PLATEAU TO HOST 5,000 PHARMACISTS AS GOVERNOR LALONG PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR PSN NATIONAL CONFERENCE “TIN CITY 2022”.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has pledged support to the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) ahead of its National Conference tagged “Tin City 2022” scheduled to hold in Jos, November this year.
Governor Simon Lalong who received the National President of the PSN Prof. Cyril Usifo at the New Government House Little Rayfield Jos, said Plateau State was eager to host the Pharmacists who have been very helpful to the health and socio-economic development of the State.
Lalong who accepted to be part of the Conference said the State Government will give all necessary support to ensure a successful National Conference in line with the State’s history of hospitality and accommodation.
He said the choice of Jos as the host city for PSN National Conference is another testimony and dividend of the peace efforts that the Rescue Administration has put in place over the past 7 years.
The Governor while commending the pharmacists for doing their best towards safeguarding the health of the citizens, appealed to them to intensify their surveillance, monitoring and enforcement against drug abuse, illicit drugs, self-medication and other harmful practices.
PSN President Prof. Cyril Usifo said the Council agreed to give Plateau the hosting rights of the Conference because of the improved security situation in the State and the efforts of the Governor to improve the health of the citizens.
Uniform also thanked the Governor for his policies towards better practice of pharmacy and his support to members of the profession in both public and private practice.
Plateau State Chaiperson of the PSN Kaneng Pam said the State will benefit a lot from hosting the event 27 years since it last hosted it.
According to her, the efforts of the Governor in creating enabling environment for businesses to thrive is responsible for the consideration of Plateau for the highest gathering of Pharmacists in Nigeria.
The Governor was also decorated with the official regalia for the Conference and also presented with the hosting banner.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 10th May 2022.
Breaking: 18 APC Plateau State Guber Aspirants Threaten To Dump The Party
Gubernatorial aspirants under the platform of the All progressive Congress in Plateau state have threaten to leave the party if due process is not followed in electing the flag bearer for the party ahead of the primaries.
Addressing a Press conference in Jos on Monday, Chairman/convener of the forum of APC Governorship aspirants, Chief Amon Gizo insisted that an attempt by the Governor of Plateau state, Simon Lalong or the Party hierarchy to foist a candidate on the party and the people of plateau state will be resisted.
The forum is also asking the party leadership to address forthwith the use of ad hoc delegates with amendments for the primaries.
The list of those who are members of the forum include the Deputy Governor, Sonnie Tyoden, Professor Dakas Dakas, Mr. Sunday Biggs , Doctor Patrick Dakum and 14 others.
2023: GOVERNOR LALONG RECEIVES NOMINATION FORM TO CONTEST FOR SENATE
Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has officially received the Expression of Interest/Nomination forms purchased by a political pressure group, Plateau Legacy Group to contest for the Plateau South Senatorial District Seat in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
The official presentation which took place at the Shendam Mini Stadium was attended by a large crowd of supporters and APC members from the six local government areas comprising the Southern Senatorial District as well others from across the State.
Speaking at the presentation, Chairman of the Plateau Legacy Group and Member representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi said the group is convinced beyond reasonable doubt that Governor Simon Lalong has performed exceptionally within the zone, the entire State and Nigeria at large to merit going to the Senate for further representation.
Gagdi said the Plateau Lagacy Group which has membership across the entire State is passionate towards ensuring that the legacies of the Governor are sustained even after his tenure.
He said the purchase of the form was also to thank the Governor for his sense of justice and fairness in distributing projects across all the local Governments unlinke in the past as well as working for the peace, prosperity and progress of the Northern Region and Nigeria.
APC Chairman in Plateau State Hon. Rufus Bature said the APC has received a boost with the acceptance of the Governor to offer himself again to serve not only the people of Southern Zone, but the entire Plateau State at the National Assembly.
He charged them to remain united and work in synergy to deliver the Governor and all other candidates of the APC contesting for various offices in the General elections.
Bature who warned against traitors and fifth columnists who will come in to seek to destroy the fortunes of the party, assured that the State Working Committee will work assiduously to make sure nobody works against the interest of the party.
Chairman of the APC in the Southern Senatorial Zone Hon. Musa Abdullahi Dan Nyalum thanked the Plateau Legacy Group for coming to the aid of the teeming APC members and supporters of the Governor within the zone who are yearning for the Governor to move to the Senate after the completion of his rescue mission to continue serving them.
Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda said the decision of Governor Lalong to accept the call to contest for Senate is a win-win for the Southern Senatorial Zone and Plateau because he has performed well as Governor and carries along huge Legislative experience that will make him a valuable asset to the Senate and National Assembly in general.
Other speakers including representatives of Local Government Chairmen, women and youth groups, and other friends of the Governor from other Senatorial zones promised to work for the total victory of Governor Lalong and all the candidates of the APC.
In his acceptance speech Governor Lalong said he was overwhelmed by the show of love and solidarity from the people of the Southern Zone and Plateau Legacy Group who have used their hard earned resources to purchase nomination/expression of interest form for him.
He said “Having reflected on the demand of the people over the last few weeks and carried out relevant consultations, I wish to announce with all sense of humility and gratitude that I have accepted this clarion call by the good people of Plateau South Senatorial District to serve them as Senator in 2023 by the grace of God. My decision to heed the call of the people is based on the confidence they have reposed in me and the sustained love and support they have shown me throughout my political career. Since I contested and won elections in 1999 into the Plateau State House of Assembly, I have developed a great relationship with the people of the Southern Zone which has grown over the years. I cannot afford to turn my back on them at this very crucial when they need me most”.
Lalong said among other things, the many reasons which has been consistently given by the many groups and individuals who have pressured him to consider running for Senate is that having gathered so much experience as Member and longest serving Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly; Chairman Conference of Speakers, Chairman; Forum of Former Speakers of State Houses of Assemblies and Governor; the people of the Southern Zone, Plateau State and entire nation needs his vast experience.
“While I would have loved to concentrate on the job at hand which is to complete the Rescue Mission as Governor and finish the programmes and projects we are carrying out, I am also aware that the call for me to contest for Senate is all about the PEOPLE. For me, anything that has to do with the interest of the people takes priority over my personal interest. Politics is about the people and serving them to the best of my ability is where I derive joy and satisfaction. My dear compatriots and members of the APC family in Southern Zone and Plateau State, I wish to assure you that I am fully conversant with the demands of representation in the Red Chambers and the high calibre political maneuvers that go on there. By the grace of God, I will do my best to ensure that we bring more dividends of democracy to the Zone and the entire State when I am elected”.
The Governor said he was happy with the growing fortunes and acceptability of the APC in Plateau State over the years from 2015, having gained so much ground, attracted more members, and won more elections despite the propaganda and disinformation by the opposition.
He also appealed for unity, collaboration and focus ahead of the 2023 elections.
“Let us not allow personal ambitions to jeopardize collective interest of the party. This is the time to demonstrate true loyalty and faith in the APC family. As democrats, we should not forget that of all people aspiring for one office or the other, only one candidate and winner will emerge at the end of the day. That does not make the others losers but provides them an opportunity to be considered tomorrow. The party has mechanisms for rewarding faithful members who sow and sweat to ensure its victory in all elections. We have a duty to close ranks, reconcile, forgive one another and put the interest of the party first. This is more so when our party will be going into its first transition elections from one administration to the other at the State and Federal Levels”.
He also called on the people to shun all forms of political thuggery and before, during and after the elections, insisting that Election is not war, while service to the people is not by desperation or force.
The Governor also visited the Palace of the Long Gamai HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III to seek his blessings for the contest for Senate.
The Royal Father told the Governor that his good works have already gone ahead of him as the Southern Zone has benefited enormously from his projects and programmes.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 7th May 2022.
WORK CONTINUES AT BRITISH-AMERICAN FLYOVER AFTER ENGAGEMENT WITH WORKERS/CONTRACTOR
After the the slight disruption of work at the construction site of British-American Flyover to Lamingo Roundabout Junction on the 5th of May 2022, the Ministry of Works immediately swung into action to interface between the construction company, Craneburg Nigeria Ltd and the aggrieved workers.
During the intervention, both sides presented their issues and pledged to work together to resolve all grey areas and ensure that work continues on the all-important project.
The Ministry notes with delight that its intervention yielded positive result and work has since resumed fully at the sight with vigour the following day 6th May 2022 with all staff back to work.
The Ministry also commends maturity exhibited by the workers who have also resisted incitement and overtures by underground political interests to fuel imaginary crises and disrupt the laudable project.
Since then, the construction work has continued day and night with casting and abutment on the flyover bridge which is a major component of this project.
Fresh concrete tests have been run along with a set of compressive strength cylinders including slump, air content, unit weight and temperature. Data from these tests is helpful in assessing mix production and consistency in performance. This is to ensure all stands are kept.
Similarly, Metal works for the other sections of the bridge is ongoing while Beams on the first bridge and formwork continue on the second abutment. Parapets are also being casted and ready for assembling.
The Ministry of Works wishes to express its appreciation to the workers and Management of the construction company Craneburg Nigeria Ltd. for quickly adopting the path of dialogue to avert further disruption of the work in order not to jeopardise the targeted delivery dateline.
We wish to appreciate His Excellency the Executive Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong for his commitment and passion for the project which has boosted the morale of the construction company and its staff.
The good citizens of Plateau State have also been very encouraging since the commencement of the project and continue to cooperate with the Government despite some inconveniences occasioned by diversions and movement of Service Infrastructure from the area.
This gesture is the true spirit of Thinking Plateau and Acting Plateau.
Hon. Pam Bot-Mang Commissioner for Works, Plateau State. 7th May 2022.
GAGDI STARTS RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN TOUR OF 36 FEDERAL WARDS OF PANKSHIN/KANKE/KANAM FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY
In what could be described as spectacular, the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (Danmalikin Kanam) Thursday, May 5, 2022 started his re-election campaign tour.
Knowing the importance of the love and respect he has for party exco, delegates and the people, he felt it won’t be appropriate to invite them all to the respective LGA’s headquarters to notify them of his aspiration and solicit their support as has been the practice of other contestants.
He chose to honour them by visiting their respective wards to meet with them.
On the first day, he successfully visited eight federal wards starting from Ampang East in Kanke LGA to Langshi and Garram. From there, he proceeded to Tal, Chip, Jiblik, Lankan and Belning wards of Pankshin LGA.
In all the wards visited, he had genuine endorsement by the ward party excos, elders and traditional leaders. They all cited his performance as reason for the endorsement. Such included boreholes already dug in almost all the polling units of those wards, employment to their children, classroom blocks and district head offices in some.
RT Hon Gagdi repeatedly emphasised in all the wards visited his readiness to continue adding value to the people-centred constituency representation and making direct impact on the lives of the constituents as he has been doing since the beginning of his stewardship.
He gave the sum of 300,000 per ward. The ward chairman and Secretary to take 100,000. Other ward exco 100,000 and party supporters 100,000.
Hon Gagdi was accompanied on the tour by some distinguished personalities of PKK among who are the member representing Kantana Constituency, Hon Samaila Hudu Bala, the Deputy Chairman of Kanam LGA Hon Bala Haruna, Hon Maichibi Vwarji, former chairman of Kanam LGA Prof. Saleh Kanam, Hon Abubakar Dashe, one-time chairman Kanam LGA and commissioner, Nde Lar Yilwada, immediate past APC chairman of Kanke LGA, and former chairman of Kanam Hon Hudu Musa Sarki.
Others included, chairman of Kanam elders forum Alhaji Dahiru Ayada, Alhaji Shuaibu Gyangyang and many other notable personalities, some councillors from PKK, House of Assembly contestants from PKK, the APC elders across PKK, support groups, women and youths and teaming supporters.
GOVERNOR LALONG CELEBRATES LOW-KEY 59TH BIRTHDAY; EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO GOD
Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Thursday 5th May 2022 marked his 59th birthday with a low-key celebration which saw only his close family members, few Government officials and aides attending the event at his Rayfield residence in Jos.
The Governor cancelled all elaborate celebrations to honour two young professional golfers he has mentored over the years and have won gold medals for the State including during the last National Sports Festival in Edo State.
The two young men who are very close to the Governor in the game of golf were killed in an accident while returning from a golf kitty at the Rhino Golf Course in Jos shortly after the Sallah.
Governor Lalong said he was devastated by the tragic death of the young men who have contributed a lot to the game in Plateau and Nigeria as well as become models for others youths. He prayed for the repose of their souls and God’s comfort for their families.
While thanking his family, Government officials and others who came to felicitate with him, Governor Lalong explained that each day, he continously expresses gratitude to God for giving him good health, wisdom, favour and good relationship with people who have been his source of strength.
He particularly thanked his wife Mrs. Regina Lalong for believing in him, advising, and encouraging him while holding the family strongly during his busy engagements in the service of the State and the nation.
He also thanked members of his government as well as the entire citizens of Plateau State who have given him all the support to work for the peace, progress and development of the State, saying that with peace, there is no limit to achieving positive results.
He promised to continue to serve the State and humanity as he derives pleasure in impacting lives as well as making the most of every opportunity to serve with humility, patience and courage.
Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden eulogised the Governor and said his leadership has promoted harmony, peace and massive infrastructural development at all levels.
He testified to the good heart of the Governor saying his decisions are always anchored in the interest of the citizens.
Tyoden prayed God to continue grant him success, good health and opportunities to serve the people.
Head of Service of Plateau State Engr. Sunday Chong Hyat, Commissioner for Information and Communication Dan Manjang, Permannet Secretary Government House Mary Afan, Special Adviser on Political Affairs Samuel Kwamkur and other speakers described Governor Lalong as a gift to the State and Nigeria, praying God to enable him finish his tenure in peace and with his head high.
They expressed optimism that with the achievements recorded under his tenure, a higher calling awaits him at the National level.
Responding on behalf of the family, younger brother to the Governor Mr. Fred Bako said they were elated with God’s favour on their brother and highly appreciate the love and support shown to him and the entire family.
Deputy Chaplain of the Government House Chapel Rev. Dewan offered special prayers for the Governor and his family as well as for the peace and progress of Plateau State.
Meanwhile, messages of goodwill have continued to pour in from various organisations and individuals.
In a congratulatory letter to the Governor, ITF Director General Sir. Joseph Ari said the ITF was proud to be associated with the monumental achievements of the Governor in Plateau State and in his capacity as the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum.
Sir Joseph Ari said the passion for peace, infrastructural development and human capital development has helped the Governor to restore the lost glory of Plateau State and make it one of the most viable and attractive states in Nigeria.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 5th May 2022.
GAGDI FELICITATES WITH MUSLIM UMMAH ON EID-EL-FITR, DISTRIBUTES #12 MILLION CASH, SALLAH RICE TO PKK MUSLIMS
The member representing PKK and Chairman House Committee on Navy, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has sent out a warmth felicitation to the Muslim Ummah in commemoration of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, marking the end of Ramadan.
In a strong worded statement, the lawmaker indulges Muslims to reflect on the blessings of the holy month of Ramadan and continue the good deeds that typifies the live of a true believer, especially in the holy month in line with the teachings of the holy prophet Mohammed (SAW).
Meanwhile, in consonance with his tradition of providing incentives for his constituents during religious festivities, Gagdi has doled out #12 million cash, and bags of rice to some few selected members of his constituents for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The amount consist of various cash incentives to Imams of Friday and daily mosques, in Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam LGAs, Muslim Districts and Village Heads in PKK, various Muslim groups within the constituency and Jos based Muslim stakeholders who are from PKK.
Various groups and individuals in Kanam LGA, which is known to have the highest concentration of Muslims in the Constituency got a disbursement of #4.9 million, Pankshin LGA got a disbursement of #1.3 million, Kanke got #1.1 million, Jos based stakeholders got #3million, while political parties and party stakeholders got a disbursement of #3 million, bringing the total disbursement to a little over #12 million.
While assuring that all those who are listed in the disbursement paper will get their Sallah package, Gagdi maintains that his benevolence is not out of abundance of resources, but out of his inborn desire to share whatever he has with those in need; especially at festive periods like this, where some families may encounter difficulties in providing for their households.
RT HON YUSUF GAGDI ATTENDS NGAS FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CULTURE PUSDUNG 2022, APPRECIATES GOVERNOR LALONG FOR EQUITABLE LEGACY PROJECTS
The member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Saturday, April 30, 2022 attended PUSDUNG 2022, the Ngas Festival of Arts and Culture at Pankshin.
The member, who is the chairman of the Plateau Legacy Group was at the event in triple capacity; first as the representative of the constituents who were celebrating their culture and heritage: to represent the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and also to stand in for the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Maje Wase.
Hon Gagdi poured encomiums on the Ngas Nation for coming with the PUSDUNG, describing it as a veritable tool for unity, progress and economic development and promised to always contribute to its continuity; and of any developmental initiative that will uplift the Ngas nation, and by extension the entire PKK and the state in general.
The member who arrived the venue of the event together with his political father, the Executive Governor, Barr Simon Bako Lalong showered encomiums on him for being a father to all in the state as has been demonstrated in his equitable distribution of projects to all the 17 LGAs of the state.
He said the Lalong Legacy Projects which are at different levels of completion as well as the Governor’s political signatures are legacies that must be sustained; a cause he is ready to give his all for.
RT Hon Gagdi made a handsome donation of 10million naira on behalf of himself, his family and the people of PKK as his contribution towards the building and expansion of the Ngas Skills Acquisition Center.
He equally brought the contribution of the Speaker, House of Representatives and the Deputy Speaker which amounted to five and one million naira respectively.
It can be observed that Hon Gagdi has continued to demonstrate his love and commitment towards making better the lots of the people of PKK at any given opportunity. That has been demonstrated in his people-oriented representation and dedication to causes that affect his constituents.
Hon. Gagdi accompanied the Governor back to the Government House and has since proceeded to Abuja to celebrate the Sallah with his family and is expected back to beJos within the week where a foundation for a robust 2023 politicking will be laid.
GOVERNOR LALONG FELICITATES WITH MUSLIM UMMAH ON EID-EL-FITR
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has felicitated with the Muslim Ummah in Plateau State and Nigeria at large on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast ushering in the Eid-el -fitr celebrations.
Lalong in a message to mark the event expressed optimism that the period of the fast provided an opportunity for the Muslim Ummah to devote themselves to personal and corporate prayers as well as self purification for a better relationship with God and man.
He said the Ramadan period was significant because it enabled them to not only commit their personal affairs to God, but also ask God to intervene in the many challenges of the State and Nation at large.
Lalong charged them to continue in this attitude of prayer and supplication as well as loving one another irrespective of religious, ethnic or other differences.
He said the current security situation in the country as well as other economic challenges cannot be overcome unless Nigerians recognise that they are one people whose common destiny takes precedence over personal interest.
The Governor also used the event to call for more prayers for Plateau and Nigeria ahead of the 2023 general elections, urging for unity and tolerance by the electorate as well as the political class whose conduct and utterances are vital to the overall success of the elections.
While wishing them happy and peaceful celebrations, the Governor again reminded all citizens of the need to resist the ploy by criminals and crises merchants to use sentimental faultlines and instigate ethno religious intolerance and violence.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 2nd May 2022.
“PROMOTE CULTURE OF PEACE”, GOVERNOR LALONG CHARGES CITIZENS AT NGAS FESTIVAL FOR ARTS AND CULTURE, PUSDUNG 2022
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has charged citizens to promote the culture of peace which is cardinal to development and also important to overcoming insecurity in the country.
Governor Lalong was speaking at the annual Ngas Festival of Arts and Culture, Pundung 2022 held at the Pankshin Mini Stadium.
While commending the Ngas people for doing their best to maintain law and order within their domain, he warned that Government will continue to confront terrorists and other criminals and those who shield them.
Citing the recent incident in Namu, Quan Pan Local Government where some hoodlums tried to prevent the arrest of a suspected kidnap kingpin and resorted to destruction, the Governor said security agencies have been mandated to be ruthless with those who delight in creating chaos and sorrow for innocent citizens.
Lalong said from the dances, to cultural displays, and the array of food and artifacts showcased during the Pusdung Festival, he was reassured that the designation of Plateau State as the Home of Peace and Tourism remains very highly appropriate.
Accroding to him, the event has over time become an avenue where the Ngas people evaluate the progress of their people at home and in diaspora, as well as fashion out ways of doing more to impact the upcoming generation.
He assured the Ngas people that the Government will continue to carry out projects within their domain.
“Among other things, we have restored the Pankshin Water Treatment Plant which was moribund for many years and also completed the General Hospital in Kwall, abandoned for many years. Work has been ongoing at various Legacy Projects sites within Ngas land including Government College Pankshin which we intend to transform to a world class Technical School in our efforts to develop skills and train entrepreneurs” he said.
Speaking on the 2023 general elections, the Governor said: “As we move deeper into the era of politics ahead of the 2023 general elections, I wish to appeal to our citizens particularly the political class to be careful with their utterances and shun all forms of desperation that is capable of disrupting the peace of the State. Let us play politics without bitterness and put the interest of the State and its people above individual aspirations”.
Special Guest at the event, Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila represented by Member Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Yusuf Gagdi said the cultural festival is a veritable tool for unity, development and economic development which must be sustained and promoted beyond the shores of the country.
He promised the support of the House and that of Legislators from Plateau State towards ensuring that laws are passed to bring development to the State and Ngas land such as the recent upgrading of the Federal College of Education Pankshin into a Federal University of Education.
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Mrs. Tamwakat Weli said the Lalong administration is very passionate about the promotion of cultural festivals which is a very important tool for the development of tourism and wealth creation.
Mrs. Weli also delivered the message of the Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi who was Chief launcher at the event and said the Transport Minister associates with the Ngas nation which is known for hardwork, unity and tolerance.
Chairman of the Ngas Development Association Nde Gonen Gofwen thanked the Governor and other guests for attending the event saying that the Ngas nation remains very committed to the peace, progress and development of the State and Nigeria at large.
Funds were raised for the expansion of the Ngas Skills Acquisition Centre into a standard Industrial Incubation Centre. Governor Lalong also decorated Miss Pusdung 2022.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 30th April 2022.
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