NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE KEBBI/NASARAWA GOVERNORS ON BIRTHDAYS

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with two of their colleagues, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State who clocked 62 and Governor Atiku Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State who clocked 60 years on December 26th.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in statement said the Governors have played significant role in impacting the lives of their people and Nigerians at large through their various positions of responsibility including their current offices.

He said they have remained key players in the political space in Nigeria and making significant efforts to ensure that good governance, peace and economic development is attained.

Lalong said “Governor Atiku Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State is a leader with passion for transforming the lives of the people through empowerment and physical infrastructure. He has not only demonstrated such in his tenure as Governor, but made enermous contributions to the efforts of the Northern Governors Forum to develop an economic blueprint for the region particularly in the era of COVID-19 and other challenges. He has also shown courage in leadership as Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum”.

For Governor Abdullahi Sule, Lalong described him as a technocrat with wide knowledge and experience which he has brought on board since coming into office as Governor of Nasarawa State.

He said “The Forum has greatly benefitted from the ideas of Governor Sule whose vast experience in the private sector has enabled it tap from his knowledge particularly in the area of energy development and agricultural revolution. He has put in a lot of efforts to ensure that the people of Nasarawa State benefit from the enermous endowments of the State in agriculture, solid minerals among others”.

Lalong said the Forum while wishing them more years of good health, peace and wisdom, urges them to continue to provide leadership to their people as well as play their roles in ensuring that the region and the Nigeria at large overcomes the many challenges it is currently facing.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
27th December 2021

CHRISTMAS: GOVERNOR LALONG CONGRATULATES NIGERIANS; SAYS BIRTH OF CHRIST INSPIRES FAITH AND HOPE

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Nigerian Christians for marking another Christmas, urging them to use the period to reflect on the hope and joy that the birth of Jesus Christ brings to humanity.

Lalong in a message said the occasion provides another opportunity for Nigerians to be inspired eliminate all fears about the issues that stand against the unity and peace of the country which is contrary to the message of hope that the birth of Christ ushered in for mankind.

He said the lifestyle of Jesus Christ clearly indicates that challenges are necessary for the process of development which applies to the various problems that Nigeria is confronting at the moment. This he said should guide Nigerians not to despair but build hope and faith that the country will soon overcome its challenges and achieve stability.

Lalong also said the attributes of love, tolerance, truth, justice and compassion which characterized the lifestyle of Jesus Christ should be embibed by both Christians and non-Christians in their day to day dealings with one another.

While wishing the citizens of Plateau State and Nigeria a blessed  Christmas celebration, the Governor asked them to use the event to reach out to people in need and share with people of other faiths in the spirit of the season.

Lalong who is excited about the way people from various parts of the country are trooping into Plateau for the yuletide also wants them to be security conscious and remain vigilant to report any suspicious activity to the security agencies. He also challenged the security agencies to be on top of their game and ensure that Plateau witnesses are crime-free yuletide.

He also advised the public to discountenace some false and alarming reports being circulated in the social media suggesting a bleak Christmas in the State due to insecurity, saying such reports are not only false and alarmist, but also targeted at de-marketing the State by those who take pleasure or thrive when the State is in the news for negative reasons.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
24th December 2021

The DVD Movement Captain Nde Dimka Victor David attended the Inauguration of RCC Chugwi of Jos Provincial Church Council of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN). The colorful Inauguration was carried out by the COCIN President. Reverend Professor Dachollom Datiri in the company of Reverend Dr Amos Mohzo the COCIN President-elect, and other members of the Church hierarchy. In a moving sermon Reverend Dr Yusuf Luxman taking his readings from Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47 spelt out the Transformative Character of a Regional Church Council. These are Relationship based, For the Glorification of God, living in Common and in Communion, Spiritual and Physical Growth of the members.
When called to give a goodwill message Nde Dimka Victor David fsi commended the COCIN President for the evident growth of the Church under his watch. “We are children of the Church and it is our joy to participate in the growth of the Church and her evangelisation mission.” he asserted.
The COCIN President in conclusion prayed for the peace of Christ in Plateau State Nigeria and the worldover and wished everyone a joyful Christmas celebration.

DVD Media Team

GOVERNOR LALONG SIGNS 106.8 BILLION NAIRA 2022 APPROPRIATION BILL INTO LAW

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has signed the 2022 approved appropriation bill of 106,807,267,642.12 passed by the State House of Assembly into law.

While signing the appropriation bill into law at the Government House Rayfield Jos, the Governor commended the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Yakubu Sanda and Honourable Members for their doggedness and determination that saw the expeditious and thorough consideration of the budget which was laid on the floor of the House on 20th October 2021.

Lalong said the passage of the bill is another proof of the cordial and symbiotic relationship existing between the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Arms of Government in Plateau State. He said:

“Despite the recent change of leadership in the House between the period the budget was laid and when it was passed, the Honourable Members have shown that the Parliament as an institution can always resolve its challenges and work for the interest of the people.To my mind, this is the true definition of standing with the people and defending democracy. By rallying round and quickly putting behind you the unfortunate events that happened at the House recently, you have clearly shown that the public interest supersedes personal interests and that the legislature is the soul of democracy. The people of Plateau State are proud of you”.

He assured the State that the Government will faithfully implement the Budget tagged: “Budget of Economic Recovery and Consolidation of Inclusive Infrastructural Growth 2”, which is aimed at consolidating on our past achievements in order to improve our stewardship towards accelerated socio-political and economic development of the State.

The Governor said he was not satisfied with the revenue generating capacity of the State despite the efforts the administration has put in, stating that the Government has to do more in looking at other sources of revenue as well as considering funding options for projects such as Public Private Partnerships and Build Operate and Transfer models.

Lalong who assured that the Government will focus on completing on-going projects and initiating new ones, said there shall be emphasis on prudence and transparency in the utilization of resources.

Giving a breakdown of the budget, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning Sylvester Wallangko said the 2022 Appropriation Bill N106,807,267,642.12 is composed of Seventy Billion, Eight Hundred and Seven Million, Two and Sixty-Seven Thousand Six Hundred and Forty-Two Naira Sixty-Two Kobo (N70,819,275,644.62) representing 66.31% as Recurrent expenditure, and Thirty-Five Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Seven Naira Fifty Kobo(N35,987,991,997.50) representing 33.69% as Capital Expenditure.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of, Plateau State.
23rd December 2021.

AT 2021 CHRISTMAS CAROL, GOVERNOR LALONG PREACHES LOVE AND HOPE

It was a night of colour and glamour as various choral groups performed at thec 2021 Carol of 9 lessons organised by the Government House Chapel, Jos to mark the Christmas celebration.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong who was accompanied to the event by First Lady Mrs. Regina Lalong said the Christmas season is one that continues to maintain its relevance to not only Christians, but people of other faiths.

He said “This season is one that rekindles our hope in Christ and in our Nation despite the challenges that we are passing through. Rather than be overwhelmed, we have to be strengthened by the fact that Christ came to the world to give us assurance of victory and hope”.

Lalong urged Nigerians not to despair because during his mission on earth, Jesus Christ passed through many tribulations and also warned his followers to expect similar challenges in their journey of faith. The most important legacy Christ left to the world according to him is the assurance of victory over the devil and eternal salvation.

Lalong said Plateau State has so much to thank God for because of it recorded a lot of victories despite the challenges from Covid-19 pandemic and the breach of peace witnessed in some Local Government Areas. God he said gave the Government the grace to contain the situation and restore peace within a short time.

He said “As believers, it is our duty to ensure that we follow His footsteps by embracing people from every background and tolerating one another. Our stand as a Government is that so long as people are ready to abide by the laws of the land and respect the culture and traditions of Plateau State, they are welcome to live and pursue legitimate businesses in the State”.

He warned that his Government will never tolerate criminals who come to destabilise the State through their criminal activities with some using religion, ethnicity and politics to further create crises in the State in order to pursue their selfish ends. He said they will never be allowed room to turn Plateau State to a crises zone.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda said the season of Christmas provides another opportunity for people to forgive and share their wealth with one another. He also urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders.

In a goodwill message on behalf of heads of security agencies, the GOC 3rd Armoured Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven Gen. Ibrahim Ali said the Governor has directed security agencies to carry out robust deployment of personnel and also ensure that they dominate critical flashpoints to prevent crimes from taking place.

He urged the citizens to continue to love one another, expose criminals, remain vigilant and pray for the peace and unity of the nation.

In their remarks, Acting Chief Judge of Plateau State Justice David Mann, Representative of the State Traditional Council, and the Vice Chairman of CAN Plateau State all said the essence of Christmas is for love and unity which is rooted in the lifestyle of Jesus who essentially came to save the world.

Chairman PFN Plateau State Rev. Steve Dangana prayed for the Governor, President and other leaders of the nation.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State.
22nd December 2021.

COMMINIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE PLATEAU STATE POLICY REVIEW RETREAT FOR COMMISSIONERS, PERMANENT SECRETARIES, ADVISERS & HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS/AGENCIES HELD AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE LITTLE RAYFIELD JOS, 21-22 DECEMBER 2021

As a way of establishing the level of implementation of the Plateau State Development Strategy, by assessing and evaluating the performance of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the Plateau State Government in collaboration with GIZ organized a two-day Policy Review Retreat for State Executive Council Members, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Executives/Chairmen of Boards and Parastatals and Special Advisers to the Executive Governor of Plateau State on Tuesday 21st to Wednesday 22nd December 2021 at the Banquet Hall, New Government House, Rayfield.

The event was declared open by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni G. Tyoden who appreciated the level of implementation of the resolutions contained in last year’s communique where 12 resolutions out of 13 were already implemented. This success was attributed to the determination and synergy between Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. All participants were engaged to come up with resolutions that would move the state forward.

At the end of the retreat, the following resolutions were arrived at:

1. The Rescue Administration restated its determination to complete outstanding all critical projects currently being implemented, thus, all projects and programmes will be carefully prioritized to ensure that the identified critical ones are completed within the tenure of this administration.

2. All MDAs must put all hands on deck to ensure that the commitment to create jobs that will take 20,000 youths out of the unemployment market between now and 2022.

3. All MDAs to explore other alternative sources of funds for implementing critical projects and programmes. Towards this end, the option of Public Private Partnership and donor funding shall be embraced much more strategically going forward.

4. The Retreat resolved to adopt the State Monitoring and Evaluation Policy and Law, which will ensure self-tracking of projects and programmes, resulting in quarterly review sessions going forward.

5. The four policy sub-councils to further meet before 31st December 2021 as syndicates to consider all inputs, recommendations and suggestions made at the retreat in order to review all the projects and programmes of MDAs under their respective purviews, with the aim of restructuring, rejigging and rescoping them within the time frame left for this administration, and to also come up with practical implementation strategies for delivering same.


Prof. Danladi Abok Atu
Secretary to the Government of the State
Jos
022nd December 2021

GOVERNOR CELEBRATES ITF DG JOSEPH ARI AT 61

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has extended warm felicitations to Director General of the Industrial Training Fund Sir Joseph Ari, KSM on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

Lalong described Sir Ari as a consummate professional who has deployed his vast knowledge and experience in various fields over the years to the service of the State and nation at large.

He said “from your early training as a media professional, you have not only distinguished yourself as an administrator, but also developed your capacity to become a human resource developer and trainer with very impressive results to show. You have used the opportunity of your current appointment as DG to take the ITF to greater heights in the duty of giving young Nigerians skills and entrepreneurship capacity”.

The Governor also commended Sir Ari for his passion for the development of Plateau State and the success of the Rescue Administration through offering sound counsel and collaborating with the Government to train and empower thousands of youths in various vocational skills thereby reducing unemployment and idleness.

While urging him to sustain his acts of charity and devotion to God, the Governor wished him many more years of good health, divine protection and favour.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
21st December 2021

GOVERNOR LALONG INAUGURATES TASK FORCE ON VACCINATION; FLAGS OFF MASS COVID-19 VACCINATION.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has appealed to the citizens of the State to embrace vaccination against COVID-19 and other diseases in order to ensure that the healthcare of the State is fortified against preventable diseases.

Governor Lalong who also took his booster jab for COVID-19 made the appeal while inaugurating the Task Force on Integrated Vaccination and Flagging off the Mass Vaccination at the Banquet Hall of the new Government House Rayfield Jos.

Lalong said the inauguration of the task force became necessary to ensure that there is consistent and coordinated Vaccination in the State against both COVID-19 and other diseases.

He said “The Taskforce which we are inaugurating today has a  membership that consists of health professionals and eminent stakeholders from across the State with the mandate to create the desired attention required for prompt sensitization and consolidation of achieved gains in the area of vaccination. I am mandating all Local Government Chairmen to oversee their respective LGA Task Forces for successful immunization in order to deliver effective rural health care services to the people”.

Speaking on the flag-off of Covid-19 Mass Vaccination Campaign in Plateau State, the Governor said “You will recall that since our index case was reported and confirmed on 17th April, 2020, Plateau State has recorded 10,002 positive cases with 73 deaths in all 17 LGAs as at 12th December 2021. Our administration responded promptly and with all vigour which ensured that 9,962 cumulative confirmed cases were managed and discharged, leaving only 35 infected persons still receiving and responding to treatment”.

Lalong also announced that the Plateau State Government vaccine mandate is that all citizens of 18 years and above will henceforth show evidence of vaccination or present a negative Covid-19 PCR test result done within 72 hours to gain access to any public office. This will also go hand in hand with observing all protocols in schools, markets, banks, weddings, churches, mosques etc.

These measures according to him are not punitive nor intended to force people to take the vaccines against their wishes. They are simply meant to ensure public safety and guarantee the health of the people against this ravaging pandemic.

Commissioner for Health Dr. Nimkong Lar said the vaccines are safe and not harmful contrary to conspiracy theories, reiterating that no one will be forced to take the vaccine. He emphasized that the Ministry was also concerned about other diseases aside COVID-19 which need more sensitization for vaccination.

The Long Gamai of Shendam Miskoom Martins Shaldas, Chairman JNI, Chairman CAN, and other stakeholders assured that they will do their best to sensitise and mobilise their people flto cooperate with the Government towards achieving desired goals.

Unicef representative in Plateau State Dr. Wazingi Williams presented the global, national and State outlook of the pandemic and its management, urging citizens to make themselves available for the vaccine which is a major way of containing the virus that is still being studied.

Responding on behalf of the Task Force, Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden assured that the members will put in their best to ensure that the State achieved its objectives.

Health officials were at hand to administer the vaccines to those who were taking it for the first time and others who were taking the second jab or the booster.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
20th December 2021.

APC NATIONAL CHAIRMANSHIP : GOVERNOR LALONG RECIEVES GEORGE AKUME CONTACT TEAM

A Contact and Mobilization Team for Senator George Akume who is an aspirant for the office of the APC National Chairman has visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House Rayfield to intimate him on the aspirations of the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs and also seek his support.

Leader of the delegation Senator Jack Tilley Gyado said the aim of the visit was to formally intimate him on the desire of Senator Akume to occupy the number one seat of the APC and also let him know that Plateau State has a key to his success.

He said Plateau State remains a big brother to Benue and Governor Lalong in particular has shown tremendous goodwill and support to the people of Benue State which saw the party winning elections in the State in 2014, untill the current Governor defected.

Gyado said Senator Akume is eminently qualified for the APC Chairmanship and will not only consolidate its hold in the North Central, but across the entire country, giving his vast experience in politics and wide connections.

He said the APC is in need of a strong leader like Senator Akume to move into the 2023 elections and ensure victory for the party in all elections.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Contact and Mobilization Committee Chief Simon Shango said Governor Lalong remains a leader of the APC family in Benue State giving the fact that the mandate of the party was stolen by the current Governor who defected to the opposition party.

Responding, Governor Lalong welcomed the team and reminded them that Plateau and Benue States still share fraternal relationships that bind them together for every endeavour even in politics.

He said having worked closely with Senator Akume for many years, he is not in doubt of his capacity to make the APC greater if given the opportunity to lead the party.

Lalong assured the team of his support and advised them to work hard not only for the victory of Senator Akume, but also for retrieving the stolen mandate of the APC from the opposition party in the 2023 elections.

He said the party still remains strong in the State, assuring them that more will be done to ensure that there is victory at the end of the day.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
21st December 2021.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS COMMEND ARMED FORCES FOR ONSLAUGHT AGAINST TERRORISTS; URGE THEM TO SUSTAIN TEMPO

The Northern Governors Forum has lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for stepping up their operations against bandits and insurgents terrorising various parts of the country particularly the North East, North Central and North West.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong in a statement said the Forum appreciates the recent efforts of the security personnel for carrying out operations across the affected areas of the North East, North Central and North West. He said the ongoing operations in areas of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna States among others where bandits and insurgents who have been terrorising the citizens are dislodged is very commendable.

Lalong said the Forum wants the operations to be sustained and further coordinated to ensure that the terrorists do not shift their bases after been dislodged from current areas. This he said will make sure the terrorists are completely subdued and restrained from regrouping for law and order to prevail across the country.

Lalong also condemned the recent attacks by terrorists in various Local Governments of Kaduna State, Wase Local Government of Plateau State, Askira Uba and other Local Government of Borno, Niger States among others where innocent citizens were gruesomely murdered and many properties destroyed.

While commiserating with the families of those killed and surviving victims, the Forum reiterated its commitment to continue to provide succour to the affected and also work with the Federal Government for further humanitarian interventions.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governors Forum.
20th December 2021.