PLATEAU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL APPROVES RECONSTRUCTION OF JOS MAIN MARKET; CONDEMNS ATTACK IN BASSA

The Plateau State Executive Council has approved the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market burnt down many years ago.

The decision was reached by the Council at its weekly meeting presided over virtually by Governor Simon Lalong who is currently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates alongside other Governors to participate in the 11th Annual Investment Summit.

The approval was sequel to a memo submitted by Hon. Idris Gambo, the Commissioner for Urban Development who is supervising Ministry of Commerce and Industry to the Council with the proposal for a Public Private Partnership Joint Venture to be funded by Jaiz Bank Nigeria Plc.

Briefing newsmen after the Council meeting, Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Dan Manjang said the reconstruction of the Jos Main Market has been one of the priorities of the Lalong Rescue Administration which despite several attempts delayed because of conditions given by various prospective investors.

Manjang explained that the determination and resilience of Governor Simon Lalong to fulfill his campaign promise to the people by ensuring that the market is reconstructed has finally paid off with the agreement by Jaiz Bank Plc. to partner with the Plateau State Government in funding the project.

He said the project expected to be completed within the lifetime of this administration, is one of the many legacies the Governor wants to leave behind for the economic prosperity of the State.

Giving details of the PPP Joint Venture, Supervising Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Hon. Idris Gambo said the entire project will be funded by the bank with a total of 4,231 shops of different sizes expected to be constructed on 44 percent of the land totaling 7.4 hectres. He said the rest of the land space will provide for parking, banks, fire station, police station, administrative blocks and other facilities.  

The Commissioner disclosed that the market wholly belongs to Plateau State Government and will be managed by the Jos Main Market Authority while the Investor will recover part of their investment from proceeds of the sale of the shops.

Gambo also said the Exco resolved that those who were displaced from the burnt market will be given the first option of acquiring the new shops which will be provided under a flexible payment plan to ensure that genuine traders and people of Plateau State are not left out.

It was also agreed that work on the adjourning roads from the Gangare axis will be intensified with a possibility for dualization to ensure that traffic congestion does not prevail when business activities resume in the market.

The estimated total cost for construction of the three phases of the market is 9.4 billion naira.

Jaiz bank has similar PPP projects in Kano, Kaduna and Niger States with some completed and others ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Exco has also approved a proposed Bill for the establishment of the Plateau State Independent Peace and Security Trust Fund to be sent to the State House of Assembly.

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Chrysanthus Ahmadu explained that the proposed Bill seeks to generate funds from the private sector, Government and other sources to support peace and security efforts in the State by training, equipping, motivating and insuring security personnel on security duties in the State, as well as supporting community policing structures and neighbourhood watch groups.

In another development, the State Executive Council has condemned the attacks in Jebbu Miango which left three persons death and others injured.

While consoling with those affected, it directs security agencies to redouble their efforts in arresting the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
 
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
30th March 2022.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES NEW APC LEADERSHIP; COMMENDS PARTY FAITHFUL FOR PEACEFUL EXERCISE

Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Venue/Site Servicing Committee of the just concluded All Progressives Congress National Convention, Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the newly elected leadership of the party led by former Governor of Nasarawa State Sen. Abdullahi Adamu for their emergence.

Lalong while rejoicing with them over their election said the APC has proved all skeptics wrong by organising a very successful and rancour-free exercise that has put it in good position to continue to provide leadership to Nigeria in the years to come.

He expressed optimism that the new APC leadership under Senator Abdullahi Adamu will give the necessary direction and impetus to all organs and members of the party to play their roles in strategizing for the next phase of the party’s development strides.

According to Governor Lalong, “Senator Abdullahi Adamu brings into the job a basket full of vast political experience spanning many decades that will be very instrumental in stabilizing the party ahead of the 2023 general elections. With his experience, connections and ability to bring members together, our party will grow more united and stronger especially with robust reconciliation which the newly elected Chairman had started alongside other stakeholders of the party before the Convention”.

Lalong also appreciated the fatherly role that President Muhammadu Buhari played before and during the Convention which doused a lot of tension and guided members of the APC to put the general interest of the party above their personal ambitions.

This leadership demonstrated by the President according to Governor Lalong, ensured that the party did not tore the line of self destruction as envisaged by naysayers and some members of the opposition who predicted a chaotic convention and doom that could weaken the APC and reduce its political might.

Governor Lalong also commended the Caretaker and Extra ordinary Convention Planning Committee for its role in ensuring that the process went ahead irrespective of many challenges faced along the way.

He also thanked members of his committee who did excellently well in ensuring that the venue and site services were in top shape for the exercise which went without any challenge.

The Governor also used the opportunity to ask members of the APC family in Plateau State to remain united and work to consolidate on the gains recorded by the party over the years as it has all it takes to retain power and win all elections in the future.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
27th March 2022.

HAPPY 78th BIRTHDAY TO AN ASTUTE POLITICIAN, MENTOR AND QUINTESSENTIAL LEADER

Every man has a hero. My hero is the one who is fatherly, motivates, emancipates and inspires my political ambitions.Sen. Dr Da Jonah David Jang is the hero who I will live to emulate his legacies. An exemplary leader and astute politician, a nationalist who believes in oneness and indivisibility of Nigeria, a great patriot who served his fatherland meritoriously and passionately. A principled, honest, transparent, accountable, firm, hardworking and incorruptible man. Indeed, Da Jonah David Jang is a role model of good leadership. I wish Nigerian politicians would emulate the legacies of my hero.
As you celebrate your 78th birthday, I wish you a year of bravery and more success. May Almighty God bless you with faith and courage.


Once more, congratulations and happy birthday to you sir.


Signed: Nde Isaac Wadak
March 13, 2022

PLATEAU PDP’S BRAZEN DISRESPECT FOR GENERAL YAKUBU GOWON (REJOINDER)
By Shabul Mazadu
I read the press release issued by the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, dated 12th March, 2022, signed by John Akans, its Publicity Secretary, where it attacked Plateau State Government over the British-America Flyover. I felt broken over a statement on the erudite and reputable elder statesman, General Yakubu Gowon in the press statement. The statement reads, “We advise Governor Lalong and the APC to stop using our highly valued elder statesman (Gen. Gowon) to cover up their non performance.”
From the statement, the PDP is clearly saying that Lalong and the APC have been using General Gowon to cover up for their non performance, and therefore they should stop.
Again, telling them to stop using Gowon for their coverup means he is Lalong’s and APC’s pawn, that is, he is being used without his knowledge or with his knowledge but being overpowered or he knew it, but compromised.
General Gowon never stood for or supported anything wrong, and for the PDP to say that he is being used to cover up for non performance, is a grave allegation on his person.
A question can also be asked on this wise, how has Lalong and the APC been using Gowon?
Or, is the PDP referring to the invitation given to Gen. Gowon to come and flag off the bridge construction as being used? If yes, are they saying Gowon does not know good and useful projects to come and flag off, and projects to ignore?
Gowon came for PLASU convocation and simce then appreciates the rapid infrastructural development and academic expansion in the institution. He has the records of Lalong and that was why he commended him for completing the projects the PDP left behind.
The PDP is only playing the ostrich, but Gowon knows Plateau more than all its party members, and he is forthright unlike they who are filled with lies, mischief, sabotage, hypocrisy and craving for charting away public funds as they did to the funds brought to them by Governor Nyesome Wike.
Gowon is apolitical lest they accuse him of being a member of the APC, therefore, in all ramifications the PDP has no justification of using the clause they used warning Lalong and the APC to stop using him to coverup for their underperformance.
Since 2015 to now, General Yakubu Gowon, came to Plateau on two special occasions. He was at the first Convocation of Plateau State University, Bokkos, PLASU, where Governor Nasir Ahmad El-rufai of Kaduna State, the Bauchi State Governor, Muhammed A. Abubakar, Senator Joshua Dariye, Dame Pauline Tallen and other dignitaries were there. And secondly, he was at the groundbreaking of the British-America Junction flyover.
The resuscitation of PLASU which was assassinated by the PDP administration, was laudable because at present, the institution has greatly expanded. The groundbreaking of the British-America Flyover, is laudable too, because motorists who ply the road would tell the horric traffic holdup they face. Are these two projects worthy of saying Gowon is used to coverup underperformance? Are they underachievements?
The PDP should know that there is no Head of Military Junta or President of the Federal Republic that broke the record of General Yakubu Gowon in terms of projects execution. Gowon chose an excellent head to lead Benue-Plateau State as its first administrator, that was Joseph Gomwalk. Therefore he shares in all the projects executed by Gomwalk.
He executed lots of projects as Head of State and gave full backing to someone who executed same in our state, thus; depicting he is totally in love with achievements.
As an ex Head of State and an Army General, he cannot succumb to the whims and caprices of bloody civilians to be manipulated and use as coverup for their undetachievements.
When then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was in power and assassinating democracy, Gowon came out openly and cautioned him. In fact he said there was a demon controlling Aso Rock. How then can this great man be reduced by the PDP saying he is being used by Lalong and the APC to coverup their undetachievements? May be the PDP is still having the pain that Gowon begged Obasanjo to lift up the emergency rule he imposed on the state in 2004 as a birthday gift. Or could it be that they were angry that he came and supported the resuscitation of the Plateau State University Bokkos?
It is worthy of note that since the inception of the Fourth Republic, the PDP led by Jonah David Jang, the man controlling the party currently, never invited General Gowon to any of its activities. Dariye revered him and consulted him so many times. Lalong reveres him and consults him always, can the PDP tell us when and how they revered him when they were in power?
They said, they value him highly, but that is mere lips service and hypocrisy. If not, let them tell us how they value and valued him.
Can you sincerely claim to value a man in the capacity of General Gowon and then said he is being used as cover for underachievements?
Gowon has given Nigeria the best, likewise Plateau. And he supports what is good for Plateau that was why he opted for the restoration of democracy during the emergency rule as a birthday gift.
By the way, until Lalong leaves office without completing the projects he embarked upon before he can be judged by anyone of failure. What the PDP is doing, is what Chief Obafemi Awolowo qualified as acts of envious people and detractors. He said, “Our enemies and detractors are already at work. They are seeking to dwarf our stature in order to delude the public that they are taller than we are. They are seeking to divert us from our noble and constructive courses into the barren land of petty strife and fruitless controversy.”
He qualifies politicians with such attitude as envious braying asses.
Opposition is vital in politics, but it should be done with decorum and within the confine of its jurisdiction.
The PDP should therefore recant its statement on Gowon and apologize publicly to him.

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN

were said to have been prevented from arresting a suspected gun runner and fabricator in Vom Community of Vwang District in Jos South LGA of Plateau State.
Military Information Officer OPSH, Major Ishaku Takwa said that on sighting security personnel, members of the community came out en mass and barricaded the road leading to the community in a bid to prevent troops from gaining access to the community to carry out their lawful duty.
“All efforts to calm the crowd proved futile as they resorted to throwing stones and other dangerous objects at security personnel who kept their cool in the face of the unwarranted provocation.
“In order to prevent the situation from degenerating, the Comd OPSH Maj Gen Ibrahim Ali ordered the immediate withdrawal of the troops from the community.
“OPSH condemns the action of some members of Vom Community for obstructing the lawful performance of duty by security personnel, we wish to remind the people about the consequences of preventing the arrest and harbouring criminal elements in their community
“However, Operation SAFE HAVEN wish to call on the people never to attempt obstructing security agencies from the performance of their lawful duties. No one should be in doubt that troops would certainly effect the arrest of any person or persons suspected to be involved in any unwholesome activity considered capable of truncating the peace and security of the state and the nation at large.”

GENERAL GOWON UNVEILS REDESIGNED OLDEST GOLF COURSE IN NIGERIA, RAYFIELD 1913, APPLAUDS GOVERNOR LALONG FOR SUSTAINING PEACE

Former Nigerian Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon has unveiled the redesigned oldest golf course in Nigeria, Rayfield 1913 which is now a green.

Gen. Gowon while performing the event at the Rayfield golf course in Jos said he was happy that the game of golf is progressing in Plateau State and Nigeria at large with attendant benefits.

He praised Governor Lalong for his passion for the game and also redeveloping the Rayfield golf course which is now comparable to any standard course in Nigeria.

Gowon said the influx of visitors and investors into the State would not have been possible without the restoration of peace which Governor Lalong has worked hard to build over the years.

He called on the citizens of Plateau State Nigerians at large to do everything possible to live with one another in peace and respect the sanctity of life at all times.

While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces for their gallantry in dealing with criminals across the country, Gowon said he was pained to see how a few people and groups have chosen to terrorise the citizens. He urged Nigerians to expose criminals and expose them by supporting the security agencies to deal with them.

Governor Lalong while appreciating Gen. Gowon for honouring the State to unveil the redesigned golf course, said Rayfield has a historic reputation that needs to be cherished and developed into an economic potential in sports.

Lalong said his efforts in fostering peace and working against criminals and crisis merchants has gradually paid off with more and more people confidently coming into the State.

He said the Government will also work on the Laminga golf to making it a green.

Gen. Gowon and Governor Lalong later perfomed symbolic shots to commemorate the event. They were joined by Deputy Governor of Edo State Philip Shuaibu, Amanayabo of Twon Brass in Bayelsa State King Alfred Diete-Spiff, HRH, Agwam Atyap in Kaduna State and the Captain of the Rayfield golf club.

Governor Lalong also sponsored Hole 13 which was named after his mother, Tiopsan.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
12th  March 2022.

GENERAL GOWON FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF BRITISH-AMERICAN JUNCTION FLYOVER IN JOS; PRAISES GOVERNOR LALONG FOR PROJECTS AND PEACE

Former Nigerian Head of State General Yakubu Gowon has flagged off the construction of a new interchange at the British-American Junction in Jos with a call on the citizens of Plateau State to continue to support Governor Simon Lalong to complete his developmental projects.

General Gowon said the flyover project was highly commendable because it will address the traffic situation in the area and enhance the movement of goods and persons within the State.

He said Plateau State remains a centre of attraction and a gateway to many States in the country, hence the need to have good road infrastructure for the easy access of visitors and citizens.

The former Head of State congratulated Governor Lalong for exhibiting political maturity by continuing with inherited projects and completing many of them as well as initiating others across the entire State.

This he said is giving the State the capacity to attract more development and continue to fulfill its responsibility as the home of peace and tourism.

Governor Lalong in his remarks described the construction of the flyover as a major step towards addressing the plight of motorists who have over the years experienced so much challenges passing through the road which is a major link to the North East.

He said “we have not only executed projects (both inherited and new ones), but ensured that every part of the State is touched irrespective of whether the people voted us or not. We have put behind us the era of carrying out projects to favour ethnic, political or religious affiliations.   We are all aware of the nightmare citizens of the State and other road users go through to commute through this corridor. Our decision to take the construction of this fly over and dualization up to Lamingo junction is borne out of the need to place the State on a pedestal for economic growth knowing that the long hours people spend on traffic impedes commerce”.

The Governor disclosed that the road is a Federal road, but the State Government decided to intervene while eagerly awaiting the commencement of the Akwanga through Jos to Gombe segment of the project because of  its importance to its people.

He directed the State Ministry of Works to Liaise with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure that conditions for intervention are fulfilled in addition to a joint-supervision to meet up with the standards and specifications that are set for such interventions to enable us get reimbursed for this work.

The Governor said the project is the first road project that his administration has carried out using the Public Private Partnership option where a financial institution is to provide all the funds with the State Government providing the guarantee.
 
“This partnership has not only opened a new vista in project funding for the State, but also affirmed the success of the administration in restoring confidence in Plateau State and rebuilding the economy. I therefore assure citizens of the State and other road users that with this guaranteed funding arrangement and the commitment so far demonstrated by the contractor, this project will be completed and commissioned by my administration before leaving office in May 2023” he said.

Niger State Governor and Acting Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee and Convention Planning, Abubakar Sani Bello praised Governor Lalong for being resilient and focused in fulfilling his campaign promises to the people of Plateau State despite the challenges of funds.

He said the performance of Governor Lalong is a good omen for the APC which has made giant strides in many areas of the economy in all States where it is in power.

Commissioner Ministry of Works Pam Bot-mang said and they have been in constant engagements with stakeholders along the corridor which is a Federal Highway in order to ensure that there is no encumberance.

He said the total sum for the project is 9 billion naira with cost of funds and the completion period of 18 months.

The Long Gamai Miskoom Martin Shaldas said the performance of the Governor in projects is one that is based on equity, justice and fairness.

Chairman of the construction company, Cranenburg Nigeria Ltd, Alhaji Nasiru Danu assured that the company will work assiduously to meet the target of completion and the desired quality.
 
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
11th March 2022.

GAGDI PRESENTS APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO CONSTITUENTS EMPLOYED IN FEDERAL ESTABLISHMENTS

The member representing PKK, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, will on Sunday 13th March, 2022 present appointment letters to some of his constituents whom he has helped to secure appointments in various establishments of the federal government.

The presentation, which is expected to be low keyed, will take place at a venue to be decided by the lawmaker, and communicated to the beneficiaries only.

Presentation of the appointment letters to 26 beneficiaries will feature in two phases. The first phase comes up on Sunday 13th March 2022and the next phase coming up on Saturday 19th March, 2022.

Some of the beneficiaries expected to be presented with the letters tomorrow are the immediate past APC secretary of Kanam LGA, Mr Awal Haruna Kadel, employed as Assistant Registrer on CONTEDISS 09/2, Miss Elizabeth JOSEPH Kolmun, Principal Data Processing Officer CONTEDISS 05/2 and Ritji Tempo, Executive Officer on CONTEDISS 06/2 among others.

Gagdi maintains that under his representation, the people of PKK will get what is rightly theirs, including job slots in federal establishments, and that he would not rest on his oars to lobby for such slots.

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Gagdi Media Team

Nde DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi (DVD) CONGRATULATES NEWLY ELECTED EXCO OF NYM.

The DVD crusader whose idea has come to stay on the Plateau, Nde David Victor Dimka fsi has congratulated the newly elected officials of the Ngas Youth Movement (NYM) led by Comrade Nensok Gonet. The election took place last Saturday at the Secretariat of Ngas Develpment Assoc iation in Pankshin.
According to the frontline Governorship aspirant un the State, the newly elected President whose leadership capacity in the last three years have been examplary in all ramifications led to his overwhelming endorsement by the youth for another three year tenure.

“The DVD Campaign family identifies with NYM for conducting an election that has been adjudged freest and credible by all lovers of democracy which ushered in a seamless transition that will surely be a model to all tribal associations not only on the Plateau but Nigeria as a whole”, he said.

“The confident reposed in you is a responsibility that I know you will not betray. Therefore continue to consolidate on what you have achieved in the last three years”, he added.

The leader of the DVD Movement prayed God to bless them ceaselessly with the wisdom of Solomon in order to pursue an all inclusive and egalitarian leadership that will place the Ngas nation on a global page.

“Once more, accept our sincere congratulations and best of wish as you pilot the affairs of NYM”, he concluded.

Signed: DVD Media Team.

Nde DAVID VICTOR DIMKA fsi (DVD) CONGRATULATES NEWLY ELECTED EXCO OF NYM.

The DVD crusader whose idea has come to stay on the Plateau, Nde David Victor Dimka fsi has congratulated the newly elected officials of the Ngas Youth Movement (NYM) led by Comrade Nensok Gonet. The election took place last Saturday at the Secretariat of Ngas Develpment Assoc iation in Pankshin.
According to the frontline Governorship aspirant un the State, the newly elected President whose leadership capacity in the last three years have been examplary in all ramifications led to his overwhelming endorsement by the youth for another three year tenure.

“The DVD Campaign family identifies with NYM for conducting an election that has been adjudged freest and credible by all lovers of democracy which ushered in a seamless transition that will surely be a model to all tribal associations not only on the Plateau but Nigeria as a whole”, he said.

“The confident reposed in you is a responsibility that I know you will not betray. Therefore continue to consolidate on what you have achieved in the last three years”, he added.

The leader of the DVD Movement prayed God to bless them ceaselessly with the wisdom of Solomon in order to pursue an all inclusive and egalitarian leadership that will place the Ngas nation on a global page.

“Once more, accept our sincere congratulations and best of wish as you pilot the affairs of NYM”, he concluded.

Signed: DVD Media Team.