GOVERNOR LALONG, ABU LAW CLASS OF 1990 CONDOLE FAMILY OF LATE PROF. AYUA, SAN.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has described former Solicitor-General of the Federation Prof. Ignatius Akaayar Ayua, SAN, OFR, as a scholar of repute and a man of integrity who combined academic prowess with administrative excellence and political sagacity.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong who visited the family of the one time Dean, Faculty of Law and Deputy Vice Chancellor ABU Zaria in company of some of his classmates of ABU Law Class of 1990, said the late Prof. Ayua impacted a lot of people particularly the students he taught, mentored, and inspired throughout his teaching and public service career.

He recalled how the late legal luminary insisted on excellence, honesty, the rule of law, justice and fainess in all his dealings in and out of the classroom, which motivated his students to be passionate in replicating his legacies many years after graduation.

Lalong said Prof. Ayua was in particular a source of pride for people of the old Benue-Plateau State and the Northern Region having distinguished himself in the legal profession and served as the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies among other responsibilities.

He urged his widow Hon. Justice Phoebe Ayua of the FCT High Court and the children to take solace in the fact that their father lived a resourceful life and impacted many people across the nation which constitutes a good legacy that will continue to speak for him even in death.

Leader of the ABU Law class of 1990 Mr. Sylvanus Tahir said the entire members of the class and indeed the former students of the Professor were saddened by the news of his death, but have to accept the sad event because he gave them his best and never hesitated to open doors for them whenever he had the opportunity.

Tahir said the Class at its last reunion meeting in Abuja acknowledged his love and sacrificial service during their days in ABU, assuring that they will continue to associate with the family and honour his memory.

While responding, his widow Justice Phoebe Ayua said the family was deeply honoured by the visit of Governor Lalong who is also Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum.

She thanked the ABU Law Class of 1990 for their show of love and support to the family at this difficult time, saying that such concern is highly comforting and reassuring.

She described her late husband as a man of integrity and a loving father who trained his children in the fear of God and gave them the same training he gave all his students.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
29th January 2022.

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT

PRESS STATEMENT

UPDATE ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF INTERCHANGE (FLY OVER) AT BRITISH AMERICA JUNCTION AND DUALIZATION FROM BRITISH AMERICA JUNCTION TO LAMINGO JUNCTION.

The general public may recall that we recently issued a Press Statement on the above mentioned project.

In keeping to our promise to regularly give updates on the construction activities of the project, we therefore wish the general public to know that the surveys which included Geotechnical surveys, soil tests, load tests, etc. have been concluded and setting out/markings are being rounded up. The construction work proper is set to commence and the contractor requires full control of the construction site with little or no obstruction and/or interference from vehicular/human traffic in line with safety protocols.

It is in this light, that we are issuing this travel advisory for the general public to note.

The British America junction will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning Sunday, 30th January, 2022 till further notice to enable the contractors set out for the construction please.

The road closure will be at the Plateau State Water Board water treatment plant for the Dogon Karfe Axis; At the Guaranty Trust Bank U-turn for the Murtala Mohammed Way axis; And at Film Corporation junction for Liberty Boulevard axis.

By this development therefore, motorists are advised to find alternative routes to their destinations some of which include the following:
1. Tudun Wada Ring road to Domkat Bali Road.
2. Secretariat junction through Plateau Hospital Road.
3. Plateau Hospital roundabout through D. B. Zang way.
4. Abbattoir-Dogon Karfe through Plateau State Dental Hospital Road.
5. Abbattoir-Dogon Karfe Roundabout through Hopehill Hospital to Ministry of Lands and Survey-ECWA Headquarters Road.
6. Rayfield to Lamingo Road.
7. Gold and Base through Shiaka to Liberty Boulevard Road.
The same will apply for those leaving Jos township to Bukuru and beyond.

The government regrets all inconveniences that will emerge as a result of this development and urges understanding and cooperation of the citizens. The Rescue Administration once more calls on all the good and peace-loving people of Plateau State to collaborate with the government to be able to achieve this noble project that has been highly anticipated.

ALWAYS THINK AND ACT PLATEAU.

Pam Bot-Mang,
Honourable Commissioner of Works,
Plateau State.
28th January, 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG CHARGES NIGERIANS TO SUPPORT GODLY ASPIRANTS FOR PUBLIC OFFICE

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has charged Nigerians to be circumspect and deliberate in their choice of public office holders by supporting candidates who have the fear of God and respect for humanity.

Governor Lalong was speaking at the 1st General Assembly of Catholics in Politics and Catholic Business Leaders in Abuja.

Lalong said Nigerians of all faiths must fully participate in the political process before, during and after elections by ensuring that candidates that vie for public office posess godly principles that will guide them to govern with the fear of God and do justice to all.

He said bringing Catholic politicians and captains of industry under one roof to discuss their roles in the Nigerian project at this particular time is very significant, because the nation is in dire need of godly men and women to champion the rebirth that will lead Nigeria to achieving its national aspirations.

The Governor said Christians and indeed Catholics are taught to follow the principles laid out by God in the Bible and the examples left by Jesus Christ, such that they will always make a difference wherever they find themselves.

He emphasized that the forum provides the participants an opportunity to discuss the challenges confronting Nigeria such as insecurity, corruption, violence, diseases, poverty, and poor infrastructure with a view to peer-reviewing one another and giving stewardship of their responsibilities in various offices.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commended the Catholic Church for organising the General Assembly which is in line with its long tradition of speaking truth to power and creating consciousness among citizens.

He said the theme of the meeting is hinged on Catholic social teaching which harps on the common good as a basis for public service and governance.

Osinbajo said the pursuit of the common good pushes people in or out of positions of authority, to seek equal treatment, fairness, justice, and human rights of others outside their ethnic, religious, political and other affiliations.

He said raising leaders with such qualities in Nigeria will require that parochial interests are put aside in all leadership recruitment processes. This he argued cannot be achieved accidentally because Christians have to fully participate and commit to build bridges across religious, ethnic, social and economic lines.

Guest Speaker Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Mathew Hassan Kukah represented by Rev. Fr. Raymond, speaking on the theme “Moral Principles in Catholic Teachings and the Nigerians Political Business Life”, said the Catholic social teaching prescribes that participantion in governance is beyond elections.

He said leaders, particularly those who profess to be men and women of faith must live sacrificially, shun evil, love one another, embrace honesty and righteousness as well as remember always that heaven is their goal as their lives on earth are tenured.

He warned politicians to desist from using the Church for personal and selfish political gains, stating that the Church is not a political party and embraces candidates of all political parties who are God fearing and ready to serve honestly and build a better nation.

Deputy Governors of Edo, Osun, Cross Rivers State as well as the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Dame Nora Dadu’ut gave goodwill messages at the event.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
28th January 2022.

BIRTHDAY FELICITATION TO A FATHER, THE EMIR OF KANAM.

On this special day of the birthday of His Royal Highness the Emir of Kanam, Muhammadu Babangida Muazu Mohammadu ll, I am pleased to join millions of well wishers and subjects of the Monarch to wish him good health, long life and prosperity, as he continues to spearhead the growth and development of one of the oldest traditional institutions in Plateau state.

You are a just and fair father who has tremendous love for his subjects devoid of ethnic or religious segregation. Your peaceful disposition accounts for the rapid economic and physical development of Kanam Local Government Area and its people.

I and many other illustrious sons of Kanam LGA are living testimonies of your pragmatic leadership. I remain indebted to your fatherly role that shuttles me to the limelight in our various fields of human endeavors. As you continue to guide us in our various areas of responsibilities, we pray Almighty Allah to continue to shower His love upon you, and always guide you in taking decisions that will bring prosperity to Kanam LGA and beyond.

Once more, on behalf of myself and the people of the people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, I wish to say Happy Birthday to my father, the Emir of Kanam!

Signed:
Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi,
(Dan Malikin Kanam),
Member Representing PKK and Chairman House Committee on Navy.

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT TO PARTNER WITH SIGHTSAVERS FOR ENEHNCED EYE HEALTH PROGRAM

Plateau State Government is to partner with Sightsavers, an international organisation in establishing a comprehensive eye health program throughout the State.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong stated this while receiving the Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria and Ghana, Dr. Sunday Isiyaku at the Government House Jos.
He said the partnership is based on his earlier visit to the United Kingdom where he interacted with the global leaders of the organisation and a subsequent request for the partnership which is aimed at addressing the challenges of eye health in Plateau State particularly in the rural areas.

Lalong said one of his passions is to see that people who are living with disabilities in any form get assistance and reprieve through deliberate steps such as the one being taken in the partnership with Sightsavers.

He thanked the team for the visit and assured them that the Plateau State Government was ready to play its part in the partnership by paying its counterpart funding and also making facilities and personnel available for training and actual operation.

Earlier, Country Director Sightsavers Nigeria and Ghana Dr. Isiyaku said they were in Plateau on the directive of the global office which responded to the communication sent to it by the Governor for partnership.

He said a three year partnership is being proposed and will support the establishment of a State owned comprehensive eye health program that is well coordinated, accessible, affordable and sustainable based on national policies and guidelines for the over 4 million people of Plateau State.

Dr. Isiyaku said in 2021, a survey was carried out which showed that there was a significant gap in eye health in Plateau State which needs to be addressed immediately to save many citizens from going blind. This he said will involve manpower training, improvement of infrastructure and advocacy.

The Country Director asked the Governor to approve health facilities in the Central and Southern Zones; commit to pay counterpart funds; fund budget lines for eye health; and work towards improving the human resource in the eye health sector.

Head of the Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM) also assured the Governor that they will partner together with Sightsavers to achieve the mission.
 
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
26th January 2022
 

LALONG AND HIS DIVIDENDS OF GOOD RELATIONS WITH PMB (PART 1)

Dear Plateau PDP and Lalong/APC Haters,

You keep asking what Lalong and the APC has  brought to Plateau State out of the cordial relationship between the State and the Federal Government (which you have mischievously referred to as “servitude”, “sell out” etc). You have called Governor Lalong names and accused him of being a “Buhari boy”, “Caliphate stooge” and other uncomplimentary names despite what he has done to ensure that Plateau State is at the table in national affairs and gets its fair share of the National Cake.

Without any abuse and insults, let’s do a comparative analysis of what Lalong and the APC attracted to Plateau and what Governor Jang and the PDP brought in 8years.

In no particular order, here is Governor Lalong’s list in 6 years:

1. Establishment of Airforce Base Kerang
2. Establishment of FRSC Training School Shendam
3. Establishment of Nigerian Shippers Council North Central Coordinating Office Jos
4. Designation of Yakubu Gowon Airport as one of the 4 Cargo Airports in Nigeria
5. Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak Shendam
6. Federal Orthopedic Hospital Jos
7. Appointment of Rev. Yakubu Pam as ES Nigerian Pilgrims Commission
8. Appointment of Sir. Joseph Ari as DG ITF
9. Appointment of Engr. Rose Ndong as Executive Director Petroleum Regulatory Agency
10. Appointment of Engr. Mathew Pwajok as Acting MD, NAMA
11. Appointment of 4 Major Generals and many Brigadier General equivalent in the Armed Forces in recent promotion 2021
12. Appointment of Prof. Garba Sharubutu as ES Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria
13. Appointment of Dr. Mikaila Zakari as Rector Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak
14. Appointment of Prof. Sebastine Maimako as VC Unijos
15. Appointment of Prof. Angela Miri, VC Federal University Lokoja
16. Appointment of Prof. Edmumd Banwat as CMD JUTH
17. Appointment of Mr. Solomon Dalung, Minister of Sports
18. Appointment of Dame Pauline Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs
19. Appointment of Dr. Simon Harry as Statistician General of Nigeria
20. Appointment of Bar. Amos Azi as Chairman, Investment and Securities Tribunal
21. Approval for 2 New private Universities in Plateau State (ANAN and Kark Kumm)
22. Appointment of Alhassan Yakmut as Secretary, Prisons, Immigration, Civil Defence Board
23. Appointment of Da Jonah Madugu as Federal Commissioner,  Federal Civil Service Commission
24. Appointment of Steve Jings, Federal Commissioner, Federal Character Commission
25. Appointment of Mr. Alex Shaiyen, Federal Commissioner, Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission
26. Plateau Daughter Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem is President of the Appeal Court of Nigeria
27. Appointment of Amb. James Dimka as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Liberia
28. Appointment of Prof. Abdullahi Shehu as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia
29. Appointment of Amb. Martin Adamu as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cote d’ivoire
30. Appointment of Late Ambassador Abdullahi Wase, Nigerian Ambassador to Qatar
31. Establishment of Mobile Police Squadron, Shendam
32. Appointment of Engr. Silas Buba, Executive Director North Central, FERMA
33. Appointment of Commodore Isaac Mankilik (rtd) as Registrar, Admiralty University Delta
34. Appointment of Dr. Chirfat as Provost, College of Education Pankshin
35. Appointment of Prof. Sani Mohammad Adam SAN as National Commissioner INEC
36. Appointment of Dr. Nentawe Yilwada INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner
37. Appointment of Dr. Pokop Bupwada, Acting CMD JUTH
38. Appointment of Late Ignatius Longjan, Chairman Governing Council, NIPSS
39. Construction of Ibi bridge linking Plateau and Taraba State
40. Construction of the greater Mangu/Gindiri Regional water project abandoned by PDP after collecting billions
41. Appointment of Hon. James Ayuba as Board Member, FIRS
43. Appointment of Mr. James Lalu as Executive Secretary, Nigerian Disabilities Rights Commission
43. Appointment of the Registrar, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo
44. Appointment of Prof. Dakas CJ Dakas SAN as Chairman Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic Ayede Oyo State
45. Appointment of Nde Joshua Waklek as Chairman of Council, University of Ibadan
46. Appointment of Mr. Nansok Shehu as Librarian, Federal Polytechnic Wannune, Benue State
47. Appointment of Dr. Celina Shitnaan Gana as Registrar, Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak
48. Appointment of Mr. James Tunlong as Librarian, , Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak
49. An illustrious Plateau son and Legislator per excellence, Rt. Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase is the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives (No. Senior Office Holder in Nigeria)
50. Governor Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG is the Chairman of the 19 Northern Governors Forum.

There’s more to come……

Oya, over to you my good friends on the other side, kindly give us your list of PDP’s 8 years under Dara Jonah Jang and his closeness to GEJ.

#Lalongissucceeding
#Plateauissucceeding
#APCisworking

We remain yours in the struggle for a better Plateau,


Comrade Iliya Mark, JP
Chairman

Comrade Tina Dabak
Secretary

For: Rescue Monitoring Team.

FED. POLYTECHNIC NY’AK, PLATEAU STATE TO ADMIT STUDENTS IN 2022 – GOVERNING COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

Chairman of the Governing Council for Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, Shendam, Plateau State Engr. Sistus Ukelina Abetienbe has said that new students will be admitted by the end of the year 2022 as the Polytechnic takes off in the temporary site donated by the Plateau State Government.

The Chairman was speaking when Members of the Governing Council paid a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Little Rayfield as part of their working visit to the State.

He praised Governor Lalong for not only seeing to the establishment of the Polytechnic, but also making sure that the institution is granted large percel of land, very big and suitable temporary facility with quality infrastructure for take-off, planned provision for basic infrastructure such as power, water, and access road  to the permanent site among others.

Engr. Sistus said the institution was fortunate to have been established during the administration of Governor Lalong who is not only passionate about education, but very interested in partnering with the Federal Government to provide educational opportunities for his people.

He disclosed that the Institution will give strength to courses in areas that Plateau has strong advantage such as tourism, agriculture and mining among others.

Governor Lalong while welcoming the delegation said he was eager to ensure that the Polytechnic commences operations because so much efforts have  been put in by various stakeholders to bring the dream of the school to fruition.

He said that was why the Government did not hesitate to donate one of the Legacy Schools, the Model Secondary School Ny’ak, which has large infrastructure for the take off of the institution.

He expressed his determination to ensure that the Institution commences operations and develops to gives quality education to citizens of Plateau State and other Nigerians.

The Governor congratulated the Governing Council for their appointment, and again expressed appreciation to the President, Minister of Education and the National Assembly for approving the Institution, saying there is high hope that the Federal College of Education Pankshin will soon be upgraded to a University of Education once the President signs the bill before him into law.

Rector of the Polytechnic Dr. Mikaila Zakari Ya’u said the efforts of Governor Lalong has made the task of commencing academic activities of the school very seamless.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
25th January 2022.

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR SWITCH FOUNDATION

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has commended the Support Women Initiatives to Transform Children (SWITCH) Foundation for its tremendous impact in touching the lives of many under-privileged women, children and young girls in Plateau State.

The Governor was speaking while recieving Mrs Zainab Tsok, Coordinator of SWITCH Foundation at the Government House Rayfield Jos during a courtesy visit.

Lalong was told that SWITCH Foundation which is the brainchild of Plateau First Lady Mrs. Regina Lalong, has continued to assist women with funding, training and facilities to enable them carry out businesses and farming which have yielded positive results.

Mrs. Tsok said thousands of women have been removed from poverty due to the empowerment given to them by SWITCH Foundation which has enabled them overcome the challenges of widowhood, health and social issues.

She said the girl child in Plateau State has also been given proper attention through ICT literacy, counselling and mentorship and other efforts of the SWITCH Foundation which target rural girls and youths throughout the State.

Zainab also stated that the Foundation has also carried out advocacy and rehabilitation of young persons affected by drugs with tremendous success where many have been returned to good standing in the society.

She however explained that the Foundation which is a nonprofit organisation has a lot of challenges of funding and will need the support of the Government and well spirited individuals to enable it carry out its mandate.

She thanked the Governor for his support so far and solicited for more collaboration and support in the next phase of its activities which require expansion, consolidation and the movement to a permanent facility.

Governor Lalong appreciated the efforts of the SWITCH Foundation which he said has greatly assisted Government to address the plight of the poor and vulnerable.

He promised to support the Foundation in every way possible and also directed relevant Government MDAs to engage with SWITCH with a view to ensuring that some of the challenges are addressed.

He commended the Founder, First Lady Regina Lalong for not only deploying her personal resources for the success of the Foundation, but also keying into the activities of the Future Assured Programme of Nigeria’s First Lady Aisha Buhari.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
26th January 2022.

Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku of Taraba State has approved the appointment of the New Aku Uka of Wukari, he is, Manu Ishaku Adda Ali, the 25th Aku Uka of Kwararafa Kingdom, following his selection by the four kingmakers and confirmation by the Kunvyi after consulting the oracles of the Jukunland.

The emergence of the 25th Aku Uka followed the transition of the 24th Aku Uka, His Majesty, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa-Ibi, Kuvyo II, CON on 8th October, 2021.

The new Aku Uka, who will be coronated traditionally on Friday, 28th January, 2022, is the son of the 23rd Aku Uka, Adda Ali Agbumanu V (1975-1976); he is from the Bama Ruling House.

Born on 24th March, 1946, he holds Higher National Diploma (HND) in Forestry in 1986 from the premier Federal College of Forestry, Jos, Plateau State.

He joined the civil service in 1965 and retired in the year 2000 as Chief Forest Superintendent, after 35 years of meritorious service.

After retirement from the civil service, the new Aku Uka engaged in community, religious and social activities, as well as special duty as member of task force on Forest Management in the State.

He has special interest in listening to news (both local and international), humanitarian service and environmental development.

Until his appointment, he was Chairman of Abiu Bauka, Jalingo Branch and that of the Kwararafa Ethnic Nationalities residing in Taraba State.

FED. POLYTECHNIC NY’AK, PLATEAU STATE TO ADMIT STUDENTS IN 2022 – GOVERNING COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

Chairman of the Governing Council for Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, Shendam, Plateau State Engr. Sistus Ukelina Abetienbe has said that new students will be admitted by the end of the year 2022 as the Polytechnic takes off in the temporary site donated by the Plateau State Government.

The Chairman was speaking when Members of the Governing Council paid a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Little Rayfield as part of their working visit to the State.

He praised Governor Lalong for not only seeing to the establishment of the Polytechnic, but also making sure that the institution is granted large percel of land, very big and suitable temporary facility with quality infrastructure for take-off, planned provision for basic infrastructure such as power, water, and access road  to the permanent site among others.

Engr. Sistus said the institution was fortunate to have been established during the administration of Governor Lalong who is not only passionate about education, but very interested in partnering with the Federal Government to provide educational opportunities for his people.

He disclosed that the Institution will give strength to courses in areas that Plateau has strong advantage such as tourism, agriculture and mining among others.

Governor Lalong while welcoming the delegation said he was eager to ensure that the Polytechnic commences operations because so much efforts have  been put in by various stakeholders to bring the dream of the school to fruition.

He said that was why the Government did not hesitate to donate one of the Legacy Schools, the Model Secondary School Ny’ak, which has large infrastructure for the take off of the institution.

He expressed his determination to ensure that the Institution commences operations and develops to gives quality education to citizens of Plateau State and other Nigerians.

The Governor congratulated the Governing Council for their appointment, and again expressed appreciation to the President, Minister of Education and the National Assembly for approving the Institution, saying there is high hope that the Federal College of Education Pankshin will soon be upgraded to a University of Education once the President signs the bill before him into law.

Rector of the Polytechnic Dr. Mikaila Zakari Ya’u said the efforts of Governor Lalong has made the task of commencing academic activities of the school very seamless.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
25th January 2022.