ABU LAW CLASS OF 1990 HONOURS GOVERNOR LALONG, OTHERS; HARP ON LOVE AND UNITY AMONG NIGERIANS

It was a night of glamour, laughter and friendship as the Ahmadu Bello University Law Class of 1990 organised a reunion in Abuja where Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, alongside 8 serving Judges, Heads of Government and private agencies, Senior Advocates of Nigeria and many others, all members of the class were honoured for their achievements at a reunion dinner.

The graduands who left Ahmadu Bello University Zaria over 30 years ago were excited to meet and celebrate one another again after their last meeting in 2017.

During the event hosted at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja, Chairman of the ABU 1990 Law Class Mr. Sylvanus Tahir said the reunion provides another opportunity for the members to reflect on their achievements and also look into the challenges they are passing through with a view to resolving them.

He said many of the class members have continued to record achievements in the legal profession, politics, corporate governnace and business world. Many he said have been appointed Judges of various courts while others have risen to the level of Senior Advocates in the legal profession. Others have been appointmented to head Government parastatals at the Federal and State Governments.

He commended Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong for his humility, generosity and assistance to the members of the class, describing him as a shining example who has made them proud in his governance of Plateau State where he has engendered peace, unity and reconciliation among the citizens and also carried out various projects that impact the lives of the people.

Tahir said it was for his level of achievements in various positions such as the Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum, Chairman Conference of Former Speakers of State Assemblies among others that the Set decided to celebrate him and others who have made their marks in the Nigerian Bar and Bench, as well as other sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Governor Lalong while accepting the award in company of his wife, First Lady Regina Lalong, said he was humbled by the honour bestowed on him and other coursemates who have continued to fly the flag of the ABU Law Class of 1990 very high by making tangible contributions to the development of Nigeria.

He said “this occasion is another testimony of the friendship and goodwill we have shared with one another at several levels many years after our graduation. The stories we hear of love, assistance, counsel and generosity makes one to thank God again and again for making our paths to cross more than 30 years ago. This certainly is not a coincidence but a divine arrangement which we must never take for granted”.

The Governor also disclosed that he has personally received love and goodwill from several of his course mates right from when he started practice, to when he joined politics and got elected as Member Plateau State House of Assembly and then Speaker.

“Even when I faced persecution in my days at the House of Assembly, you were there for me. You people did not also leave me when you heard of my plans to run for the Governor of Plateau State in 2015. You did not only pray for me and advised me, but also contributed money and made donations which greatly assisted. You have not also left me up till today. Just recently, you sent a delegation to deliver relief materials to support the victims of attacks in Plateau State. I am proud of you all” he said.

Lalong used the event to express worry over the challenges Nigeria is facing relating to insecurity, lack of cohesion and intolerance emanating from religious, political and ethnic tensions which are being fuelled by politics.

He recalled how they met in ABU and graduated as Law Class of 1990 having come from various backgrounds, celebrated their diversity and respected one another. This he said has been sustained to this day stressing that it is important that they pass this message for the younger generation to know that Nigerians are not at war with one another.

Such posture he said has guided him since he became Governor of Plateau State where he inherited a state that was divided along ethno-religious lines but the grace of God, his Rescue Administration has done a lot to restore peace, tolerance and unity in the State.

The event was witnessed by Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, First Lady of Plateau Mrs. Regina Lalong, Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Jibrin Okutepa SAN and many other guests.

Cultural groups from Plateau State performed at the ceremony.

A minute silence was observed for the members of the ABU Law Class of 1990 and lecturers who have passed on.

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

GOVERNOR LALONG ASSURES NIPSS OF SUPPORT; SAYS PLATEAU REMAINS HOME TO ALL

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has pledged the support of the Plateau State Government to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos as it continues to churn out policies for the peace and development of the nation.

The Governor who was speaking at the graduation of Executive Course 43 of NIPSS in Jos said Plateau State remains excited to host the Institute which has been producing many research findings and outstanding personalities that have shaped policies of various administrations in Nigeria.

He said most of the participants at the Institute are not only great assets for the nation, but Ambassadors of Plateau State who on posting for the course are reluctant in coming out of fear of the unknown, but on completion of studies, find it difficult to leave Jos. Many according to him have built houses in Jos and have settled down thereby correcting the wrong narratives of crises and choas wrongly attached to the State.

Lalong said Plateau State has experienced substantial peace with the help of many stakeholders such as NIPSS. This he said has brought in more investment and facilitated the introduction of a shuttle flight from Abuja that is recieving high patronage.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who delivered the message of President Muhammadu Buhari said the work of the participants over the years has continued to impact governance by shaping policies and interrogating areas of challenges the nation is facing.

He said with the output of the Institute, many contemporary issues such as COVID-19 have been addressed in a proactive manner that is making the nation cope well and work at recovering from the impact.

Acting Director General of the Institute Brig. Gen Udaya Rtd. said the Executive Course 43 participants went through rigorous research that took them to many States in Nigeria as well as countries in Africa and other parts of the world.

He said they have since submitted their report to the President for consideration and implementation.

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

VICE PRESIDENT OSINBAJO, GOVERNOR LALONG PAY LAST RESPECT TO LATE CAPT. DIN

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described the late Captain Joseph Mangtup Din as a man who stood for justice, fairness and equity in all his dealings.

The Vice President said this at the funeral service for the late Capt. Din held at the COCIN Headquarters Church in Jos, Plateau State.

Prof. Osinbajo recalled his fond memories of late Capt. Din who he said was a very disciplined man who opposed and fought injustice in any form to the extent that he became familiar with legal jargons, though not a lawyer by training.

According to him, this action reinforced his belief in democracy and the rule of law which promoted the recourse to civil channels in resolving conflicts rather than people taking the laws into their hands.

He also said the deceased was very hardworking, industrious and generous as he built bridges across the nation, holding on to long relationships with friends of many years including President Muhammadu Buhari.

Governor Simon Lalong in a remark described the late elderstatesman as a man of integrity who worked for the peace and political stability of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

He said as the Chairman of the APC elders committee in Plateau State, the late Capt. Din did a lot to ensure the victory of the party and also see to its performance in various fields. He said he will miss the invaluable counsel and wisdom which he offered freely.

President-elect Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Rev Dr. Amos Mohzho said death is a bad news, but it can also be good news for those whose ways are upright and are guaranteed salvation.

He said the deceased lived a fruitful and godly life where he served God and blessed people with his resources and talents.

Widow of the deceased Mrs. Christiana Din said the death of her husband with whom she has been married for 54 years is very painful but she is strengthened by the testimonies of his service to God and humanity.

She said her life with him has been memorable as he was a patient, honest, kind, and generous person who never failed to carry other people’s burdens.

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

Two Reps, Speaker, Commissioners, PTD Chairman, Sun Trust Oil CEO, Mortgage Executive Director, MOMAS CEO, Others for Honour in Lagos
20
NOV

As Leadtimes Africa Annual International Strategic Leadership summit draws nearer, preparation is on high gear for the event at the University of Lagos come December this year. The Theme of this year’s edition is titled: Building a Strategic Leadership for Good Governance in African Leadership – A new perspective for sustainable growth and Development in Nigeria. Professor Basil C. Nwankwo, Dean of Management Science, Kogi State University, will serve as guest lecturer at the occasion.


At the end of the summit session, prominent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their different professional callings will be honoured with honorary doctorate award, fellowship award and LEADTIMES Africa Special award, respectively.


In a press statement credited to professor BUBA S.Mshelia, Advisory Board Chairman of Leadtimes Africa magazine, he said: ” the parameters for selection of nominees has been very transparent over the years as our team of researchers go deep into the antecedents of the nominees to see the positive impacts they have been making on the society through their professional career; we also take cognisance of the over all integrity of the prospective awardees before nomination is made to see if there is any record of corrupt practices or otherwise by the individual,the exercise for selection for the award category is such a rigorous task that is devoid of compromise “, the university don stressed.


In a related development, Professor Prince Eze Nwauba, who doubles as African Representative of Prowess University, Delaware, USA and Registrar/CEO of the Institute of Arts Management Professional Studies has reiterated his commitment to promote good governance in Africa by way of recognising excellent in service. We will continue to select the best Africans for the honorary doctorate award and also for fellowship induction as fellow of Chartered institute of Arts Professional (CIAP), USA”.


The Registrar and CEO of the International Institute of Strategies Development,with office in UK and Abuja, Barr.Dr.Joshua Alobo, will also induct outstanding Nigerians as Fellow of International Institute of Strategies Development (FIISD) during the ceremony.


Prominent among the honorary awardees of Prowess University, Delaware, USA include- Hon. Dr. Ali Isa J.C of House of Representative as Hon.Abubakar Yunusa Ahmad of House of Representative will be inducted as Fellow of International Institute of Strategies Development (FIISD); Rt.Hon.Oluomo Olakunle Taiwo, Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly who will be conferred upon with honorary doctor of public Policy and Administration and also be inducted as fellow of Chartered Institute of Art Professional (FCIAP),
USA; as Mr Ugochukwu Okafor, Managing Director and CEO of Sun Trust Oil & Gas Limited will be honoured at the occasion by Prowess University with doctor of Business Administration, Honoris causa. Chairman/CEO of Niger Bay Pharmacy Sir Chief Dr Lambert ERADIRI,OFR,and his Wife Dame Mrs Dr Eunice Tamunodukoye ERADIRI are among the top dignitaries to be honoured at this historic occasion.
Other outstanding Nigerians included for honorary award are- Comrade Dr. Salimon Akani OLADITI, National chairman of Petroleum Tankers Drivers, branch of NUPENG;Immediate past National President of NARTO,Alhaji Dr. Kassim Ibrahim Bataiya; Hon.Dr.Dayyabu GARGA Yusuf, the Executive Chairman of Kanam LGA of Plateau state; and the Executive Director of Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited, OLOROGUN Barr.Joshua O. Muwhen who is expected to bag honorary doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration during the ceremony.

Others to be decorated as winners of the prowess University honorary award include Amb.Mohammed Jibril Ahmed, chairman & CEO of Shelter Construction Limited;Chief Dr.Dele Joseph Omenogor, GM/Operating Officer of Arkleen Oil & Gas

NORTHERN GOVERNORS FORUM CELEBRATE MAI MALA BUNI @ 54

The Northern Governors Forum has felicitated with Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni on his 54th birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong in a congratulatory message described Governor Mai Mala as a gentleman and visionary leader who is a silent achiever.

Lalong said the Governor who exudes has humility at all times, has continued to work for his people and develop the State despite the security challenges he inherited on assuming office.

He said Governor Mai Mala apart from doing his best to improve the living standard of his people, has also done well since his appointment as the Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee by strengthening the party and bringing in more members while taking  it closer to the people.

Lalong said Governor Mai Mala has made tremendous contributions within the Northern Governors Forum in the search for solutions to various challenges of the region and the nation at large.

He also commended his tenacity in the efforts to unite the nation particularly in the face of dounting challenges.

While wishing him more years of good health, peace and God’s protection, Lalong prayed God to continue to give the Governor the wisdom and strength to serve his people and Nigerians at large.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
19th November 2021.

PLATEAU STATE TO HOST ANGLICAN PROVINCIAL STANDING COMMITTEE

Plateau State has been given the hosting rights to host the Anglican Church Provincial Standing Committee scheduled to hold in 2022.

Anglican Archbishop of Jos, Most. Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kwashi announced this during a courtesy visit to Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House, Rayfield Jos.

He said the the delegation was at the Government House to brief the Governor on the hosting rights for the event scheduled for September 2022 and also solicit the support of the Government towards hosting the event which will draw participants from within amd outside the country.

Archbishop Kwashi also emphasized the need for the Plateau State Government to build on the legacies of Christian missionaries who brought the gospel and founded schools, hospitals and other social welfare and empowerment programmes.

He also appealed to the Government to consider imortalizing famous sons of Plateau State who served the State and Nigeria with zeal. This he said was necessary for the younger generation to know the great strides of the personalities and also learn from them.

Some of those he recommended for honour include: Late Archbishop G.G. Ganaka, Dr. M.D. Gotom, Col. Yakubu Pam, Maj. Gen. I.D. Bisalla, John Amos Kwashi.

In his remarks, Governor Simon Lalong said he was grateful for the visit by the Anglican Archbishop and his team who have come to show solidarity with the government having continually prayed for the peace, progress and development of Plateau State.

He said the State was happy to be granted the opportunity to host the Anglican Church Provincial Standing Committee, a task he assured the State will support to bring to fulfilment.

He commended the Church for not only praying for the peace and prosperity of the State, but also offering valuable counsel to the Government.

Lalong also congratulated the Archbishop for the miracle of healing having been declared cancer-free after undergoing treatment for close to a year.

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

GOVERNOR LALONG SWEARS IN 14 SPECIAL ADVISERS; CHARGES ON IMPLEMENTING THE RESCUE AGENDA.

15 new Special Advisers have been sworn in by Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong with a charge on them to add impetus to governance and the delivery of quality services to the people.

Lalong while swearing in the advisers, said they played various roles at different times in not only ensuring that the Rescue Administration came into office, but also making sure it succeeds in building a peaceful and all-inclusive Plateau.

He said “This is why you must consider these appointments as a  great privilege for you to serve the people of Plateau State by advancing the programmes and policies of the Rescue Administration. You must bring to the table fresh ideas and vigour that will advance the cause of the people who gave us their mandate to execute. As Special Advisers, Government will be looking up to you for quality, honest and unbiased counsel at all times. You should be able to operate above personal and parochial interests because you have been called upon to serve the public and not yourselves or associates”.

He admonished them to at all times endeavour to work in synergy with other appointees and civil servants within the MDAs in executing various programmes and projects of government. He said they should see their appointment not a licence for competition, show-of-power, or influence-peddling, but for service.

Lalong said  already, there is an increase in the tempo of political activities within the State and elsewhere. This has given rise to voices that are desperately working to castigate government and downplay its excellent records of performance.

“You have to speak up at every given opportunity to project the true narratives of how our administration broke the jinx of governance by inheriting and completing many projects abandoned by the past government which was of a different political party. You should also showcase the many programs and projects initiated and executed by this government which have touched lives positively”.

He used the opportunity to appeal to all political actors in the State and outside to exercise restraint and show decorum in their utterances. Rather than overheat the polity and engage in damaging propaganda, they should sell their aspirations and ambitions to the people in a civilized and respectful manner as the people know those who love them and those who have worked hard to give them peace and progress.

On the impasse at the Plateau House of Assembly,  the Governor said “I call on the good people of Plateau State to disregard all the misinformation and campaign of calumny targeted at the government and my person, over the recent events in the State House of Assembly. For us, this is the beauty of democracy and the dividends of Autonomy which everyone knows that I fought for over many years, and also became the first Governor in Nigeria to implement.

He said because the legislature is an independent and autonomous arm of government, they must be allowed to resolve their challenges and grow as an institution. After all, the third arm of government, the Judiciary is there for anyone who feels aggrieved over happenings in the House to approach it for remedy. There is therefore no need for media propaganda, insults, threats and blackmail which unfortunately has been championed by some interested parties to gain political relevance.

The Governor also inaugurated four honorary Special Advisers, two Deputy Chiefs of Staff as well as the Board of the Plateau Solid Minerals Development Company Ltd.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Hon. Diket Plang, Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs said they will do their best to serve the State and ensure the success of the APC Rescue Administration which has done a lot to change the trajectory of development and peace in the State.

List of appointees and their portfolios:

1. Hon. Diket Plang – Public Affairs
2. Arch. Pam Dung Gyang – Political Affairs
   3.Justice Philomina Lot (Rtd) – Judicial Affairs
   4.Chief Burki Gofwan – Physically Challenged Affairs
   5.Barr. Jonathan Mawiyau – Legal Affairs
   6.Mrs. Felicia Yakzum – Women Affairs
   7.Hon. Joe Bukar – Legislative Affairs
   8.Hon. Danladi Mann – Sports Affairs
   9.Hon. Talatu Apini – Humanitarian Affairs
   10.  Barr. Bashir Musa Sati – Inter-Party Affairs
   11.  Barr. Kwamkur Samuel Vondip – Job Creation and Entrepreneurship
   12.  Rev. Dr. David Laje – Religious Affairs ( Christian)
   13.  Hon. Sani Mudi – Religious Affairs ( Muslim)
   14.  Maj. Gen. Paul Guar (Rtd) – Inter- Community Relations
3. Engr. Ishaku Awatai – Minerals Development

Honorary Special Advisers are:

1. Nde Ezekiel Gomos – Economic Affairs/ Chairman of State Economic Advisory Team
2. Prof. Ochapa Onazi – Agriculture
3. Chief Michael Maqual – Youth Affairs
4. Maj. Gen. A.C. Agundu (Rtd) – Intelligence

Deputy Chiefs of Staff in the Governor’s Office are:

1. Salihu Kwando – Deputy Chief of Staff (General Admin)
2. Ibrahim Saleh Maitala – Deputy Chief of Staff (Political Affairs)

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

NDLEA CHAIRMAN VISITS GOVERNOR LALONG,  DECRIES RAVAGING EFFECTS OF DRUGS

The Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Gen. Buba Marwa, rtd. has visited Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House Rayfield Jos where he lamented the ravaging effects of drug abuse on the society particularly violent crimes.

Marwa who was on a courtesy visit to the Governor as part of his working visit to Plateau State said the menace of drug abuse is a nationwide problem which has fuelled violent crimes and insecurity in many parts of Nigeria including Plateau State.

He said the NDLEA has worked out strategies for not only stopping the acquisition and distribution of narcotic substances, but also engaged in massive education and enlightenment to get the entire society on board to fight the menace which is touching every segment of the society.

Marwa said it was for this reason that the agency has not only stopped at seizure, arrest and prosecution of drug traffickers, but also recommended compulsory tests for public office holders, intending couples and others in order to facilitate the rehabilitation and management of those who are already using drugs.

He commended Governor Simon Lalong for his efforts in assisting the NDLEA Training Academy Jos and Plateau State Command with logistics, infrastructure and collaboration in discharge of their duties. He appealed for an allocation of land to enable the agency build its barracks which was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2022 budget.

Responding,  Governor Lalong said he was excited to recieve Gen. Marwa whose pedigree for performance is widely known during his glorious military career.

He said the NDLEA has done a lot in Nigeria and in particular Plateau State by arresting drug kingpins who at one time thought they were untouchable. This he said reduced the rate of violent crimes in the State.

Lalong however appealed to the NDLEA Chairman to intensify efforts in helping the State avoid being used as a transit State for narcotics as well as handle the rehabilitation of those already affected.

He pledged to complete the construction of the rehabilitation centre currently under construction as well as continue to offer more support to the agency when needed.

Gen. Marwa is in Plateau State for the passing out of newly trained officers among other activities.

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

NORTHERN GOVERNORS CONDOLE DANGOTE OVER LOSS OF BROTHER, SANI.

The Northern Governors Forum has condoled businessman, Aliko Dangote over the loss of his younger brother, Sani Dangote who untill his death was the Vice President of the Dangote Group.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong in a message of commiseration described the death of Sani Dangote as a devastating blow to the family and to the Dangote Group in particular.

Governor Lalong said the late Sani was a great asset to the Dangote business conglomerate and did a lot to see to its growth in various sectors of the Nigerian and global economy.

“As a silent achiever, the late Sani was known for his business acumen, attention to details and focus for success in the various positions he occupied in the business world. He built a personality profile of integrity, diligence and service throughout his career. He will be surely missed” he said.

Lalong said the late Sani represented the bright business minds of the Northern Region and contributed a lot to raising younger entrepreneurs who have gone on to become successful businessmen and women in the region and nation at large.

While urging his family and the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote to accept the development as the will of God, Lalong said the legacies of late Sani will continue to endure as he played his role in improving the economic fortunes of the Northern Region and Nigeria as a whole.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman Northern Governor’s Forum.
16th November 2021.

BIRTHDAY FELICITATIONS TO PLATEAU FIRST LADY, MRS REGINA LALONG

On the auspicious occasion of the birthday anniversary celebration of Plateau First Lady and my Mother, Mrs Regina Bako Lalong, I join millions of well wishers of the first family to celebrate the iconic Amazon.

You have been the pillar that provided the needed support for your husband to lead Plateau State to enviable heights. The success story of the current Rescue administration can never be complete without your support from the home front.

As you make merry in commemoration of the day, I wish you a joyous celebration and more prosperous years ahead.

Once again, happy birthday!

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