GAGDI EMPOWERS CONSTITUENTS WITH CARS, TRICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES; TO REFUND WAEC/NECO FEES TO FINAL YEAR CONSTITUENTS IN PUBLIC, PRIVATE AND MISSIONARY SCHOOLS IN PKK

No fewer than 17 constituents of PKK, mostly youths, have today joined the ranks of car owners proudly made by the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi.

At a well attended ceremony at the Pankshin Mini-stadium today, 35 youths were equally handed keys to brand new Boxer motorcycles, with 5 others taking home tricycles each, in an empowerment program that seeks to ameliorate the suffering of members of the Constituency.

This is the sixth time within the span of 3 years that Hon. Gagdi is giving out various numbers of cars and motorcycles to his constituents, all in the quest to improve the welfare of his electorate.

Speaker after speaker at the event have extolled the leadership prowess of the lawmaker and commended his determination to redefine representation in practical terms, beyond the rhetorics of sugar-coated electioneering promises. They describe Gagdi as an all round representative who is not found wanting in any aspect of his legislative duties.

In his remark before distributing the various empowerment items, Gagdi said he has a pact with the people of PKK to represent them to the best of his ability, and that he is religiously pursuing that covenant regardless of what detractors feel about his achievements.

The lawmaker maintains that the politics of 2023 is about returning APC to the Plateau State Government House, as PKK already remains the stronghold of the APC in the state, that cannot be snatched by the opposition parties.

The quintessential lawmaker had announced he will refund registration fees paid by final year secondary school students in public private and missionary schools in PKK for both WAEC and NECO, while at the-same time he promise to sustain the payment JAMB registration to his constituents.

The joys in the faces of the beneficiaries of the empowerment program today was a testimony of how far their living conditions have been uplifted by that singular gesture.

Some of the car gift beneficiaries include Sumata Samuel, Lawuna Yilwada and the APC Chairmen of Pankshin and Kanke respectively among others, while APC LGA offices of Pankshin and Kanke were given one Ford Galaxy bus each.

GAGDI MEDIA TEAM (GMT)

NEW COCIN PRESIDENT VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG; COMMENDS HIM FOR CONSOLIDATING PEACE

New President of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo has commended Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong for his tireless efforts at peace building and reconciliation which is accelerating development in the State.

Dr. Mohzo who led leadership of the Church on a courtesy visit to Government House, Little Rayfield Jos said the Governor has done well in administering the State in a godly manner which has made it possible for citizens to coexist in tolerance and diversity.

This he said made it possible for many events to take place in the State without fear and intimidation including the recently concluded bye-elections in some parts of the State.

The COCIN President said the Church has continued to pray for the Governor and his administration in line with biblical injunctions, saying the success of the Government will impact positively on the lives of the citizens.

Mohzo also used the opportunity to appreciate the Governor for his support to the Church in various areas including the construction of a Library at the Karl Kumm University Vom, acquisition of land expansion at the COCIN Headquarters Church among others.

Responding, Governor Lalong said the election of Rev. Dr. Mohzo as COCIN President signifies a new era in the history of the Church.

He said the Plateau State Government is very grateful for the work of COCIN in not only saving souls, but also affecting the lives of the people positively through education, health and social development.

Lalong assured the COCIN delegation that the Government will work towards ensuring that the Karl Kumm University is reopened as soon as possible to enable students begin academic activities.

The Governor also pledged his support to the new COCIN President and his executive towards fulfilling the mandate of the Church.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
9th March 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG PLEDGES TO ENFORCE URBAN PLANNING CODE AS HE MEETS TOWN PLANNING PRESIDENT, OLUTOYE AYINDE

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed his determination to continue to implement town planning policies that will improve the living conditions of citizens in the cities and towns of the State.

Governor Lalong who received President of the Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP) Olutoye Ayinde and his delegation on a courtesy visit to Government House in Jos said the Rescue Administration has placed so much emphasis on planning in development of infrastructure in the State.

He said this has been enshrined in developing new infrastructure and upgrading existing ones particularly in the major towns and cities of Plateau State.

Lalong who acknowledged the level of unplanned development in the State as well as abuse of various plans by citizens, said the Government will continue to enforce all town planning policies and regulations to ensure that public safety, orderliness and aesthetics is achieved for the good of the people.

The Governor said Plateau State is naturally endowed with good weather and aesthetics that cannot be enjoyed in a chaotic situation where people build indiscriminately and without adherence to laid down regulations.

He disclosed that the Government is set to flag off the construction of a new interchange at the British America Junction as part of its urban renewal and plan to deal with high traffic along that corridor.

Lalong also informed the Town Planners of the ongoing enumeration of houses which will culminate into street naming and house numbering.

He solicited for the support and collaboration of the NITP in the actualisation of the development plans of the State.

Earlier, NITP President Tpl Olutoye Ayinde said the absence of planning has caused serious problems to the society resulting in disruptions, congestion, diseases, insecurity and other challenges.

He said most of the cities and towns in Nigeria including Plateau State are not planned hence the catalogue of challenges that confront living conditions of the people.

The NITP President urged the Governor to domisticate and implement the Urban and Regional Planning Act 2004, pledging the support and collaboration of the Institute.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
8th March 2022

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR FELICITATES WITH VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO AT 65

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has felicitated with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN as he marks 65 years.

Lalong in a congratulatory message described the Vice President as a leader who has combined intellectual acumen with patriotism and candour in the service of the nation.

He said the Vice President is an embodiment of humility and character as well as deep knowledge which is reflected in his supportive role to President Muhammadu Buhari in running the affairs of the nation.

The Governor said Vice President Osinbajo has  brought to bear his training and experience as a legal luminary and his calling as a Pastor by demonstrating honesty, selflessness and capacity in running State affairs.

While wishing the Vice President many more years of God’s blessings, good health and wisdom, Lalong assured him of the prayers and goodwill of the Government and people of Plateau State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
7th March 2022

GOVERNOR LALONG WELCOMES GOLFERS TO JOS AS TOURNAMENT TO UNVEIL REDESIGNED OLDEST GOLF COURSE IN NIGERIA KICKS OFF

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has welcomed professional and amateur golfers to Jos, the Plateau State capital for a tournament to unviel the redesigned oldest golf course in Nigeria, Rayfield 1913.

While performing the tee off at the Rayfield golf course in Jos, Governor Simon Bako Lalong said the game of golf is associated with the historical role that mining played in the development and growth of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

He said as a Governor with passion for sports including golf, he has decided to take the game to the next level as well harness its potentials for tourism, business and relaxation.

Lalong said the redesigned Rayfield golf course is fully green and will be a legacy which his administration will leave for the sport in the State, adding to its potentials as a destination for leisure, business and hospitality.

The Governor said peace which has been substantially restored in the State is very important because it has given citizens and visitors confidence to come into Plateau State for business and leisure.

He also explained that making the Rayfield golf course green puts it in a good position to be recognised nationally and internationally as the first golf club in Nigeria.

Captain of the Rayfield Golf Club Air Commodore Lazarus Mshelia rtd. said over 200 professional and amateur players from across the country are participating in the tournament which is a huge gain from the successive Governor’s cup organised in the State under Governor Lalong.

He appreciated Governor Lalong for his passion in developing golf in Plateau State which has brought in more players thereby creating an opportunity for repositioning the image of the State.

Tournament Director, Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria JohnBull Dangofa said the event has shown early signs rising to the standard of a spectacular sporting fiesta:

Dangofa said players from international golf clubs and the PGA will perform at the event and commended Governor Simon Lalong for supporting the tournament.

He stressed that several youths are being taken off the streets to play golf and that such has greatly held in reducing crime.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
7th March 2022.

The Plateau Government says it will reposition its media outfit, the Plateau Publishing Corporation (PPC), publishers of The Nigeria Standard Newspapers.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Dan Manjang said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Jos.

Manjang said that the government was doing everything possible to revive The Nigeria Standard by recruiting more staff and publish on daily basis.

He observed that the newspaper had been the voice of the middle belt region which should be repositioned.

The commissioner stated that government intended to inject more fund into the corporation, noting that all the available vacancies would be advertised and filled up.

“The Nigeria standard has been doing the best that it can. We thank God that we have a new press machine, even though it was the past administration that acquired it, we are the ones that installed the new machine.

“We were not in office when the machine was bought but the cost of the machine called Cityline is between N200 million and N250 million.

“The machine is capable of printing in full colour 35,000 copies of newspapers in one hour.

“The machine is also capable of printing exercise books.

“Before now if you look at The Nigeria Standard newspaper, you will not want to read it.

“But if you take a copy of the newspaper today, you will see the difference.

“We are opening the new machine for commercial printing, if there is any newspaper that wants it to print for them, we will be more than happy to do it because we have the capacity to do it,” he stated.

Manjang said that the paper entered into an agreement with Plateau Investment and Property Company to finance corporation with the aim of helping it to publish on daily basis.
The commissioner, a former staff of The Nigeria Standard Newspapers, recalled that apart from publishing daily, Standard used to publish the Cactus exercise book, the Rock Magazine as well as produce duplicating papers.

He also recalled that the paper had a Hausa newspaper called “Yancin Dan Adam’ during the time that the late Chief Solomon Lar was the governor of the state.

According to him, people that do not know what information dissemination is think that it is a waste of funds.

“But I can assure you that before the end of the life of this administration, will be back to life.

“The circulation is not as it used to be but we now have e-standard and if you are on the platform where it circulates you will be able to get it.

“We will soon have the internet copy where anyone who wishes to read The Nigeria Standard would just click a button and access it,’’ he said.

He announced that The Nigeria Standard would be 50 years in July.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS GREET PRESIDENT OBASANJO AT 85

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th Birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong in a message described President Obasanjo as a nationalist and passionate leader whose patriotism is paramount in all his engagements.

Lalong said at 85, President Obasanjo continues to offer his wise counsel to leaders at various levels as well as participate in national dialogue aimed at tackling insecurity, poverty, disease and intolerance.

He said the former President has never hidden his belief in the unity, oneness and indivisibilty of Nigeria and has thus continued to encourage the younger generation to be positive and shun all actions that will erode national unity, peace and development.

Governor Lalong said the Northern Governors Forum appreciate his fatherly counsel and personal interventions towards finding lasting solutions to insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern Region.

He wished him many more years of good health and God’s protection, urging him never to relent in lending his voice towards a greater Nigeria.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum.
5th March 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES ARCH. SUNNY ECHONO ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY TETFUND; EULOGISES PROF. BOGORO FOR EXCELLENT SERVICE

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Architect Sunny Echono on his appointment as the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Governor Lalong in a congratulatory message described the appointment of Architect Echono as well deserved considering his performance as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, where he provided the administrative expertise to actualise the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari in reviving education in the country.

Lalong said during his tenure as Permanent Secretary, a lot was achieved by the Ministry under the leadership of the Hon. Minister Mallam Adamu Adamu because of his ability to mobilise, motivate and give the right direction to the agencies and staff on implementing policies and programmes of the administration in education.

The Governor also recalled that more tertiary institutions were created throughout the country both in public and private sectors while early and secondary education also recieved a boost because of the efforts of the Architect Echono who as Permanent Secretary ensured that all policies and directives of Government were carried out without delay.

He said Plateau State was a beneficiary of the progress in the education sector with the approval for Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, Shendam; Karl Kumm University Vom; ANAN University Kwall; Nigerian Law School Jos Campus; and Federal University of Education whose Bill was recently signed by the President.

Governor Lalong expressed optimism that Architect Sunny Echono will build upon the achievements of the outgoing Executive Secretary Prof. Bogoro to take TETfund to higher levels.

Meanwhile, Governor Lalong has expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing TETfund Executive Secretary Prof. Elias Bogoro, describing him as an achiever who was honest,  fair, and committed to developing higher education in Nigeria.

Lalong while congratulating him for a successful tenure said Bogoro proved his worth by coming up with novel initiatives that challenged the academia in Nigeria and stimulated innovation, creativity and resourcefulness.

He acknowledged the passion with which Prof. Bogoro assisted all tertiary institutions in Plateau State by ensuring that the infrastructure was upgraded, including the Plateau State University Bokkos where a new Senate Building and Faculty of Health Sciences were commissioned recently.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
4th March 2022.

The death of suspected lovers inside a vehicle along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday, 2nd March has spark mixed reactions and raising controversy.

According to eyewitnesses, the lovers died while having sex inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle around the NASFAT area of Mowe-Ibafo axis of the expressway. However, the police denied the claim.

The corpses of the lovers caused panic on the expressway on Wednesday when our correspondent visited the scene of the incident.

This is as many passers-by were seen taking pictures and recording video at the scene of the incident.

Spye News leant that people became suspicious after the vehicle remained on the same spot for two days.

The Toyota Sienna vehicle with number plate, Lagos – LSD 992HH, where the bodies were found had a construction helmet placed on the dashboard.

In a viral video, a man was heard saying, “This car has been parked for two days. If you know the owner of the vehicle, please contact Mowe-Ibafo police station.”

When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident.

He, however, clarified that the suspected lovers did not die while having sex as speculated.

According to him, the man, identified as Akeem, had been reported at Ilaje Police Division in Lagos State for assault.

Oyeyemi said, “They did not die while having sex. The man had earlier been reported at Ilaje police station in Lagos. He was reported for hitting an object on his lover’s head.

“When the lady became unconscious, the man put her in his car and drove off. He reportedly took snipper on their way to Ogun State and they were both found dead around NASFAT. Investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the death.”

THE Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) has confirmed that it has commenced the process for the extradition of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari to the United States (US) over fraud allegations.

The Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, confirmed the development to The ICIR on Thursday.

Gwandu said the application for Kyari’s extradition was processed after a thorough study and review of issues surrounding the request for the extradition.

“After thorough studies and reviews of issues regarding the application and components thereof, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice processed the application and forwarded same to the relevant authorities for further necessary action,” Gwandu said.

He added that extradition involves multifaceted components and are usually multi-territorial; international, local and judicial.

Gwandu said submitting the request from the concerned party to the relevant authorities constitutes one of such components.

Kyari is wanted for trial in the United States for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering and identity theft.

On Wednesday, the AGF, Abubakar Malami, applied to begin the process of Kyari’s extradition before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/249/2022 was filed under the Extradition Act by Malami, who noted that he was satisfied that the offence regarding which Kyari’s surrender is sought was not political.

In the affidavit that accompanied the application, the AGF said he was satisfied that the request for the surrender of Kyari was not made to persecute or punish him on account of his race, religion, nationality or political opinions, but in good faith and the interest of justice.

The AGF said having regard to all the circumstances in which the offence was committed, it would not be unjust or oppressive or be too severe a punishment to surrender him.

Malami said he was also satisfied that Kyari had been accused of the offence for which his surrender was sought and that there was no criminal proceeding pending against him in Nigeria for the same crime.

In 2021, the US Embassy, in its application for the extradition of Kyari, noted that based on the indictment filed by the grand jury and with the approval of the United States District Court for the Central District of California, a deputy clerk of the court had issued a warrant for Kyari’s arrest.

“The arrest warrant remains valid and executable to apprehend Kyari for the crimes with which he is charged in the indictment.

“Kyari is wanted to stand trial in the United States for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, and identity theft. Kyari is the subject of an indictment in case Number 2:21-cr-00203 (also referred to as 2:21-MJ-00760 and 2:21-CR-00203-RGK), filed April 29, 2021, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California,” the US embassy request stated

Besides the allegations levelled against Kyari by the US, the suspended police officer is currently in the custody of the NDLEA over his alleged involvement in a drug trafficking case.