GOVERNOR LALONG APPROVES CREATION OF CHIEFDOMS/DISTRICTS

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has approved the creation of 268 Districts and Village Areas as well as 2 Chiefdoms. He also restored 3 others (2nd Class) as well as approved the grading of 5 others on 3rd Class Status.

The details released by the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Atu indicate that the newly created Chiefdoms are Lamba Chiefdom in Wase Local Government (3rd class) and Menkaat Chiefdom in Shendam Local Government (3rd class).

Those restored are: Da-Gwom Rwei, Barkin Ladi LGA (2nd class); Da-Gwom Rwei (Gyel) Jos South LGA (2nd class); and Da-Gwom Rwei (Riyom) Riyom LGA (2nd class).

Those that have been graded are: Gwom Rwei Kabong, Jos North LGA (3rd class); Gwom Rwei Zawan, Jos South LGA (3rd class); Ponzhi Bwarat, Langtang North LGA (3rd class); Ponzhi Gani (Sa) 3rd class; and Ponzhi Tumwat, Langtang North LGA (3rd class).

The breakdown of the 268 Districts per Local Government Areas are as follows:

1. Barkin Ladi 17
2. Bassa 19
3. Bokkos 17
4. Jos East 10
5. Jos North 15
6. Jos South 14
7. Kanam 20
8. Kanke 11
9. Langtang North 16
10. Langtang South 7
11. Mangu 22
12. Mikang 10
13. Pankshin 23
14. Qua’an Pan 16
15. Riyom 12
16. Shendam 22
17. Wase 17

The Governor also approved the grading of old existing District Heads to Senior District Heads.

The approval for the Chiefdoms and Districts by the Governor follows the review of the Report on the Creation of Chiefdoms, Districts and Village Areas in Plateau State constituted on 20th October 2020 headed by Chief D.G. Fompun.

Details of the names of the new Districts and Village Areas will be released by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the State.

The Governor urges the citizens to see this development as part of the efforts by his Rescue Administration to increase inclusivity, unity, peace, harmony and development.

He advises against politicisation of the action and warns against any attempt by some persons to use it for creating acrimony division and disaffection.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
19th May 2022.

By Prince Sekat,Jos.

The Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) and the Highest decision making body of the Mwaghavul ethnic group known as Kapuk has endorsed Professor Sonni Tyoden as gubernatorial flag bearer on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). gathered that the decision to endorse Professor Tyoden was arrived at after series of meetings in Mangu.

Tyoden’s endorsement followed several engagements between the MDA and aspirants from the Local Government Area who indicated interest to contest on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Freelance Reporters also gathered that Professor Tyoden’s endorsement was hinged on his pedigree, experience, competence and integrity as well as the sitting Deputy Governor of Plateau state.

The umbrella body of the Mwaghavul people took the decision to avoid fielding more than one aspirant to stand for Governorship election in the state.

When contacted separately, the officials of the two bodies said an official Statement will be issued in that regard.

Similar decision was taken on the gubernatorial Aspirants from other political parties from the Mwaghavul ethnic group on the Plateau.

2023 POLITICS: Aspirant, Hon Margif resigns from the APC

May 18 2022

Gubernatorial Aspirant in Plateau State North Central Nigeria, Chief Ambassador Yohana Margif has resigned from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

Margif, announced his decision on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Jos the state capital but did not state his next line of action.

His decision was conveyed in a letter which was presented to the APC ward Chairman of Margif/ Kopmur Ward in Mushere, Bokkos LGA Which was also copied to the APC LG and state executives.

In the letter dated May 17, 2022 Ambassador Yohana Margif stated the collapse of internal democracy in the Plateau State APC, impunity and imposition of Unpopular Candidates as part of his reasons to leave.

According to the Philanthropist, the money he paid to APC for the purchase of forms should be used as his own part of donation to Foster the growth of democracy on the plateau, Nigeria and Africa and at large and not for the APC insisting that the bridge of APC to plateau state has broken and in total collapse.

Chief Margif’s announcement comes barely two days after the ruling APC had concluded it’s screening for Gubernatorial aspirants across the country.

Signed:

Chief Ambassador Yohana Margif,
Wazirin Mushere.

*Securing* *Plateau* *State* *is* *His* *Topmost* *Priority* .

Jane Addams, an influential American woman activist and first woman to receive Noble Peace Prize in 1931 once said;

” The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain untill it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life”.

Therefore, securing Plateau State remains a topmost priority on his development agenda.
.
In recent times, there have been many threats faced by Plateau State from both intrinsic and external factors. The man who possess all that is required to mitigate such challenges is here.

Nde David Victor Dimka fsi is a product of strategic level security/intelligence course as well as top level management expert with requisite skills to handle any emerging crisis in the State.

He is poised to contribute positively to the implementation of security policies and development of the State.

Inducted and awarded with the designation of Fellow of the Security Institutute (fsi) marks him out above the mire.

He is well equipped with the following knowledge and experience;

-Security and Intelligence
– Leadership and Management
-Policy and Strategy
-Conflict and Peace Building among others.

DVD is the Governor whose time has come.

Think DVD, Think Plateau!

#DVD Media.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commision has arrested the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris, over alleged mismanagement of N80billion, Freelance Reporters has learnt.

Sources said the arrest was made in Kano and he was currently being moved to Abuja.

The commission is expected to issue a statement shortly.

Details later….

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONDEMN MURDER OF DEBORAH SAMUEL; APPEAL FOR CALM AS THE LAW TAKES ITS COURSE

The Northern Governors Forum has condemned the murder of Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education Sokoto who was killed on allegation of blasphemy.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said the Governors were concerned about the development which is clearly an extra-Judicial measure of addressing perceived infraction.

According to Governor Lalong, any attempt to adopt self-help in addressing grievances whether religious or otherwise, will only lead to further chaos that could threaten law and order as well as the general peace and security of the society.

While commisserating with the family of the victim, Lalong said the Northern Governors want security agencies to be allowed to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that the law takes its full course on anyone found wanting.

The Northern Governors also appealed for calm following reports of the hijack of a peaceful protest which later turned violent and led to the imposition of a curfew in Sokoto metropolis.

Governor Lalong also extended the support and commiserations of the Forum to Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State over the incident as well as praised his proactive efforts to restore normalcy.

They assured him of their solidarity and prayers in dealing with the matter as well as ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to forestall future occurrence in any part of the region and nation at large.

The Forum also reminds citizens of the region and Nigerians of the need to continue to show love, tolerance and respect for one another irrespective of faith, ethnicity or other affiliations.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
14th May 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG ATTENDS TAROK CULTURAL FESTIVAL “ILUM O’TAROK”; ASSURES OF COMPLETING PROJECTS IN TAROKLAND

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State on Saturday 14th May 2022 attended the annual cultural festival of the Tarok nation otherwise known as “Ilum O’Tarok” which took place at the Langtang Mini Stadium.

The Governor who was Special Guest of Honour at the event assured the people of Tarokland and the citizens of Plateau State that his administration will do its best to complete all ongoing projects.

According to the Governor, so much has been achieved in completing many abandoned projects inherited from the immediate past administration and others before it as well as new ones initiated.

He cited the General Hospital in Mabudi, Langtang South which was abandoned at foundation level but now completed and awaiting commissioning. The Langtang Water Treatment Plant built by Chief Solomon Lar which was moribund for many years was also reactivated and now providing portable water to the citizens.

Lalong said the Legacy Project in Shishi will also be completed soon while the Gazum Road, Langtang-Garkawa Road and Kadarko Road will also be done.

He commended the Tarok nation for sustaining the cultural fiesta saying:

” I am happy that the Ilum O’Tarok has taken the lead in this new vista of cultural renaissance in Plateau State. This is not surprising considering the patriotism and sense of pride with which all sons and daughters of Tarokland hold and display their culture and tradition wherever they find themselves. This is a good virtue that must be sustained. At an event like this, I must re-emphasise the need for continuous propagation and sustenance of our rich cultural heritage that is under threat by globalization. Many of our cultural practices are gradually being abandoned while our languages are fast disappearing by the day especially among our younger generation. This is a concern that I want the Tarok nation to take very seriously considering the fact that other tribes also face similar threats”.

On peace and security, he commended the Tarok nation for doing their best to maintain peace within their domain and by extension, the State in general. These efforts he said should be sustained as the State continues to confront criminals and crises merchants who are always looking for an opportunity to strike and cause havoc.

He also assured them that Government will support them towards having a substantive Ponzhi Tarok.

“As I once again condole the Tarok nation over the demise of the late Ponzhi Tarok, I wish to assure you that Government will not hesitate to ensure that a new Ponzhi is installed when the king makers and the traditional council conclude the process for the selection of a successor. My appeal as always is to ask that everything should be done according to laid down rules and the culture and tradition of the Tarok people. My administration has maintained its neutrality over appointment of Traditional Rulers and will not impose anyone on the people” he said.

Chairman of the Ngwang Ishi O’Tarok, Amb. Nanpon Sheni said the cultural festival provides an avenue for the sons and daughters of Tarokland to get in touch with their roots, culture and heritage as well as find ways of addressing critical challenges in education, infrastructure, water, health, economic prosperity among others.

He thanked Governor Lalong for his efforts in developing many parts of Tarokland and urged him to do more particularly in completing ongoing projects.

Royal Father of the day and Emir of Dass HRH Alh. Usman Bilyaminu Othman emphasised the need for peace, unity and harmony among the Tarok people as well as with its neighbours. He said the Tarok nation is known for hospitality, friendship and honesty which are attributes that have endeared them to many people around the world.

Chairman Langtang North Local Government Hon. Zulfa Rimven, Acting Chairman Tarok Joint Traditional Council HRH Nimnan Langnim, Algon Chairman Plateau State Hon. Alex Naantuam and other speakers praised Governor Lalong for working hard to sustain peace in Plateau State and spreading development across all Local Government Areas.

They promised to support him to continue to do more for the people even as they called upon the Tarok nation to play its part in the democratic process as they have done over the years with dignity, peace and candour.

The Governor later inspected ongoing construction work on Gazum Road.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the
Executive Governor of Plateau State.
14th May 2022

SOUTH AFRICAN AGRI-BUSINESS TEAM VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG; TO INVEST IN EXOTIC CROPS AND PERISHABLES

A team of agri-business investors from South Africa with over 40 years experience are in Plateau State to explore opportunities for investing in farming, processing and export of exotic crops and perishables which are synonymous with the State.

The team was led to the Government House Little Rayfield Jos by the Managing Director of the Plateau Investment and Proper Property Development Company (PIPC) Mr. Chrysogonus Yilzak.

Mr. Yilzak explained that the PIPC had been in talks with the investors who would have been in the State long ago, but for COVID-19 restrictions.

He said the investors were in the State under Plateau Fresh Project which is targered at harnessing the abundant and untapped potentials of the State in production, marketing, processing and export of exotic crops and perishables.

He said so far, the survey conducted shows that 18 potential crops are ready for investment initiatives across the State.

Technical partner to the project Mr. Ian White said Plateau State is very ideal for growing many varieties of crops and vegetables that are in high demand in Nigeria and around the world.

He said they have gone round to identify some areas and crops that are produced by over 4,000 farmers who are shortchanged by middle men who do nothing except moving the products to the cities.

According to him, their company plans to conceive, design, build and operate a tested agri- business model that will train farmers using technology and modern farm inputs to guarantee high yield.

In addition, he explained that they will establish value addition mechanisms to ensure that products are processed and packaged before being taken out for export and domestic consumption.

Ian regretted that Plateau with high capacity for tomato production is not able to meet domestic demands as Nigeria has to spend huge foreign exchange in importing tomato paste.

This he said will be addressed with the efforts of his firm which intends to start small, but expand gradually through training and building the requisite management teams and workforce.

He commended Governor Lalong for doing his best to restore peace to the State and also creating an enabling environment for investors.

Responding, Governor Lalong thanked the team for visiting Plateau State and expressing interest to invest in agriculture.

He said the Government will continue to do its best in providing an enabling environment for investors particularly in agriculture which is a main source of employment and economic prosperity of the citizens.

The Governor told the team that already, the Yakubu Gowon Airport has been designated as Special International Airport for agricultural products while the Inland Container Depot has also been acquired and will soon be put to use.

He promised to continue to work towards enhancing the security of lives and properties of the citizens and investors.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
10th May 2022.

Chief Kefas Ropshik “Kefiano” Job Creation and Philanthropic Gestures that Makes Him Best Aspirant

Proverbs 19:17 “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed”

As Aspirants jostle to grab the tickets at the Primary elections of the major political parties in Plateau State before the end of this Month which is the first step towards knowing the likely Successor of the incumbent Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong, it is very important to know about what the Aspirants have done or are still doing to better the lives of the people and transform the society.

It is equally vital to know that the aspiration of those Aspirants is not borne out of parochial interest of enmeshing wealth for themselves, family and Friends leaving the people wallowing in abject poverty.

Chief Kefas Ropshik has written his name in gold when it comes to humanitarian intervention and impacting the lives of the people in diverse ways. He is a frontline PDP Governorship Aspirant in Plateau State.

Kefiano as he is fondly called is a consummate business Tycoon, a renowned Philanthropist and an Employer of labor whose feats are unmatched having touched over 50,000 (Fifty Thousand) lives in the last 13 Years.
As an a reputable Entrepreneur and employer of labor, he has on his payroll over 150 staff. He is able to build their capacities, improve their productivity and make them financial stable.
Kefiano paid for comprehensive surgeries for over 3,900 persons, settled the bill of over 230 successful surgeries for glaucoma, paid the medical bills of over 5,000 persons who suffered from various illnesses, organized a feeding programme for over 2,000 widows and less privileged, facilitated amnesty for 127 Prisoners in Jos and Abuja Custodial Centres during his direct prisons’ outreaches, rented a home for the less privileged in Jos and environs, adopted 15 Children in his orphanage home in Jos (he us responsible for their shelter, feeding, clothing, medical and education needs).

He was able to secure employment opportunities to over 30 Plateau Youths into Civil Defense, Federal Road Safety Corp and the Nigerian Police.
He has also offered scholarships and financial assistance to over 25 Youths in the State, provided Shelters to some facilities and donated cars to some Friends and Family Members.

His manta is “Plateau First” and intent to achieve that through holistic empowerment and critical infrastructural development.

He is also ready and willing to provide quality leadership which will enhance the prosperity of the State.
He has always frowned at the abysmal economic performance of the State which has made the State to be referred to as “Civil Servants State” instead of being one of the economic hubs of the Nations considering its huge potentials in agriculture, tourism, mineral resources, etc.

He is passionate about making the economy viable economically, creating wealth and raising Millionaires in the State.

He envision a safer, secured, united and prosperous Plateau State.

#PlateauFirstMedia

Dr. Dawop hints at creating a prosperous, Peaceful & Buoyant Plateau State

As the race for the 2023 General elections across Nigeria gets into top gear, Frontline aspirant for The Action Democratic Party (ADP), Dr. Sani S. Dawop said he plans to make Plateau a prosperous, Peaceful and Buoyant state, if elected as the Governor for Plateau State, come 2023.

Dr. Dawop disclosed this in an online discussion ‘Meet Your Guber Aspirant’ organized by the prestigious Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association, PLABOMA.

Dr Dawop said he strongly feels he can restore the past glory of Plateau state because as the Home of Peace and Tourism. as peace has eluded us for about 20years or more and it is now time we restore the peace and also the glory.

He stated that In the absence of peace, there wouldn’t be tourism for any individuals from outside the state or country to visit. While citing an example with a state like Lagos where there is peace leading to the state accommodating. individuals and potential. He noted that such can be achieved by a level of hard work, deliberate effort and dedication. As such every individual should be given an equal opportunity to reclaim that glory that is lost.

While discussing His gubernatorial ambition, Dr Dawop said as a human resource person, he intends to achieve a Plateau desire development, where every individual living in the state will have the opportunity to achieve any level of self-actualization in life.
He hinted at his dream to develop a state that is peaceful and accommodating irrespective of our tribe, religion and creed. He stressed that if elected as Governor come 2023, he will develop a number of programs and activities to focus on regenerating the economy. He added that his mission is to provide a government that touches life positively.

Pointing at his high level of exposure as an added advantage, Dr Dawop said he is bringing the experience he derived over the years with both public and private sectors, internationally, Governmental and non governmental parastatals where plateau can tap into all.

“Some of my experience are 16years of public service experience, 2years in the revenue office at the federal level, 14years as a Federal auditor, 3years of international experience with an international NGO, 2Years will Bill and Melinda Gate’s Foundation, 1year with the United Nation Development Program (UNDP), 8years as private sector Entrepreneur and a Co-Founder of an NGO (International Institute for research and Economic Development), 5years with a blue-chip conglomerate of the Dangote Group where he worked in diverse areas.” Dr. Dawop said.

Dr. Sani Dawop stated that another area to focus on is security and sustainable peace, working as a team to achieve peace in the state. He stated that one of the major areas to review critically regarding security is the operation rainbow. “Being close to Gen. John Temlong who was one of the architects of Plateau Operation Rainbow, I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge in the concept that they had earlier set up”. He said.

He added that as part of his security strategy, he is looking at reviving peace committees in different villages, wards, Local Government and at the state level. The peacebuilding agency established has done some work in that area but will need to be strengthened the agency to do a lot in such area because of you give responsibility to the traditional rulers in particular in various communities and into the governance and security architecture, you will achieve more he said.

Speaking about economic revitalization, he mentioned that he has gained experience with the Dangote group over the years, and he will seek for partnership with the Dangote group so they can bring up a project that will be of benefit to the state as well as individuals such as industrialization, cottage industries.

Dr Dawop went on to assure the citizens of Plateau that he is going to focus on industrialization through the concept of one product for one local government area. He will identify a product that is of competitive advantage in each local government area and then build a cottage industry around that area. He added that his experience as an industrialist in the manufacturing industry has also exposed him to know all the regiments and what it takes to build an industrial based in the community or a state. We will take advantage of that and change the narrative of Plateau from being a Civil Service town to being a commercial and industrial hub when elected” He said.