotayo has commended the Nigerian Army (NA) for her support to the institute, especially in areas of staffing and logistics.
Professor Omotayo gave the commendation today Tuesday 31 May 2022, during a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya at the Army Headquarters Abuja.
The DG stated that the NA has been dauntless in protecting lives and property of Nigerians in the face of the security challenges bedeviling the nation. He noted that the NA has been forthcoming in providing logistics support to facilitate the operations of the institute.
He lauded the NA on the achievements so far recorded in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country, urging the troops not to relent until the adversaries are defeated.
In his response, the COAS Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya congratulated the DG on his appointment and appreciated the institute for the qualitative human development of the Army’s future leaders.
Gen Yahaya assured that the NA will continue to support the institute to promote national development. The COAS donated a utility vehicle to the institution in appreciation of her contribution to capacity development of NA officers.
Present at the visit were Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters and Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Management and Directing Staff of the institute, amongst others.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU Brigadier General Director Army Public Relations 31 May 2022
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has clinched the APC ticket to run for Plateau South Senatorial District Seat in the 2023 general elections.
At the primary elections held in Shendam, the Zonal Headquarters of the Senatorial District, the delegates unanimously elected the Governor who was unopposed as the standard bearer of the APC. As the sole candidate, the Governor was elected through affirmation.
Zlonal Chairman of the APC in Plateau Southern Senatorial Zone, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi Nyalum said members of the party in the zone resolved to give Governor Lalong their mandate to represent them in the Red Chambers because of his experience and performance as Governor of the State.
Chairman of the election panel from the APC National Headquarters Rt. Hon. Titi Oseni said although the Governor was the sole candidate for the elections, the process of voting would still be done in line with the guidelines of the party.
Thereafter, delegates from Wase, Mikang, Langtang South, Langtang North, Quan, Pan, and Shendam Local Government Areas took turns to cast their votes.
At the end of the voting, Rt. Hon. Titi Oseni announced that Governor Lalong polled 335 out of the 340 votes (with 5 invalid) affirming him as the APC standard bearer for the Plateau South Senatorial District Seat in the forthcoming general elections.
In his acceptance speech after the elections, Governor Lalong thanked members of the APC in the zone for giving him their mandate, promising not to disappoint them.
He said he will use his experience as former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Governor and lawyer amongst others to ensure that he attracts development to the Zone and the entire State.
Lalong who also thanked the people for purchasing the form for him to contest, urged the members to remain steadfast ahead of the general elections where the party is hopeful of winning not only the Senate seat, but all other offices to be contested.
He assured the people of Plateau State that the APC will continue to work for the progress of Plateau State just it has done in the past 7 years.
The Governor also used the opportunity to commend the APC family in Plateau State for conducting all primary elections for the various offices peacefully and without any rancour.
Officials of INEC from Plateau State and the National Headquarters monitored the exercise.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 28th May 2022.
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