Notable personalities honored as Plateau Bloggers/Online Media Association Hold End of Year Dinner/Recognition Night

The Plateau bloggers/online media association(PLABOMA) on Friday 17th December 2021 hosted its members, guests, and dignitaries to their end-of-year dinner for the year ending 2021.

It was an exclusive evening of glamour and celebration as premium guests in attendance were hosted to a grand dinner reception and thrilled to an entertaining evening at the Prestigious Elial Centre in Jos. 

The Association (PLABOMA) recognized some key individuals and organizations that have furthered the course of the information communication technology ecosystem in the state, region and nation at large with special recognition awards. Others were also recognized for their notable contribution to humanity and for exceptional impact within and outside Plateau state.

While delivering his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, the member representing Riyom/Barkin Ladi federal constituency in the Federal House of Assembly, Hon Simon Mwatkon Phd. spoke on the challenges and gains of the social media in the present contemporary society. 

Hon Mwatkon said he was however moved to support the Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association as he has noted with delight how members have tried in disseminating effective information.

Also welcoming guests, Chairman of the Association, Comrade Friday Bako, said though this was the first ever gathering of the association for the end of Year Dinner and Award Night, citizens should expect more coming next year as the association will look to mark a social media day. He noted that the association was birthed  to harmonize the activities of social media influencers and curb online fake news. 

Comrade Bako however called for more support for the Plateau Bloggers/Online Media Association in setting up a secretariat and for individuals and businesses to partner with bloggers and Online influencers as it offers so much opportunities.

There was also a Life time recognition and a minute silence observed for late Miss Loisinta Vou Pwol, a former PLABOMA Executive and Publisher of the The State of Plateau Blog who passed on earlier in the year.

High point of the event was the presentation of Recognition and Excellence Awards to Ngo Sarah Dagah ( De Sele Jos ), Barr. Gyang Zi, Lt. Col. Samuel Fwanje Gulong (Rtd), Chief Ayuba Gufwan Burki who all bagged an award of Excellence for Humanitarian Service.

Dr. Kenneth Egwuda, Hon. Fom Gwottson Dalyop, Hon. (Dr) Mafeng Gwallson, Mr. David Daser, Mr. Joseph Lengmang and Dr. Haggai Gutap, Dr. Chris Kwaja and Da Yakubu Taddy were all recognized with a Special Recognition for Exceptional Impact Award.

Other Awardees with Special Recognition for Exceptional Impact Award also included Dr. Sumaye Hamza, Maj. Gen. Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Sallau Ali and Sergeant Solomon Johnson

The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association is the recognized Umbrella body that houses all professional bloggers and online journalists in Northern Nigeria.

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNOR LIFTS CURFEW IN JOS NORTH, JOS SOUTH & BASSA LGAs.

The Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has directed the total lifting of the existing curfew in Jos North, Jos South, and Bassa Local Government Areas earlier imposed on September 8th 2021, from 10pm to 6am as part of efforts to curb the insecurity witnessed some months ago.

The Governor gave the directive after a State Security Council Meeting held at the Government House Rayfield Jos where the Council reviewed the security situation in the affected Local Government Areas and the State in general.

On the strength of deliberations at the meeting and the advise of the Security Council, the Governor directed that the existing curfew be lifted with effect from Friday 17th December 2021 until further notice.

He directed that in place of the curfew, the relevant security agencies should mount well coordinated and round the clock checks in strategic areas of the State to ensure the safety of lives and properties of the people during the yuletide season.

He advised the security agencies to ensure that they deploy security personnel throughout the State and gather requisite intelligence to thwart any attempt  by criminals who might want to perpetrate their nefarious activities during the season and cause a breach of the peace.

Meanwhile, the total ban on motorcycles within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis is still in force while their operations in other Local Government Areas will stop at 8pm. Tricycles within the metropolis will continue to operate on the existing template of 6am to 6pm only.

While commending the citizens for their patience, understanding and cooperation during the period of the curfew, Lalong urged them to be security conscious and highly vigilant against any suspected criminal activity in their domains, which should be reported quickly to security agencies to enable them take swift action.

He also praised the security agencies for their sacrifices and patriotic service, urging them to continue to do more as the State Government will do its best to support them in carrying out their mandate of securing lives and properties.

He wished the citizens a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year ahead.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
17th December 2021.

SHOPRITE TEAM VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG; TO ESTABLISH FRANCHISE IN JOS IN 2022

The Management team of Shoprite has visited Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Rayfield Jos to discuss plans for establishing the first outlet in the State.

Leading the team to the Government House, Chairman of Retail Supermarket Nigeria group, Mr. Tayo Amusan said they were in Plateau State as part of the plans for its rollout in 2022 which will see them developing the Jos City Mall that will house Shoprite and other businesses.

He said the group is attracted by the huge potentials of Plateau State in terms of agricultural products, serene environment, huge  market and opportunities for growth.

Plateau State he said is a natural attraction for tourists and visitors who need shopping and recreational facilities that the organisation is capable of providing in the planned roll out. Apart from Shoprite, there will be other facilities of the Jara  brand to be rolled out.

He appreciated Governor Lalong for his determination and keen interest in facilitating the coming of the business conglomerate to Plateau State, assuring that they will take advantage of the favourable business environment currently obtainable in the State to make sure that the plan succeeds.

Governor Lalong in a response said he was delighted with the visit of the group which was long overdue because Plateau State is a business destination and a home for all Nigerians and foreigners.

He said his administration has done a lot to restore peace and security which has attracted more investors into the State and removed fear of the past.

He informed the group that there is more access for export and import into the State with the approval for the upgrading of the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang into an international cargo airport.

The Governor also disclosed that Plateau State has also acquired the Inland Container Depot in Heipang which will also serve as the hub for the Nigerian Shippers Council operations.

The company later signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the possible use of the old Nitel building which has been acquired by the Plateau Investment and Property Development Company for the development of the proposed facility.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
17th December 2021.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONGRATULATE GOVERNOR SANI BELLO AT 54

The Northern Governors Forum has congratulated Niger State Governor and Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum Abubakar Sani Bello on the occasion of his 54th birthday.

In a message to congratulate him, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong described Governor Bello as a very active and supportive politician who has devoted significant attention to the development of his State, the region and nation as a whole.

He said as the Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, Governor Abubakar has demonstrated deep passion for the development of the region and continues to provide the needed leadership to his colleagues to be able to come together and tackle the challenges confronting the people.

Governor Lalong said the Governor has also remained steadfast in deploying every available strategy and effort in ensuring that the insecurity confronting Niger State is addressed in order to enable the citizens pursue their livelihood without fear, harassment or intimidation.

Lalong said despite the challenges, Governor Bello has continued to carry out developmental projects in various sectors and also galvanised the people to resist the schemes of those trying to cause instability in the State and the region as a whole.

While wishing him many more years of God’s wisdom and good health, Governor Lalong admonished him to continue to put the interest of the people above every consideration as he has done over the years and also sustain his passion for the unity, peace, cohesion and stability of not only the Northern Region, but Nigeria as a whole.

He assured him that the Northern Governors Forum will continue to support him as he serves the people of Niger State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
17th December 2021

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FELICITATE WITH PRESIDENT BUHARI AT 79

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari on his 79th birthday.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong in a statement described the President as a man of integrity and leader with patriotic zeal to develop the nation and secure the future for the younger generation.

Lalong said the President has in the last six years confronted very many challenging situations that sought to threaten the unity and peace of the country such as insecurity, poverty, corruption, poor infrastructure among others, with high successes.

He said the President has remained a father to all by embracing all parts of the nation and ensuring that projects are distributed to all zones irrespective of political and other considerations, a situation which speaks volumes of his penchant for justice and fairness.

Lalong said the Northern Governors Forum has enjoyed the support of Mr. President in dealing with challenges such as insecurity, poverty, illiteracy and disease which are being substantially contained due to the synergy between the States and the Federal Government.

While wishing the President many more years of good health and wisdom, the Northern Governors urged him to remain steadfast and committed to giving his best in the service of the nation especially at this time when the Government is working hard to deal with several challenges.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
17th December 2021

GOVERNOR LALONG INSTALLS RA’AN JAHR; JOINS WOMEN AFFAIRS MINISTER TO COMMISSION EROSION CONTROL PROJECT

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has urged all communities and Chiefdoms in the State to always adopt dialogue, negotiations and reconciliation in handling all Chieftancy matters in order to consolidate on the peace and security of the State.

Governor Lalong said this in Dengi during the coronation of His Royal Highness, Alh. Mahmud Maikano, the Ra’an Jahr, a Second class traditional ruler of the Jahr Chiefdom in Kanam Local Government Council.

Lalong said the traditional institution is very important to the peace and development of the State and should therefore set the example for peaceful coexistence through dialogue in resolving all disputes involving kingship.

He said “as I have always emphasized, the Traditional Institution is vital to the survival of our cultural heritage as it forms the bedrock of our coexistence. As a people who share common and unique identity, the continuous maintenance of the norms, traditions and culture of the Chiefdom must be safe-guarded in the greater interest of the people. You are aware that my administration since coming on board has paid greater attention on reviving the traditional institutions so that it can contribute meaningfully in the development of the State particularly at the grassroots level. This we believe will engender social cohesion and promote peaceful coexistence among our people”

Lalong said that Government expects all communities to embrace dialogue as a means of resolving any differences relating to Chieftancy maters within their communities in order to foster unity and development.

“Let me therefore use this opportunity to again remind those Chiefdoms who have not been able to resolve their differences to elect new traditional rulers, that they are denying their people many windows of opportunities. While Government has no intention of imposing any traditional ruler on the people, it is worthy to mention that the Government is disappointed that the efforts to fill the few vacant stools in the State are being frustrated due to lingering litigations among the Royal Class. Nevertheless, we will continue to do our best to ensure that where vacant stools exist, necessary steps are taken to resolve the issues” he said.

He admonished the Royal father to be proactive and carry his people along irrespective of creed, religion, economic, political or any other affiliation and also avoid tendencies that will make him become selfish or sectional in his judgments.

Chairman of the Jahr Development Association  Chief Amos Gizo said the Chiefdom is happy with the installation of the Royal Father who is the symbol of unity and brotherliness of the various communities in the Chiefdom.

He said the installation of the Royal father by Governor Simon Bako Lalong marks another phase of the emancipation of the people since the days of Chief Solomon Lar. This he said the people highly appropriate and will reciprocate by ensuring they maintain peace and support Government activities at all times.

Chairman of Kanam Local Government Alh. Dayyabu Garga said the coronation is another testimony to the fulfilment of the promise by Governor Lalong to give the traditional Institution its rightful place in governance.

The Long Gamai Miskoom Martin Shaldas and the Emir of Kanam Alh Mohammadu Muazu Mohamamdu described the installation of the Ra’an Jahr as another moment of joy for the Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers and the people as he is fulfilling his vow to ensure that people are emancipated and given a sense of belonging.

Earlier, the Governor had joined the Minister of Women Affairs Dame Pauline Tallen for the commissioning and handing over of Gishare Talbushi flood erosion control project in Dengi with a 75 metre bridge linking many communities within the Local Government as well as Bauchi State.

The Governor praised President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the project through the Ecological Fund Office and ensuring that funds were provided for its completion.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
16th December 2021.

PLATEAU STATE WINS OPEN GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP (OGP) GLOBAL AWARD FOR TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Plateau State has won the Open Government Partnership Award for Increasing Transparency and Accountability in Extractives at the 2021 OGP Local Innovation Awards held on 14th December 2021 in Seoul, South Korea and broadcast worldwide on social media platforms.

To emerge victorious, Plateau State participated in the competitive process which generated 60 applications in the Local Innovation Awards category where over 11,000 members of the OGP community voted across the world.

It came first in the Africa and Middle East Region followed by Nandi-Kenya in second place, and Tangier-Morocco in the third place.

Announcing the Awards, the OGP recognized the efforts of the Plateau State Government in entrenching transparency and accountability in governance through various initiatives that support prudent resource management, involment of the citizens, blocking leakages and building institutions that enhance and deepen transparency in governance.

The Award is also in recognition of the level of stakeholder engagement in budgeting, adherence to laid down procedures in government expenditure, and deployment of structures such as the Efficiency Unit, Bureau for Public Procurement, Project Monitoring and Result Delivery Unit among others adopted by the Lalong administration in managing the resources of the State.

Governor Simon Lalong while reacting to the Award said he was excited to receive the news which attests to the efforts of his Rescue Administration to give value to the people through prudent management of resources, accountability and transparency.

He said “I am happy that our efforts in redefining governance in Plateau State are receiving local and global attention. Last year, we were adjudged to be the second least corrupt state in Nigeria by the National Bureau for Statistics which made it very easy for us to be accepted into the OGP.

Shortly after joining the OGP, we have been assessed and awarded with the recognition for transparency and accountability. This is a great morale booster which will spur us to do more as we continue to give value to our people and deliver the dividends of democracy”.

He commended the OGP State Focal office and the entire bureaucracy of the State for playing their roles in ensuring that transparency and accountability is implemented and recognized at home and abroad leading to the Award.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
15th December 2021.

By Prince Sekat, Jos

Youths in Lamingo are protesting what they termed the exclusion of the indigenous community from employment in Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH.

The natives say they want to be employed because the land on which the Hospital is built is their ancestral heritage.

However, police operatives disbanded the gathering, assuring the youths that the matter will be looked into.

They said a suitable solution to their demand will be discussed and related to their leaders.

The Deputy Commissioner Administration of Police, Plateau State Command, Faleye Olaleye has urged the management of JUTH to ensure that residents of Afok Lamingo are carried in its activities.

The statement was made during a dialogue meeting called by the DCP between the management of JUTH and the youth of its host community after a protest broke out this morning.

According to Faleye, getting the host community involved will create a good working relationship and a peaceful working environment between the host community and JUTH.

The youth Leader Peter Aziz, said that the protest was their last resort after months of contacting JUTH management to perform its community social responsibility after freely giving up their ancestral land for medical purposes.

However, the CMD of JUTH when contacted declined to make comments about the incident.

Senator Istifanus Gyang representing Plateau North in the National Assembly, who was elected into office in 2019 as a first-time lawmaker on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, has declared that there is no vacancy in the position come 2023.

He made the declaration in Jos on Monday while speaking at an empowerment programme that he organised for 360 youths drawn from his constituency.

The empowerment programme for the youths came less than one week after the senator organised a similar programme for 600 widows and awarded scholarships for 500 students across the 73 wards of his constituency.

Addressing the latest beneficiaries of his empowerment project on Monday, Senator Gyang noted that the four-year mandate given to him by his constituency to represent them at the National Assembly was yielding the desired results.

He added that anyone that would work against his return bid to the red chamber in 2023 would not succeed.

The senator said, “I want to thank Plateau North for entrusting this mandate in my hands. This mandate is for the empowerment and uplift of my people and by the Grace of God, this mandate will transcend to the 10th Assembly. Anyone that dares the ever-winning mandate will go down for it.”

In an interview with newsmen, Senator Gyang lamented the poverty index in the country saying, “The situation has to change and it has to change by the impact of not just the government but also the corporate bodies, private sector and in our capacity as representatives of the people. That is why we are doing what we are doing to enable our people to make some investments that will bring a positive turnaround in their living conditions.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONDEMNS WASE ATTACKS; LAUDS SECURITY FORCES FOR MAKING ARRESTS

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has commended security forces for their swift response following the attack on Pinau village which left some persons dead and others injured.

The Governor commended the forces for immediately going after the attackers and combing their hideouts, leading to the arrest of some suspects.

The Governor while urging them to carry out a thorough investigation to unravel those behind the attacks and the motives, warned that the Plateau State Government will not allow criminal elements to hibernate in any part of the State with a view to terrorizing innocent citizens.

Lalong also commiserated with victims of the attack and further directed the State Emergency Management Agency as well as the Local Government authorities to visit the area and provide assistance to survivors and families of those killed.

Meanwhile the Governor has advised the citizens of Plateau State to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the security agencies especially during the yuletide season to ensure that there is no breach of peace.

He assured that the Government is working with security agencies to ensure adequate deployment of personnel and robust response to any eventuality.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
14th December 2021.