GOVERNOR LALONG GREETS DG GOVERNORS FORUM, ASHISHANA OKAURU AT 60

Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Simon Bako Lalong extends warm felicitations to Director General of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Ashishana Okauru on the occasion of his 60th Birthday.

Lalong says Mr. Okauru is a thorough-bred technocrat whose vast experience in the private and public sectors has enabled him to contribute to governance in Nigeria particularly in his role as the Director General of the Nigerian Governors Forum.

He describes him as a humble, detailed and passionate person who gives his best to every assignment. This has made it possible for him to administer the bureaucracy of the Governor’s Forum and also coordinate its many engagements with proficiency.

While wishing him many more years of good health and peace, Lalong admonishes him to continue to give his best to his current assignment and also give attention to mentoring younger professionals to acquire experience and expertise for national service.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
7th January 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG SALUTES GEN. JON TEMLONG AT 68

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has felicitated with the first Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF),  Brigadier General Jonathan Ndam Temlong (rtd) on his 68th birthday.

Lalong in a message, celebrated General Temlong for his record of achievements in service as well as his passion towards finding lasting solutions to the security challenges of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

He described Gen. Temlong as a strategic thinker and team player who has continued to avail Plateau State and Nigeria his vast experience in peace and security matters even after retirement.

He said “His continuous engagement with stakeholders particularly as the immediate past President of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College gives him a great opportunity to not only interogate the factors behind the nation’s security challenges, but also contribute towards ensuring that they are addressed. No wonder he has served meritoriously in several Presidential Committees set up to rejig the Armed Forces and make them in tune with current threats to the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria”.

Lalong said the General has been very supportive of the Rescue Administration in Plateau State particularly on matters of security where he willingly offers valuable suggestions on how to maintain peace and security in the State. This has assisted greatly in ensuring that the incidences of violent clashes are minimised while strong proactive measures are taken to deal with criminals and merchants of crises.

He also commended him for his active participation in politics and contibuting to the democratic growth of not only Plateau State but Nigeria as a whole.

Governor Lalong while wishing him many more years of good health, peace and happiness, urged him to sustain his philanthropy and concern for the less privileged, as well as deepen his faith in God which has been his source of strength over the years.

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

GOVERNOR LALONG CONDEMNS KILLING OF THREE PERSONS IN RAFIN BAUNA, BASSA LGA; ORDERS ARREST OF ASSAILANTS

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has mandated security agencies in Plateau State to immedialtely go after assailants who attacked and killed three persons in Rafin Bauna, Bassa Local Government Area on Sunday, 2nd January 2022.

Governor Lalong who condemned the act, described the attack as yet another callous attempt by the enemies of peace to begin the new year with violence, said the Government will resist such attempts with all resources available to it.

The Governor said security report available to him indicates that the victims were on their way from Dutsen Kura to Rafin Bauna when they were ambushed and killed by assailants who are at large.

Lalong asked the security agencies to conduct thorough investigation and ensure that the assailants are fished out and brought to justice as the Government is more than ever committed to making life difficult for criminals.

The Governor sympathised with the families of the victims and assured them that justice will be done.

Meanwhile, the Governor has warned kidnappers to leave Plateau State as anyone who is caught and convicted for kidnapping will face the death penalty.

He was speaking at the Catholic Cathedral Shendam where he reassured the citizens of the State that the Government will increase its fight against all kind of crimes especially kidnapping which has become a greater threat to peace and security of the citizens.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
3rd January 2022.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES NEWLY PROMOTED OFFICERS FROM PLATEAU

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong is excited over the promotion of more senior officers in the Nigerian Armed Forces from Plateau State who are among the 235 Generals, Rear Admirals, AVMs, and others promoted across the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force recently.

Among them are two Major Generals, ES Buba and GM Mutkut; one Air Vice Marshal, PD Masiyer; Rear Admiral, AD Bingel; and others promoted ranks equivalent of Brigadier General.

Governor Lalong, who described their promotion as the will of God, said the promoted officers also played their roles in making the will of God possible in their lives by serving the nation with diligence, honesty, patriotism and selflessness.

The Governor said he was not surprised by their elevation as they were selected for this well-deserved promotion because they have remained consistent and focused to their call since joining the various services.

He said “While we relish in this moment of joy, I wish to remind you that this is another responsibility that you must discharge with loyalty and the highest sense of duty. It is now time to redouble your efforts to justify this promotion as you serve the nation and support the Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs to carry out the mandate of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and dealing with all threats to national security”.

Lalong also challenged them to sustain the long tradition of gallantry and patriotism established by their predecessors in the Nigerian Armed Forces by raising the bar especially now that Nigeria is confronting various security challenges orchestrated by insurgents, terrorists and other violent criminals that want to destabilise the peace, unity and economic prosperity of the nation.

“As Ambassadors of Plateau State, you should do your best to sustain the rich legacy of bravery, excellence, discipline, loyalty and honesty that Plateau sons and daughters have established within the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the years, in order to motivate and inspire the upcoming generation. We shall continue to pray for you and support you as you give your very best to the nation and by extension Plateau State at this very crucial moment of our history”.

Lalong also used the opportunity to appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR for approving the appointments, as well as the Minister of Defence Gen. Bashir Magashi, the Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor and other Service Chiefs for ensuring that all those promoted were treated on merit.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
2nd January 2022

GOVERNOR LALONG ADVOCATES CULTURAL REVIVAL IN ADDRESSING SOCIAL VICES AT BIT POL 2021

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has advocated the revival of cultural values as a way of addressing the social malaise that is fuelling insecurity in Nigeria.

The Governor was speaking at his hometown of Ajikamai, Shendam LGA during the 2022 Bit Pol Cultural Festival.

Lalong said the level of moral decay is largely responsible for the breakdown of social order that is increasing violent crimes and criminality which is threatening national peace.

He said the celebration of cultural festivals such as the Bit Pol should provide an opportunity not only to reunite people, but also lead them to conduct soul-searching that will interogate things that have led to the level of instability and violence in the country.

He urged Nigerians to strengthen their resolve to play a part in supporting the Government to provide the needed leadership that will address the current insecurity in the country in 2022.

He said ” No meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity and chaos. That is why we continue to emphasise as a Government that our people must not only live in peace with one another, but also be at alert to fish out criminal elements among them who constitute a threat. I have continuously admonished the traditional institution particularly at the grassroots level to be very proactive about security because they are the closest to the people. The challenges we face today by the activities of kidnappers, terrorists and other violent criminals means that we should be on our toes and stay ahead of them”.

Lalong reminded the Ajikamai Community Development Association of the urgent need to mobilise all resources towards ensuring that they create job opportunities for youths so as to prevent them from getting into crimes. He said apart from opportunities in the cities, there is a lot that can be done in the rural area because of our agricultural potentials.

Deputy  Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, praised Governor Lalong for giving the necessary leadership to the State under the ruling APC which has attracted many Federal Projects to Plateau State including the Federal Polytechnic Ny’ak, cited in Ajikamai. He said the achievements of the APC in the State has further deepened the acceptability of the party among the citizens.

Chairman of the occassion Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi said Governor Lalong has shown that he is a true son of Ajikamai that is well groomed in the culture and tradition of the Gamai people by being honest, humble, hardworking and tolerant. According to him, the Governor has demonstrated the culture of hospitality and love to people of Plateau State and Nigeria at large by being fair and compassionate.

Senators Nora Dadu’ut and Hezekiah Dimka also commended the people of Ajikamai for raising a worthy son in Governor Lalong who has carried the State along and made giant strides in addressing major developmental projects across the entire State.

The Long Gamai Miskoom Martin Shandas III commended the organisers of Bit Pol for sustaining the festival and added that he was very happy by the level of cultural awakening in Gamailand which instills hope and prospect for a beter future.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
1st January 2022.

PLATEAU, NASARAWA GOVERNORS, DEPUTY SPEAKER, OTHERS BAG TRADITIONAL TITLES AT BIT-GAMAI 2021

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong, his Nasarawa State counterpart Abdullahi Sule, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Ahmed Idris Wase among other dignitaries bagged traditional titles at the 2021 Bit-Gamai Cultural Festival in Shendam Local Government Council.

The event which is the annual socio-cultural fiesta of the Gamai Nation attracted dignitaries from Plateau State and various parts of the country.

Governor Lalong said this year’s Bit Gamai is coming at a very auspicious time in the history of the nation when there is a greater need for unity, peace and understanding among the various ethnic, religious and social affiliations within Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

He said having worked assiduously over the last six years to restore peace to Plateau State, it was a delight to note that the various cultural festivals which were hitherto affected by insecurity have largely returned, as the various ethnic nationalities have continued to showcase their cultures and traditions in festivals such as the Bit Gamai.

He said “Looking at the level of violence perpetrated by criminals such as kidnappers, bandits, terrorists and others across our nation, we must carry out thorough introspection as to what is responsible for the rise of such negative behaviours that are obviously alien to our cultures and traditions. There is obviously a missing link somewhere that we have to address in eliminating threats to our unity and progress”.

Governor Lalong condemned the unfortunate desecration of the traditional institution by the kidnap of the Sum Pyem, His Royal Highness Charles Mato Dakat who regained freedom Friday morning saying the security agencies are after the kidnappers.

He also sent condolences to the Mwaghavul Nation on the passing of the First Class Traditional Ruler, the Mishkaham Mwaghavul, Da Nelson Bakfur who died within the week.

Chairman of the occassion, Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe said culture is a tool for unity and harmony which should be exploited to bring people together such as is being done by the Lalong Rescue Administration which has consistently encouraged the 53 ethnic groups  to live in peace with one another.

Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt.Hon. Idris Wase said the hosting of the Gamai Festival among others is yet another proof of the dividends of peace that has been championed by Governor Simon Lalong which enabled many socio-cultural organisations to hold their festivals unlike in the past.

Chairman of the Gamai Unity and Development Organization (GUDO), Mr. Theodore Maiyaki welcomed guests to the festival which he said has continued to unite the people of Gamailand as well as their friends and well wishes across the country.

He disclosed that the Launching of the 250million Appeal Fund is targeted towards the construction of Centre that will be a source of knowledge, entertainment and entrepreneurship towards the emancipation of the younger generation as well as cultural education.

Chief Launcher Alhaji Nasiru Danu, the Dan Amanar Dutse said he was honoured to participate in the Launching of the Fund which he  believes will serve not only the interest of the Gamai people, but of the State and Nigeria at large.

The Gbong Gwom Jos Jacob Gyang Buba said the Plateau Council of Traditional Rulers has continued to work with the Government in sustaining peace and will continue to do so in weeding out criminals who are desperate in destabilising the State and nation.

High point of the event was the honouring of various guests with traditional titles as announced by the Long Gamai, HRH Miskoom Martin Shaldas III who said the awardees were selected for thier contributions to the development of Gamai nation.

They include Governor Simon Bako Lalong, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, Senator Nora Dadu’ut, Tetfund Executive Secretary Prof. Elias Bogoro, among others.


Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
31st December 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG’S 2022 NEW YEAR MESSAGE

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum has asked Nigerians to look forward to a great year 2022 with optimism and hope, as they prepare to make personal sacrifices and unite in supporting Government address the critical issues militating against the peace, unity and progress of the nation.

In his new year message, Governor Lalong said the nation has a lot to thank God for having experienced highs and lows in many sectors. He said though there were many challenges, so much was equally achieved in many areas which affirmed the resilience of the Nigerians.

He said with the determination and collaboration of the people, insecurity and unemployment which are major factors that threaten the future of the nation will be overcome.

“Nigeria is tremendously blessed and endowed with not only natural resources, but good people who want to live in peace and pursue legitimate endeavours in peace, unity and tranquility. That is why we must all work together in the new year to confront those who want to take away the collective destiny of Nigerians through terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities. We must deny them such opportunity and also ensure that we put them to shame. We should do so believing that evil cannot triumph over good”, he said.

Governor Lalong said in 2022, his administration will continue with its Rescue Mission of developing human capital and physical infrastructure by completing those in progress as well as carrying out others which are coming on board. This he said will ensure that the Government fulfils its promises to the people.

Among others, the Governor said the Lalong Legacy Projects will be completed while work on the British-America flyover bridge will be carried out including other ongoing projects across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State.

He asked the people to continue to work on building peace and maintaining law and order which is central to development.

While wishing Nigerians a prosperous 2022, Lalong admonished them to continue to love one another as they improve the culture of tolerance irrespective of their diversities.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
31st December 2021.

PLATEAU GOVERNMENT HALTS CHIEFTANCY TITLE BY NON EXISTENT “EMIR OF PENGANA”; VOWS TO DEAL WITH MISCHIEF MAKERS

The Plateau State Government has directed the Chairman of Bassa Local Government and the Chairman of the Traditional Council in the Area to immediately halt the purported installation of one Alh. Maiwada Ya’u Mohammed (CEO Jengre Petroleum Company Ltd.) as Danmalikin Pengana by a non-existent “Emir of Pengana”.

The Government frowns at the purported installation scheduled for 2nd January 2022 as contained in invitation cards and posters carrying misleading information about a non-existing “Pengana Emirate” which it said is a clear display of arrogance and an attempt to inflame passions and cause a breakdown of law and order.

The Government also views the planned installation of the said beneficiary by this non-existing Emirate as an attempt to disrupt the peace of Bassa Local Government Area and the entire State by using Chieftancy matters which people hold dear to their hearts.

Government therefore warns those involved in this planned installation by this non-existing entity to desist forthwith as law enforcement agencies have been put on red alert and directed to immediately arrest anyone who contravenes the directive.

It further mandates traditional rulers and Local Government Chairmen across the State to be proactive and nip in the bud any similar attempt by unscrupulous groups and individuals to disrupt public peace and security through mischief that uses the traditional Institution which is considered a sacred one.

Government further warns that it will not hesitate to come down hard on any traditional ruler who is found to be negligent or supporting such clandestine activities openly or secretly.

It also urges the public to ignore the said event as there is no such thing as “Emirate of Pengana” in Plateau State.

For the avoidance of doubt, the paramount ruler of Pengana Chiefdom in Bassa LGA recognised by Government is the “Ogomo Pengana” HRH. Esau Mamman Shayang (JP) who was installed in 2016.

Hon. Sylvanus Tapgun
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Plateau State.
30th December 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG MOURNS FIRST CLASS TRADITIONAL RULER, MISKAHAM MWAGAVUL, DA NELSON BAKFUR.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has expressed deep sadness over the death of a First Class Traditional Ruler in Plateau State, the Mishkaham Mwagavul, Da Nelson Bakfur who joined his ancestors on Tuesday 28th December 2021

Lalong during a visit to the family of the monarch in Kerang, Mangu Local Government, said he received the news of the  passing of the royal father with shock and grief as the deceased was a peacemaker and a rallying point for not only the Mwagavul nation, but the entire State.

The Governor who was accompanied by First Lady Regina Lalong, said “Da Nelson Bakfur did a lot to promote peaceful coexistence and development in his domain since assuming office as Mishkaham Mwaghavul in 1999. As the Chairman of the Mangu Traditional Council, he was very instrumental to the substantial peace recorded in the Local Government as well as the confidence building that grew among various ethnic groups in the Area. This facilitated the resolution of many disputes which prevented escalation”.

The Governor also paid tribute to the late Royal Father for his passion for economic emancipation of his people as well as paying special attention to educational development. He said the Royal Father also motivated the people to participate in agriculture and produce food for the State and nation at large.

While encouraging the immediate family and the Mwagavul nation to accept the passing of the late royal father as the will of God, Lalong challenged them to keep his legacies alive and continue to embibe his good virtues.

Responding, Da Philemon Mutang, District Head of Kerang said the visit of the Governor to the family is consoling and reassuring which further demonstrates the good relationship that existed between the Governor and the late Royal Father.

Commissioner for Minerals Development Hon. Jude Dakur prayed for the family and for the repose of the soul of the Royal Father.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
30th December 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG AT WEDDING OF SON TO PLATEAU COMMISSIONER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT & CHIEFTANCY AFFAIRS

Governor Simon Bako Lalong was among guests from all walks of life that attended the wedding of the son of Plateau State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Sylvanus Tapgun at the National Ecumenical Centre Abuja.

The wedding solemnization for Miskoon Maurice Tapgun and Folasade Adeyemo was perfomed by ECWA President Rev. Dr. Stephen Panya Baba assisted by clergymen from various denominations.

Rev. Panya Baba charged the couple to live as a family whose passion is to serve and please God and one another. That way, they can easily embrace the love of God and offer selfless service to one another without conditions.

In a sermon, the clergyman read from 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 where he told the couple to love each other sacrificially and consider that Christ demonstrated such love to mankind by dying on the cross to usher in salvation.

He said submission and love require forgiveness, oneness, kindness, compassion, giving and sacrifice from both husband and wife as God originated marriage to enable man have dominion over the earth. Such he said begins in the home where marriage is the bedrock of healthy families.

Governor Lalong while congratulating the couple advised them to be committed to their marriage and work together to build a home that is founded on love, tolerance and sacrifice.

He urged them to embibe the good virtues of their parents and ensure that they do not bring disrepute to the families who have invested so much to train them and inculcate godly character in them.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
28th December 2021